Estate planning involves making numerous important decisions about who inherits your assets upon your death. A will can largely address these issues. However, a will can also serve other key functions such as naming guardians for your minor children. A guardian is a...
Estate Administration & Probate
3 issues someone can address in an advance health care directive
An Oklahoma estate plan doesn't just provide guidance for someone's funeral and instructions for handing out their property after they die. A thorough estate plan can also include numerous other documents that may take effect while someone is still alive. Incapacity...
A shocking percentage of adults do not have a will or estate plan
Most Oklahomans understand that estate planning is an important process. They know that a will protects their loved ones, and that other estate planning documents can protect them as well. Especially if someone has children or significant personal property, they...
Does engaging in estate administration create personal financial liability?
Estate administration is a major personal responsibility. An individual agrees to carry out someone else's last wishes. They attend probate court hearings, locate personal assets and distribute property in accordance with someone's will. That process might require...
The importance of estate planning for new parents
Becoming a new parent is a life-changing event that is often marked by joy, excitement and a fair share of new responsibilities. Amid the whirlwind of welcoming a new child, estate planning might not be at the forefront of your mind, but it's an essential task that is...
Top reasons that estate disputes occur
Estate disputes can arise for various reasons, leading to conflicts between specific family members and/or beneficiaries. Oftentimes, disputes happen when there is no estate plan in place. Family members may have to work together to make decisions in the wake of a...
3 reasons a beneficiary might file a lawsuit against an executor
The relationship between beneficiaries and executors is pivotal in probate and estate management. An executor plays a pivotal role, from managing assets to resolving outstanding debts. However, disputes can arise when the beneficiary perceives a deviation from the...
Why a DIY will is not a good idea
There are many positives to technology which include gaining easy access to information. This includes information in the area of estate planning. There are websites dedicated to providing will templates and much more so that you can take a DIY approach to estate...
Who might exert undue influence on an estate plan?
The role of the probate courts is often supervisory. They help ensure that the personal representative of an estate properly fulfills their responsibilities. They also review and ensure the payment of creditor claims and guide the distribution of resources when...
How is estate administration handled when multiple wills exist?
One common challenge that arises in estate administration is when multiple wills exist. This scenario can add a layer of complexity to an already intricate process. Estate administration involves managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets and debts according...