When your loved one's will goes to probate, you may have different emotions flowing. But finding out you were disinherited may intensify your feelings. You may feel devastated, betrayed and confused. However, it will help to relax and make informed decisions. Here are...
Oklahoma’s Oldest
Estate Administration & Probate
Who has to pay the debt for an estate?
Debts do not just disappear when someone passes away. They still exist and creditors still want to collect what they are owed. The heirs of those who have passed away with substantial debt are sometimes concerned that this means the debt is going to be inherited and...
How to protect your inheritance during probate
A lot happens during probate, the court-controlled process a will must go through before it is implemented. Ideally, it should be a smooth process of passing over a decedent's estate per their wishes. However, things don’t always work out as anticipated. If you are...
What are the responsibilities of an executor of an estate?
Your estate plan ensures that your assets will go to a new home after you pass away. The beneficiaries you choose will inherit from your estate. All your heirs have to do is wait for probate to end. Probate is the period when your estate plan is validated and your...
How long can creditors bring claims during probate court?
Serving as the personal representative of an Oklahoma estate will mean a lot of work. You have to locate and secure assets, send notices to beneficiaries and attend court hearings. There are also taxes to file and accounts to settle. Repaying the debts owed by the...
What is a power of attorney?
When you create a will, you’ll likely be asked to detail your assets, assign your beneficiaries and designate an executor of your estate. You may also be asked to assign someone to be your power of attorney (POA). Is this the first time you’ve heard about a power of...
How does a Totten trust work with estate planning?
Estate planning should make things easier for your loved ones after you pass away. There are many different components that come together when you’re trying to set your plan up. Most people think about their will when they’re trying to give their loved ones assets,...
Tips for talking about estate planning with your parents
Your parents are growing older. You know that you’re going to need an estate plan to do things like help them make proper medical decisions or distribute their assets after they pass away. You also know that a lack of an estate plan can lead to a lot of confusion and...
The risks of drafting your own will
You’ve taken the big step of addressing your estate plan and opted to draft a will. While this is very important and beneficial, it’s vital that estate planning documents are created in the appropriate manner. At the end of the day, they need to reflect your wishes...
Who should you name as your healthcare proxy in your estate plan?
You never know when a car crash or an aneurysm could leave you unconscious and vulnerable. When you are left unconscious for an extended period or when your health concerns affect your mental capacity, you may need someone else to serve as your advocate. In Oklahoma,...