Powers of attorney are among the most important estate planning documents. Unlike wills, which only have legal authority after the testator dies, powers of attorney take effect when an individual becomes incapacitated. Adults who draft powers of attorney can designate...
Estate Administration & Probate
What is a guardian?
A guardian is someone who has the legal right and duty to make decisions and provide care for another person when that person is unable to do so on their own. It typically applies to minors but may also apply to adults with disabilities. A guardian acts in an...
Do you need to be worried about ancillary probate?
When someone passes away, their estate may need to go through probate—the legal process of settling debts and distributing assets. However, if the deceased owned property in multiple states, the estate might also be subject to ancillary probate—a secondary probate...
3 common reasons people draft advance directives for health care
Many testators begin the estate planning process with a focus on other people. They have children who they wish to protect or loved ones who they want to provide financial support for even after their passing. Wills are useful estate planning tools for those concerned...
Who can nominate a guardian for a minor child in Oklahoma?
Guardianship is one of the elements of estate planning. Parents need to choose someone who will take over their responsibilities if they become incapacitated or die while their child is still a minor. So, who can nominate a guardian in Oklahoma? Here is what to know:...
How estate planning can help to prevent adult guardianship
Estate planning can give people peace of mind about many future challenges. Those who have witnessed loved ones fight over a family member's estate may want to prevent their children from destroying their relationships after they die. Those with major medical concerns...
Navigating probate fights concerning pets
Probate disputes involving pets are becoming increasingly common, as many people consider their pets to be family members and work to safeguard their well-being in the event that they might outlive their owners. In Oklahoma, probate fights concerning pets typically...
When an adult child is omitted from their parent’s will
Parents with multiple children often want their estate plans to be as fair and reasonable as possible. It is a common practice for parents to attempt to leave each of their children items of relatively similar value. Some parents go so far as to have the personal...
How should you notify beneficiaries and creditors of probate?
As an executor, one of your responsibilities is to notify beneficiaries and involved parties, such as creditors, of probate. They need to know that the will they have been named in or the estate of the person who owed them money has gone to probate. Failing to notify...
What is ancillary probate?
Ancillary probate is a process that estate administrators must manage when a deceased person owns property in a state other than the one where they resided at the time of their death. This secondary probate proceeding is necessary to manage and distribute the...