People sometimes believe that family members need to gather together after someone passes away, and then the estate administrator will read the will to the family. This administrator could be a third party, but it also may be a beneficiary – such as one of the...
Estate Administration & Probate
What an executor should communicate to beneficiaries
The duties of an estate's executor are crucial - how they handle their responsibilities will determine the experience of beneficiaries and other interested parties. It's essential to communicate with beneficiaries effectively since they have a right to be reasonably...
When might a will be contested?
A will is a fundamental component of virtually any estate plan. This legal document can make clear your instructions in terms of passing on assets to beneficiaries. A will can also designate guardians to look after minor children and otherwise detail your wishes...
How can the representative of an Oklahoma estate afford a lawyer?
Serving as the executor or personal representative of an Oklahoma state can be a very challenging undertaking. People often have to commit many months of their time to the process and worry about how the responsibilities they assume may open them up to liability....
Why would you use a springing power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a useful legal document. It can give a third party the legal ability to make decisions for someone else. Generally speaking, other people cannot make your medical or financial decisions. They can’t access your bank accounts or tell your doctors...
What to do when you are left out of a will
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...
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...