As a parent, nothing is more important than ensuring your children are protected no matter what the future holds. Yet many families delay estate planning, assuming it’s something only the elderly or wealthy need to worry about. The truth is, if you have minor children, estate planning is one of the most important things you…Read More
For many Oklahomans, stepping in to care for grandchildren isn’t just an act of love, it’s a life-changing responsibility. Whether due to a family crisis, substance use, incarceration, or illness, grandparents often become the primary caregivers for children when their parents are no longer able to provide stable care. But without proper legal authority, even…Read More
Losing a loved one is difficult enough—but what happens when questions arise about the validity of their will? Disputes over inheritance can quickly become emotionally and legally complex. Contesting a will is a serious legal process governed by probate law, and it’s not something to undertake lightly. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one’s true…Read More
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the estate planning process is choosing an executor, or more modernly known as a personal representative, for your estate. If you’ve been named an executor — or are planning your estate and considering who should take on this role — understanding the legal responsibilities and potential…Read More
The recent struggles with inflation began in 2021, on the heels of the Covid pandemic. While persistently high inflation is hardly cheerful news, a set of annual adjustments from the IRS that are tied to an inflation index could provide relief in one unexpected area — taxes. Last October, the IRS announced the adjustments for…Read More
In the state of Oklahoma, if you own land in joint tenancy, you don’t have to go to probate court. However, to record the transfer of ownership, there are some specific steps to be taken once the other owner passes away. If you own an account jointly with “right of survivorship” with your spouse, and…Read More
Kevin has been recognized by expertise.com as a ‘Best Probate Attorney in Oklahoma City’ for 2022 for the third consecutive year. Kevin has over 35 years of experience in probate matters, including but not limited to oil and gas probates across the entire State of Oklahoma. Kevin has helped mineral, overriding royalty and working interest…Read More
Most recently divorced people think their ex-spouse is the last person they want to inherit their assets when they die. Additionally, they do not want that person to make life and death decisions for them. But that is exactly what can happen, and often does, when estate planning documents are not updated. Beneficiary Designations Assets…Read More
Estate planning is important for couples in common law marriages because this type of marriage is unique and not fully understood. A common law marriage is created when a couple lives together and represents themselves as a married couple. No ceremony or licensing is required to establish a common-law marriage, although a couple may be…Read More
The probate process is a court-supervised process of authenticating the last will of a deceased person. The process is required to pay the final bills and distribute the decedent’s estate. If there is no will, the probate process looks similar to an extent, but there are significant differences there too. Also, the probate process varies…Read More
