Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all type of process. The path taken depends on the amount of assets in the estate, the goals for the estate and the complexity of relationships within the family. Unfortunately, it takes a big event like a health scare to shake us out of our procrastination with estate planning to…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
Special needs trusts (also known as supplemental needs trusts) are an important part of the financial planning process for a special needs child. These trusts are designed to provide benefits to those with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities, and still allow them to receive government benefits including Social Security (SSI) and Medicaid. There are two types…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
The best estate planning attorneys advise heir clients that estate plans should be reviewed every 3 to 5 years and after any major life events. All estate planning documents should be reviewed and not just the will. Estate plans the offer the most protection for an estate will include a will, a durable power of…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
Trusts are created to give legal protection for a person’s assets, to make sure those assets are distributed according to that person’s wishes and to save time, and in some cases avoid or reduce inheritance or estate taxes. Trusts Defined A trust is a separate legal entity a person sets up to manage his assets. Trusts…Read More
An updated will and testament is more important right now than ever before. The last thing anyone wants is a will that is created poorly or is not updated regularly. These wills are vulnerable to being contested or being formally objected to. A will contest can wreak havoc on both your finances and your family…Read More
Typically, when a person dies with a will, they have an executor who was named in the will. This person is responsible for being sure that the deceased’s money and property is given to the right people and the debts are paid. Once a person passes away, the executor should file the will in court…Read More
