We are dedicated to helping each client select and implement the best estate plan to fit their needs. Each client’s family dynamics, assets owned, and distribution wishes are unique. We take the time to understand your specific needs and desires and help you carry them out in the best way possible for you.

Wills:

One of the simplest ways you can plan for the administration and distribution of your estate is to make a Last Will and Testament, also simply known as a “Will.” Executing a Will is an effective way to name the person or persons you want in charge of overseeing the distribution of your estate after you pass away, as well as specify exactly how you want your assets to be distributed. While Wills are relatively simple to implement, you must keep in mind that Wills in Oklahoma do generally require probate. Even knowing probate will likely be required with a Will, many people still choose to use a Will as their primary estate-planning tool because it is what they understand best and makes them the most comfortable. If you are most comfortable with a Will, we can certainly assist you with preparing a customized Will to meet your needs and wishes. However, we are also happy to advise and assist you with many other estate planning options if you do want to avoid the need for your loved ones to probate your estate.

Trusts:

Trusts are an excellent way to plan for the management and distribution of your estate after you pass away—without the need for probate. If you have children who are young, trusts are a wonderful way to provide for your children’s care until they reach adulthood and beyond. Trusts do require the re-titling of your assets into the name of your trust to ensure probate is avoided. We will help you understand how trusts work and advise you on how a trust can help meet your specific needs and wishes.

Probate:

Probate is required when a person dies owning assets that are still titled in the decedent’s name and do not have an effective survivorship or transfer on death provision. Probate can also be required when a decedent has creditors to be paid, tax issues, heirs need to be determined, or there are disagreements over how to divide the decedent’s estate. Probate is a court case in which a judge oversees the administration and ultimate distribution of the decedent’s estate. We will help you understand and navigate the probate process, and ultimately get your loved one’s estate distributed and closed.

Power of Attorney:

A document called a “Power of Attorney” allows you to name a person or persons you want to handle matters on your behalf either immediately or in the event you become incapacitated. A Power of Attorney can grant your designee the power to step into your shoes to sign documents, manage your bank account, give and receive confidential information, and make decisions regarding your medical care.

Advance Directive for Health Care:

A document called an “Advance Directive for Health Care” (also known as a “Living Will”) allows you to make written instructions on what medical care you want to receive in the event you have an irreversible condition and are unable to make decisions for yourself. In your Living Will, you can indicate whether you want life-sustaining treatment, artificially administered nutrition and hydration, whether you want to be an organ donor, and other medical wishes.

Do Not Resuscitate Consent Form:

A document called a “Do Not Resuscitate Consent Form” (also known as a “DNR”) allows you to instruct health care providers not to restore your breathing or heart function in the event you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. DNR’s are not appropriate for everyone, and you should thoroughly understand and consider the consequences of a DNR before deciding whether it is right for you.

Transfer on Death Deed:

A Transfer on Death Deed is an effective way for real estate owners in Oklahoma to pass the title of their real estate to a designated person or persons without having to probate the title. Transfer on Death Deeds are attractive because they are relatively simple to implement and they allow the record owner of the title to retain full control and authority over the property during their lifetime. Even after the Transfer on Death Deed has been recorded with the County Clerk, the record title owner retains the right to amend or revoke the Transfer on Death Deed at any time before their passing.