Common reasons for someone to contest a will in court
A last will and testament is a legally binding document that outlines the distribution of a person’s property after their death. Individuals who disagree with the will may contest its validity in court. Challenges to a legal will generally stem…
Understanding what defines duress vs. undue influence
In Oklahoma and other states, duress during estate planning occurs when someone forces an individual to decide while threatening them with harm, violence, or imprisonment. Undue influence happens when a person deciding receives pressure through unfair persuasion from someone who…
United Methodist congregations and disaffiliation
The leadership of some United Methodist churches in Oklahoma and across the country are aware of the possibility of disaffiliating from their denomination. One thing that could prevent these congregations from leaving is concern over ownership of a congregation’s real…
Avoiding contested estates
When a parent with more than one adult child passes away, family disputes over how the assets should be divided might arise. There are some steps that Oklahoma parents can take before they die to minimize the chances their children’s…
How should you react if you’re left off of a will?
Assets retained inside of a decedent’s estate may be subject to Oklahoma probate laws. The probate process either verifies the decedent’s will or decides how property should be distributed if that person died intestate. If a valid will is presented…