The death of a relative inevitably brings a host of tasks such as planning a funeral, notifying family members and tending to the immediate needs of grieving loved ones, but after all of that comes the difficult process of handling the departed person's estate. Given...
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Probate and Trust Administration
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...
State requirements for ancillary probate
Ancillary probate is required when an individual from another state dies and owns property in Oklahoma. This court process allows non-state residents to transfer the ownership of their property to the right heirs and beneficiaries. The procedure is different from the...
Should you set up a bypass trust?
Oklahoma residents with significant wealth prepare estate plans to ensure that their assets will be correctly managed and distributed after death. Worried couples often express concern about how to ensure that the surviving spouse inherits assets without also becoming...
Here’s when wills get probated in Oklahoma
When a person dies, their will may go through a legal process called probate. This is a way for the court to determine if the will is valid and to give instructions on how the deceased person's assets should be distributed. Probate can be a lengthy and expensive...
Important information about summary probate
Assets that are left behind in a deceased person's estate must generally be probated. In Oklahoma, it may be possible to streamline the process if certain criteria are met. This may help to ease the emotional burden of those tasked with settling the affairs of a...
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 to a probate judge,...
The purpose of a probate sale
After a person's death, the property is transferred to its rightful owners. The situation is complicated if there is no will and often requires a court-ordered process. The main steps of a probate sale are handled in a court in Oklahoma. Distributing the estate...
Understanding the meaning of a probate sale
People may have questions about what happens during a probate sale. This often occurs after a homeowner dies without a will. Learn the basic functions of a probate sale in Oklahoma and the court's involvement in the process. Steps of the process A probate sale occurs...
Which assets should be included in your trust?
One of the biggest mistakes people make when creating their wills is thinking that their property will transfer quickly to their beneficiaries. The bottom line is that whether or not you have a will, your assets will go through probate when you pass away. A revocable...