Managing Investment Assets In Probate
When someone passes away, their investment assets may need to go through the probate process in Oklahoma. For investment accounts and financial holdings without designated beneficiaries, probate determines how these assets will be distributed according to the deceased person’s will or state law.
At Helton Law Firm, our attorney team helps families and personal representatives manage investment assets during probate. Our Tulsa lawyers work with you to understand which assets require probate and how to properly distribute them to heirs.
When Do Investment Assets Go Through Probate?
Investment assets valued over $50,000 without properly designated beneficiaries must go through probate in Oklahoma. These assets can include:
- Investment accounts through brokerages like Vanguard or Robinhood
- Individual stocks and bonds
- Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Individual bank accounts
- Cryptocurrency holdings
- Retirement accounts without named beneficiaries
For investment assets totaling less than $50,000, beneficiaries can often collect them through a simple affidavit process rather than formal probate proceedings.
Planning Ahead To Avoid Probate
There are several effective methods to keep investment assets from going through probate:
- Designating beneficiaries directly with financial institutions
- Setting up Transfer on Death (TOD) accounts
- Creating a trust to hold investment assets
These strategies can help your loved ones avoid the time and expense of probate while maintaining privacy in the transfer of assets.
How We Help With Investment Assets In Probate
Our legal team assists personal representatives and families throughout the probate process for investment assets. We work to identify which assets require probate, provide accurate valuations of complex investments and coordinate with financial institutions to transfer assets appropriately. Our team handles all required court documentation while developing strategies to minimize tax implications. We also step in to resolve any disputes that may arise during asset distribution.
Protect Your Investment Assets
If you need help managing investment assets through Oklahoma probate or want to plan ahead to avoid probate, contact our Tulsa office at 918-928-8941 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. We can help you understand your options and create a plan that protects your financial legacy.