Oklahoma Probate Guide

Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC | Probate Law Firm Serving Edmond, OK

If you feel you need a probate attorney but aren’t 100% sure, the best thing to do is to ask. While there is a lot that goes into the probate process itself, a key component of a successful probate is having the right probate lawyer on your side. Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC has the experience and dedication to stand by your side during this difficult time.

How Can An Estate Planning & Probate Law Firm Help?

Entering probate can be an especially stressful and challenging time for clients. The overall atmosphere can be overwhelming. While you want the best outcome for your family regarding a loved one’s last will, it can be a daunting task to figure out the web of responsibility that stems from that legal document alone. Then, factor into account the necessary actions to satisfy all legal requirements, in addition to the family and descendants being taken care of.

Serving the Edmond, OK area for 25 years has afforded Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC, not only the time in service necessary to carry out probate cases while paying special attention to nuances but also the time to set a caring standard during such a difficult time. The loss of a loved one is never easy, and we take the role you entrust us as your probate litigation lawyer seriously. We’re well-versed in estate planning and probate law and have taught these very subjects in schools and to the general public. This kind of expertise is meant to be shared so that you can be prepared.

How Does The Probate Process Work?

Although it may seem easy enough when a loved one passes to just split whatever property the deceased left behind based on the will itself, there can be complications. Say if a parent leaves a house to an adult child. Going about that transfer of property to the beneficiary has strict rules and regulations to follow, like removing the deceased parent’s name from the deed. This is why having a compassionate and knowledgeable team on your side is the right move. If you aren’t sure if you need a probate lawyer, give us a call for a consultation at (405) 754-4166.

Typically, the probate process begins by validating the last will and testament of a deceased loved one. The full probate process includes first the validation of the will and then the handling of the individual’s property in adherence to what is written in the will. In many cases, once the validity of the will is proven, the court will appoint a personal representative of the will. Usually, but not always, this personal representative has been named in the will by the deceased.

This personal representative is responsible for the following:

• Notifying creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries of the deceased person’s estate- Probate lawyers are well-versed in these kinds of communications and can make the process much easier.
• Paying off debts owed by the deceased- creditors must be paid before any assets can be distributed to beneficiaries, so having a knowledgeable probate dispute lawyer can make this much less overwhelming.
• Inventory of the deceased estate- This includes documenting estate items and their value, as well as getting certain items appraised and recording their value.
• Management and/or selling property of the deceased person’s estate- if items need to be sold to cover debts of the estate, there is a process that must be followed strictly and documented properly.
• Tax-related issues regarding the deceased person’s estate- in Oklahoma City, OK, the deceased person’s estate is legally its own taxable entity. This can be a tedious task, and we advise reaching out to us at (405) 754-4166 so that we may go over details with you.
• Fulfilling probate court requests- the personal representative and the probate court will be in constant contact, so keeping up with deadlines for paperwork, forms, and communication is best carried out by experienced probate attorneys.

All of the tasks above have their own standards and guidelines in terms of paperwork, forms,

and timelines. Keeping up with all of these moving parts can add lots of stress to families that are already in the midst of dealing with the death of a loved one. With locations in both Edmond, OK and Oklahoma City, OK, we are able to serve a wide area and have a suite of services that can help you and your family during this trying time.

During this time of grief, it is important for you and your family to know that you are not alone. We are ready to take on your case and guide you every step of the way through the probate process. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today at (405) 754-4166!