Probate Services
The probate process can be a complex and long process to try and navigate alone. Our attorneys are available to help with your probate needs. Read on to learn more!
When a loved one passes away, their estate will most likely need to be settled through the court. Probate is the process by which their assets are legally transferred as directed by their Last Will and Testament. If they did not leave a valid Will, Oklahoma law will direct this distribution process. The probate process will generally include the following steps:
If the deceased left a Will, submission of an original copy of their Will
Identifying the heirs of the deceased's estate and the shares they are entitled to receive
Collecting and determining the value of the deceased's property
Ensuring the debts and taxes of the deceased are paid from the estate
Distributing the remaining property in the estate as the Will or Oklahoma law directs
Oklahoma courts can only distribute your loved one’s real property that’s located in Oklahoma. If your loved one lived out of state but owned real property in Oklahoma, such as mineral interests, their estate may require what is known as an “ancillary probate” if a probate has been administered in another state.
Probate can be an intricate and involved process that runs on a specific timeline. If your loved one’s estate requires probate or if you have been named as the personal representative in a loved one’s Will but are unsure of where to begin, our attorneys at College Avenue Law can help. Our attorneys are experienced and well-informed in navigating the probate process, so you can know with confidence that your loved one’s probate is in good hands.
Additionally, if you want to avoid probate for your own estate, you can do so with an Estate Plan. Although a Last Will and Testament will typically not alone allow you to avoid probate, a comprehensive Estate Plan including a trust-based estate can help you avoid probate. Other legal strategies such as Joint Tenancy, Transfer on Death designations, and Pay on Death designations can be used to avoid probate as well. Click HERE to learn more about Probate.