A common question in estate planning is: “How do I dispose of my ‘stuff?’” While bank accounts can have beneficiaries listed, and items like homes and vehicles can be titled over to a trust, passing on the jewelry, furniture, and antiques around our homes may be less obvious, but does not necessarily need to be… Continue reading “I Know What Will Happen to my Finances, but What Will Happen to my ‘Stuff?’”
I have many clients that come into my office that have written, scribbled, crossed-out, or marked all over their estate planning documents. This can be a big mistake with big consequences! What should you do if you have a Will or a Trust that you wish to change, amend or revoke? One thing people frequently… Continue reading Never write on your original estate planning documents
As an estate planning attorney, most of my clients are meeting with me to help avoid probate as much as possible. I have written previous posts all about how to avoid probate. However, sometimes, probate can be beneficial in certain circumstances. A lot of estates go through probate, which is the court process to distribute… Continue reading Reasons to Choose Going to Probate
A lot of clients seem to be under the misconception that, if your will is valid, self-explanatory, and clear as to your intent, then it does not need to be probated. However, your Last Will and Testament is not effective until it goes through probate. It does not matter if it is clear and unambiguous!… Continue reading Why Does My Will Need To Be Probated?
In September of 2010, a non-lawyer wrote an article about her experience trying out four different will-making computer programs. This article appeared in the New York Times. After she got all four different wills drafted, she took the wills to an established estate planning lawyer in New York City, and had them reviewed. The results… Continue reading Why Online Wills Can be Harmful to Your Estate Planning
Most people know that Revocable Living Trusts are a great way to avoid probate. And if you don't, please read a previous blog about probate and how a trust can help here. On today's blog post, Skillern Law Firm is going to discuss other ways to avoid probate if you already have a trust, or… Continue reading Simple Ways to Avoid Probate
Oklahoma allows the probate courts to admit holographic (or handwritten) wills. There are certain considerations that are very important to consider if you think a holographic will is right for you. Today on Tulsa Estate Planning Blog, Skillern Law Firm, PLLC will help you figure out if its right for you. First, there are important, strict… Continue reading The Problems with Handwritten Wills
It is important to periodically review your will and estate plan. Life changes often require that you reassess your estate plan. Children Most parents are concerned about how their children will be cared for in the event that one or both parents suffer an accident or are incapacitated. It is important to name a guardian for… Continue reading Your life is not static, so why is your estate plan?
One common question about wills and trusts is about joint or mutual wills. Many people ask attorneys why joint wills are never recommended by attorneys. The reason is not that attorneys want to get more of your money by drafting two wills instead of one. Also, most people may see it as an extra expense… Continue reading Why A Joint Will Is A Bad Idea.
The more clients and friends that we talk to, the more we see why so many people put off writing their will. No one especially wants to think about their own future death, and no one really wants to plan for it. In reality, however, everyone needs to have a will prepared, even at a… Continue reading Why Should I Get A Will Now?
