Common Law Marriage Common law marriage, also known as an informal marriage, is a legally recognized marriage between two people who have not obtained a marriage license or held a formal ceremony. Not every state recognizes common law marriage as a valid and legal form of marriage, so a couple desiring to enter into a… Continue reading Common Law Marriage and Probate
Choosing to establish a Trust for your family is an important decision that requires a bit of planning and time. You have to understand why it is important to open a trust to protect you and your family's future, you have to decide if you have sufficient assets that warrants opening a trust, and you… Continue reading Why Should I Get A Trust?
The hardest step of estate planning is the initial preparation of your Will or your Trust. But, it is sometimes necessary that you may need to revise your estate planning documents. We all know life happens, beneficiaries or trustees pass away, someone unexpected comes into your life, or maybe you start to feel a little… Continue reading When Estate Planning Revisions Are Necessary
In estate planning, there are two types of avenues for when someone passes, probate transfers and non-probate transfers. Non-probate transfers have become increasingly popular because no one wants to actually go through the hassle of dealing with a probate. One way to ensure that property does not have to go through probate is to execute… Continue reading Transfer on Death Deeds: What you need to know.
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?’”
An Affidavit of Heirship is a sworn statement that can be used by heirs as an alternative way to transfer property and establish ownership when the original owner dies intestate or without a will. Affidavit of Heirships allow for heirs to take possession of the estate without going through probate. The Affidavit of Heirship outlines the deceased… Continue reading Affidavit of Heirship – An Alternative to Probate?
As most of you will be aware, the virus called COVID-19 or "coronavirus" has changed our everyday lives during this time. As of this post, more than 340,000 people in the United States have tested positive for the virus, and it has cause around 9500 deaths. Around the country, including in Oklahoma, courts are shut… Continue reading Estate Planning in time of COVID-19
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
Most of our clients come to us to help make their loved ones' lives easier - not more difficult. Many people will come in wanting a very simple estate plan because of the cost or because they believe their estate is not large enough to cause anyone any issues. However, often, very simple estate plans… Continue reading As your life changes, so should your estate plan.
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
