One of the most common questions I receive from clients is the question of beneficiary designations and how they relate to their Will or Trust. One important thing that must be said is that beneficiary designations, including IRA's, life insurance, annuities, bank accounts, etc., go outside probate and the trust. What is said in the… Continue reading Beneficiary Designations
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?
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
It seems everyone knows at least someone with special needs, whether it be a family member, a church member, or a friend. When it come to estate and financial planning, the term "special needs" applies to family members who cannot, for some reason, take care of themselves. The reasons are varied, whether it be a… Continue reading Special Needs Planning
Avoiding probate is one of the most common concerns clients have when they come to Skillern Law Firm, PLLC. One of the easiest ways any individual or family can avoid probate on their bank accounts is putting a Payable on Death (POD) designation on the account. A POD designation allows the account to pass from… Continue reading Payable On Death (POD) – Good or Great Idea?
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.
It is a new year, and everyone is listing things that they want to accomplish in 2012. You might be interested in a new healthy eating regimen, or workout schedule, but why not add updating your estate planning to that list? Twenty-twelve is the year of the estate plan! If you haven't established a way to… Continue reading Resolutions
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?
Today on Tulsa Estate Planning Blog, we will discuss what a living will is, and what medical scenarios it will cover. Let's get started. A living will is a legal document which allows a person to make known his/her wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatments. Living wills are also referred to as advance directives, health care… Continue reading Living Wills- The Questions to Think About
