Top Oklahoma City, OK Probate Lawyers Near You
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1900 NW Expressway, Suite 501, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Farha Law, PLLC, a local Probate firm with years of experience helping clients in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area.
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PO Box 1487, Mustang, OK 73064
Walter E. Suttle, Attorney at Law is experienced handling Probate cases in the Oklahoma City area.
10415 Greenbriar Pl, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73159
104 East Main Street, Norman, OK 73069
210 Park Avenue, Suite 1800, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
210 Park Ave, Suite 1200, Oklahoma City, OK 73102-5600
1322 North Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
101 North Robinson Avenue, Corporate Tower Suite 700, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
210 Park Ave, Suite 2300, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
3509 French Park Dr, Suite C, Edmond, OK 73034
111 S Rock Island Ave, El Reno, OK 73036
13900 N. Portland Avenue, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73134
1219 Classen Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
909 Cedar Lake Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114
9400 North Broadway Extension, Suite 600, Oklahoma City, OK 73114-7423
3129 NW 63rd St, PO Box 12060, Oklahoma City, OK 73157
4216 N. Portland Ave., Suite 102, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
2601 Northwest Expressway, Suite 1025W, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
11221 W Reno Ave, Suite 100, Yukon, OK 73099
1384 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, OK 73130
130 North Broadway, Suite 100, Shawnee, OK 74801
705 NW 4th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
115 S. Rock Island Ave., El Reno, OK 73036
210 Park Avenue, Suite 3030, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
13913 Quail Pointe Drive, Suite B, Oklahoma City, OK 73134-1033
Oklahoma City Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Oklahoma City and checks their standing with Oklahoma bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
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Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Oklahoma and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Oklahoma and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Oklahoma City?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Oklahoma?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts