Estate Planning: Protecting Your Assets and Loved Ones

Categories: Estate Planning, Oklahoma Estate Planning Laws

Imagine you’re a successful business owner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a loving family and a thriving company. You’ve worked hard for everything you have and want to ensure that your assets are protected, and your family is taken care of, no matter what happens. But you don’t know where to start, and you don’t want to make any mistakes that could harm your loved ones.

This is the story of many people in Oklahoma who need estate planning services. Estate planning is organizing and preparing to distribute your assets after you pass away. In Oklahoma, estate planning laws can be complex and confusing. Still, with the help of an experienced Tulsa estate planning attorney, you can ensure that your assets are protected, and your loved ones are taken care of.

Here are some essential things to consider when creating an estate plan:

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a proper estate plan:

  1. Determine your assets: Make a list of all your assets, including real estate, personal property, bank accounts, investments, and any other assets you may have.
  2. Assess your liabilities: Determine your debts, including mortgages, loans, and credit card balances.
  3. Choose your beneficiaries: Decide who you want to receive your assets after you pass away.
  4. Choose an executor: Decide who will manage your estate after you pass away and ensure that your wishes are fulfilled.
  5. Create a will: A will is a legal document that states how you want your assets to be distributed after you pass away.
  6. Consider a trust: A trust can provide additional protection for your assets and help avoid probate.
  7. Meet with a Tulsa estate planning attorney: An experienced attorney can guide you through the estate planning process and ensure that your assets are protected, and your loved ones are taken care of.

According to recent statistics, over 70% of Americans do not have a will or an estate plan. In Oklahoma, it is estimated that less than 50% of residents have a choice. Creating an estate plan is critical to ensuring that your assets are protected, and your loved ones are taken care of after you pass away.

Choosing an experienced Tulsa estate planning attorney is essential to ensure that your estate plan is drafted correctly and meets your specific needs. An attorney can help you navigate the complex Oklahoma estate planning laws and ensure that your assets are protected, and your loved ones are taken care of.

Don’t wait any longer to protect your assets and loved ones. Contact a Tulsa estate planning attorney today and take control of your future.


Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about important things to consider when creating an estate plan:


What is an estate plan?
An estate plan is a set of documents and instructions that outline how you would like your assets to be distributed and managed after your death or if you become incapacitated. It includes a will, a trust, powers of attorney, and other documents.


Who needs an estate plan?
Everyone can benefit from having an estate plan, regardless of age, health, or wealth. Estate planning can help you ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimize taxes and other costs, and avoid probate court.


What should be included in an estate plan?
An estate plan should include a will, a trust, powers of attorney, a healthcare directive, and other documents necessary to accomplish your goals. The specific components of your estate plan will depend on your circumstances and objectives.

An estate plan is a set of documents and instructions that outline how you would like your assets to be distributed and managed after your death or if you become incapacitated. A well-drafted estate plan should take into account your unique circumstances and goals, and it typically includes the following documents:

Will: A will is a legal document outlining how you would like your assets to be distributed after death. It can also appoint a guardian for your minor children and designate an executor to carry out the provisions of your will.

Trust: A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer assets to a trustee, who manages the support for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Trusts can be used for many purposes, including estate tax planning, asset protection, and probate avoidance.

Power of attorney: A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

Healthcare directive: A healthcare directive is a document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It may include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare.

Life insurance: Life insurance can provide financial support for your loved ones after your death and can also be used to pay for estate taxes or other expenses.

Retirement and investment accounts: Retirement and investment accounts are essential components of your estate plan. Make sure that you have named beneficiaries on these accounts and that they are consistent with the provisions of your will or trust.

Business succession plan: If you own a business, it’s essential to have a plan in place for transferring ownership and management of the company after your death or if you become incapacitated.

Digital assets: Digital assets, such as online bank accounts, email accounts, and social media accounts, should also be considered when creating your estate plan. You should ensure that you have designated someone to manage these assets after your death or if you become incapacitated.

These are some of the most common components of an estate plan. Your specific estate plan will depend on your circumstances and goals, and it’s essential to work with an attorney to ensure that your estate plan is drafted correctly and meets your needs.


What is a will?
A will is a legal document outlining how you would like your assets to be distributed after death. It can also appoint a guardian for your minor children and designate an executor to carry out the provisions of your will.


What is trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer assets to a trustee, who manages the support for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Trusts can be used for many purposes, including estate tax planning, asset protection, and probate avoidance.


What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.


What is a healthcare directive?
A healthcare directive is a document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It may include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare.


What should I consider when choosing an executor or trustee?
When choosing an executor or trustee, consider the person’s trustworthiness, competency, and willingness to serve. Choosing someone who is geographically close to you and familiar with your financial affairs is also a good idea.

These are some of the most important things to consider when creating an estate plan. Working with an attorney to ensure that your estate plan is drafted correctly and meets your individual needs and goals is essential.