Probate & Trust Administration

Probate & Trust Administration

Probate

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a decedent’s estate, pursuant to the terms and
provisions of his or her Last Will and Testament, or, if there is no will, pursuant to the laws of the
State of Oklahoma.

Probates can be a long and complicated process, ranging from several months to well over a
year to complete if contested. Our firm handles an average of 90 Contested and Uncontested
Probates a year.

Why is it needed?

An Estate may be probated for the following reasons:

  • To collect and determine the property and assets of the estate
  • To protect the property of the estate from claims of creditors
  • To determine who is entitled to share in the estate and then distribute the property to the proper parties
  • To secure the legal transfer of property ownership and thereby maintain a clear
    chain of titled to the property
  • Probate may also be the appropriate form to challenge any invalid or improper actions by those who may have taken the deceased’s assets or property before their death.

There are many steps involved in probating an estate. We will prepare all document and appear in court for you and with you. We understand that these proceedings can seem confusing or daunting, especially when dealing with a recent loss of a loved one. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and compassion you need while helping you through the Probate process as quickly and easily as possible.

Trust Administration

When a person dies with an Estate Plan based on a Living Trust, the trust must be
administered. The Trustee of the trust must collect what is owed to the decedents, pay the
decedent’s bills, safeguard the decedent’s assets until they are distributed to the decedent’s
beneficiaries, and file appropriate income and estate tax returns for the decedents of his or her
estate.

Our firm works with the Trustees and Personal Representatives to provide legal advice to them
on trust administration and estate matters of all kinds, including tax obligations, asset valuation,
and distributions to the heirs.

Get Started

Contact us at The Bethany Law Center for more information or to set up a consultation with one
of our knowledgeable estate lawyers.