Tulsa Estate Planning Attorneys

Helping Tulsa Families Plan for the Future

Planning ahead gives your family clarity and direction. Our Tulsa estate planning attorneys help you create a plan that fits your goals, protects the people you care about, and reduces avoidable complications later. We work with clients in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma.

What estate planning covers

Estate planning is the process of deciding what happens to your property and responsibilities if you become incapacitated or die. A clear plan can help you:

Choose who receives your assets
Name decision-makers if you cannot speak for yourself
Reduce delays and confusion for your family
Coordinate beneficiary designations and property ownership
Protect minor children and dependents

We start by learning what matters to you, then we build documents that work together as a complete plan.

Wills and trusts in Tulsa

Many people looking for wills and trusts in Tulsa want the same thing: a plan that is clear, legally valid, and easy for loved ones to follow. We help clients compare options and choose an approach that matches their family situation and assets.

A will can:

Name who receives your property
Name a guardian for minor children
Appoint an executor to handle estate administration

A trust can:

Provide ongoing management of assets
Offer privacy benefits in many situations
Help coordinate distributions to children, beneficiaries with special needs, or beneficiaries who need added structure
Reduce the likelihood of a court-supervised probate process for certain assets when properly funded

We will explain the practical differences in plain language, then recommend a structure that fits your goals.

Living trusts and revocable trusts

A revocable living trust is a common tool for people who want flexibility. You can usually change or revoke it during your lifetime. When you fund the trust, the trust becomes the owner of certain assets, which can simplify administration later.

We often discuss a living trust when a client wants to:

Avoid delays for loved ones
Create a plan for multiple properties or more complex assets
Set clear instructions for distributions over time
Plan for incapacity with a smoother transition

A trust only works as intended when it is properly funded. That means updating titles and beneficiary designations where appropriate. We help you identify next steps after signing so the plan is more than paperwork.

Powers of attorney and health care directives

Estate planning is not only about what happens after death. It also covers incapacity planning.

Most plans include documents that allow someone you trust to help if you cannot act on your own, such as:

Financial power of attorney
Health care power of attorney
Advance directive or health care directive (when appropriate)

These documents can help prevent gaps and delays when quick decisions matter.

Probate avoidance and real-world planning

Some families want to reduce the time and cost that can come with probate. Others are comfortable with probate but want to make the process easier.

We can review your situation and discuss strategies that may reduce probate exposure, such as:

Reviewing how assets are titled
Using beneficiary designations correctly
Considering a trust when appropriate
Coordinating your plan with business interests or real estate holdings

We will also tell you when probate may still be required. For example, probate is often necessary when a person owns property in their name alone and no other transfer method applies.

Estate planning for parents and families

If you have minor children, your plan should address guardianship and practical decision-making. A will can name a guardian, but you may also want to include:

Backup guardians
Instructions for managing funds for children
A plan for special circumstances, such as a child with ongoing medical needs

We help you create a plan that is clear and workable, not overly complicated.

Estate planning for business owners

If you own a business, your estate plan should coordinate with your business documents. This can include:

Identifying who will manage the business during incapacity
Clarifying who will own your business interests
Coordinating buy-sell agreements or operating agreements with your personal plan
Planning for a smooth transition and reduced conflict

We can collaborate with your CPA or financial advisor to align documents and avoid gaps.

Why Tulsa Clients Choose Schaffer Herring PLLC

Experienced Legal Guidance – We’ve helped families and business owners across Tulsa create plans that meet their unique needs and goals.
Tailored Estate Plans – Every estate plan is built around your personal circumstances, values, and concerns.
Local Knowledge – We understand Oklahoma law, the Tulsa County court system, and how estate planning works in this community.

Get Help With Your Tulsa Estate Plan

If you live in Tulsa and are ready to start your estate plan (or revise an existing one) we’re here to help. Contact Schaffer Herring PLLC today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Get Started Today