At Schaffer Herring PLLC, we understand the emotional and legal complexities that arise after the loss of a loved one or when caring for an incapacitated family member. Our Tulsa probate attorneys are here to provide trusted, compassionate legal guidance during these difficult times. Whether you are facing probate, administering a trust, or seeking guardianship for a vulnerable family member, we are ready to help.
Our Probate and Estate Services
We assist clients across Oklahoma with all aspects of probate, estate administration, and trust management. Our services include:
Settling an Estate in Oklahoma
Our Oklahoma probate attorneys help personal representatives and families through the legal steps of settling a decedent’s estate. This includes:
- Filing the probate petition
- Identifying and valuing estate assets
- Paying valid debts, expenses, and taxes
- Distributing remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries with court approval
Probate of Wills
If your loved one left a will, we represent executors in:
- Submitting the will to probate court
- Ensuring proper notice to heirs
- Managing asset transfers and final distributions
We help ensure your loved one’s final wishes are honored and legal requirements are met.
Trust Administration and Distribution
We assist trustees with the administration and distribution of trust assets, including:
- Reviewing and interpreting trust terms
- Notifying beneficiaries
- Accounting and reporting
- Making timely distributions in accordance with Oklahoma law and the trust’s instructions
Trust Reformation
When changes in circumstances (such as divorce or death of a beneficiary) require an update to an existing trust, we assist in reforming the trust to reflect the grantor’s original intent and meet legal requirements.
Ancillary Estate Administration
If a decedent owned real estate in Oklahoma but lived in another state, we handle ancillary probate proceedings to properly transfer Oklahoma property as part of the overall estate.
Intestate Succession (No Will)
When a person dies without a will, our Tulsa probate attorneys help families:
- Determine rightful heirs under Oklahoma’s intestate succession laws
- Navigate distribution of jointly held property
- Handle non-probate transfers such as IRAs, life insurance, and annuities
Guardianships and Conservatorships
We represent clients seeking guardianship or conservatorship for:
- Minors whose parents are unable to care for them
- Adults who are incapacitated due to illness, disability, or age
Our services include filing the necessary petitions, attending court hearings, and ensuring compliance with Oklahoma guardianship laws to protect your loved one’s well-being and assets.
Why Choose Schaffer Herring PLLC?
- Experienced Guidance: Our probate and guardianship attorneys have deep experience in Oklahoma courts and laws.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the stress involved and are here to lighten the legal burden.
- Efficient and Thorough: We manage all legal steps from start to finish with attention to detail and care.
Let us help you through this process with clarity, respect, and skilled representation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you need help with probate, trust administration, or guardianship in Tulsa, contact Schaffer Herring PLLC today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Tulsa and surrounding areas including Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and Sand Springs.
Contact the attorneys at Schaffer Herring PLLC today to schedule your consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Probate is the legal process used to settle a deceased person’s estate. It involves filing a petition in court, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. If a valid will exists, the court ensures it is followed. If there is no will, Oklahoma’s intestate laws determine how the estate is divided.
No. Some assets can pass outside of probate, such as those held in joint tenancy, payable-on-death accounts, or assets held in a trust. However, if the decedent owned property in their name alone, probate is usually required to transfer ownership.
The probate process typically takes between 4 to 9 months, depending on the complexity of the estate, whether a will exists, and whether any disputes arise. More complex estates or contested cases may take longer.
In Oklahoma, a guardian is appointed to make personal and medical decisions for a minor or incapacitated adult. A conservator is responsible for managing that person’s financial affairs. In some cases, the same person may be appointed to both roles.
Trust administration is needed when a trust becomes irrevocable after the death of the grantor. The trustee must follow the trust’s instructions to manage and distribute assets to the beneficiaries. We assist trustees in meeting their legal duties and avoiding liability.
If someone dies without a valid will (intestate), their assets are distributed according to Oklahoma’s intestate succession laws. Generally, this means property goes to a surviving spouse, children, or other close relatives based on a set legal formula.