Estate Planning Attorneys in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Estate planning is all about preparing for the "what ifs" in life. It's a process where you sort out how you want your assets, like your home, investments, or other belongings, to be distributed when you're no longer around. But it's not just about that, it also covers matters like setting up who'll take care of your kids if they're still young, and even making decisions about your healthcare if/when you can't do it yourself. Essentially, it's your way of making sure everything is handled according to your wishes. 

At Boettcher & Drummond, we believe that estate planning is a key part of preparing for the future, no matter your age, health, or financial situation. We fully grasp the importance of estate planning and are committed to guiding our clients through this intricate process. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing document, our estate planning attorneys are ready to help.

Contact our law firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to arrange a free consultation. Our team offers legal counsel to those throughout Pawhuska, Claremore, Okmulgee, and Osage County. 

Why Estate Planning Is Important  

There are several reasons to have an estate plan, regardless of your age, health, or other circumstances. One of the primary reasons is to avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process. Probate is the legal procedure of distributing a person's assets following their death. Without a proper estate plan, your assets may be subject to probate, which can be emotionally draining for your heirs and beneficiaries; and it may take months or even years to conclude. 

Another crucial reason to have an estate plan is to avoid dying intestate, or without a valid will in place. In such cases, the state's intestacy laws dictate how your assets are distributed. This might not align with your desires and could lead to disagreements among family members. 

But estate planning is more than just safeguarding your estate; it's about protecting the best interests of your loved ones and beneficiaries. Estate planning can provide you with peace of mind in knowing that your legacy will be taken care of, that your children will be provided for, and that any special needs or unique circumstances of your loved ones are considered. 

Common Estate Planning Documents That You Should Know 

In the process of creating an estate plan, you may choose to include one or several essential documents. The following covers a few of the most common ones that you may need to know. 

• Last Will and Testament: Also known as a will, this is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children and an executor to oversee the estate administration process. 

• Trust: A trust is a legal arrangement that permits you to transfer your assets to a trustee who will manage them on behalf of your beneficiaries. Trusts can help reduce estate taxes and facilitate the smooth transfer of assets. 

• Powers of attorney: Powers of attorney are legal documents that give someone the power to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This ensures that your affairs are handled even if you're unable to make decisions for yourself. 

• Advance directives: Advance directives, like a living will and a healthcare power of attorney, allow you to specify your medical treatment preferences and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you're unable to do so. 

Which documents you choose to incorporate into your estate plan will depend on your specific needs and goals. Our experienced estate lawyers can assist in creating a personalized plan that covers all aspects of your estate. 

How Your Attorney Can Help 

Working with a seasoned estate planning attorney like us at Boettcher & Drummond is vital to ensure that your estate plan caters to your unique needs and is legally enforceable. Here's how we can assist: 

• Finding the Right Solution For Your Needs: We'll take the time to understand your specific circumstances and goals, recommending the most fitting estate planning strategies for you. 

• Drafting Enforceable Documentation: We'll draft the necessary legal documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, to ensure that your wishes are clearly stated and legally binding. 

• Trust Administration: If you opt to create a trust, we can assist with the administration of the trust when the time comes. We'll work hard to see that your assets are managed and distributed according to your specific instructions. 

• Probate Administration: Should probate be necessary, we can guide your loved ones through the probate process, helping to minimize delays and disputes regarding the distribution of your assets.