Norman Cleveland County – Estate Planning

Planning for the future is an essential step in securing your legacy. Our law firm is pleased to offer a variety of estate planning services, which include:

Wills

A will is the foundation of an estate plan and helps ensure your wishes are honored for how your assets are distributed after your passing. Your assets may include real estate, personal belongings, financial accounts, and investments. If you die intestate (without a will), the state decides how to distribute your assets, which may not reflect your wishes.

While a will may be considered an essential legal document for older people, it also benefits young families. A will allows you to appoint a guardian to raise children and protect their financial futures, should something happen to you. Our team serving Norman and Cleveland County can assist you in creating a will that clearly reflects your wishes and helps avoid future confusion for your loved ones.

Revocable or Living Trusts

A living trust, also called a revocable trust, allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee, who manages them on behalf of your heirs. One significant advantage of a living trust is that it helps your assets pass to your beneficiaries without going through the probate process. This can save time and money, making it an efficient way to distribute your estate.

A living trust lets you keep control of your assets while you’re still alive, and you can change or cancel the trust at any time. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for people who want to adjust their estate plans as life changes. We can help set up a living trust that meets your needs now and adapts as your circumstances change.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal instrument that gives someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf, especially for financial or legal matters. A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself. This allows your chosen person to handle your affairs when you can’t. Our attorneys serving Norman can help you create a power of attorney document that ensures your affairs are managed smoothly if the need arises.

Advance Directives

An advance directive for healthcare is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical care if you’re ever unable to make decisions for yourself. It can include instructions for things like life support, organ donation, and end-of-life care. This document helps ensure your medical wishes are followed so your loved ones don’t have to make tough decisions for you during a difficult time. We can help you prepare an advance directive that clearly communicates your healthcare preferences to your family and medical providers.

Probate

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate. It includes identifying and valuing assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets according to the person’s will or state law if there is no will. While some may try to handle probate on their own, this can be a highly complex process, especially if there are family disputes. Our attorneys will guide you step by step to ensure the proper handling of your loved one’s estate and help avoid unnecessary delays.

Guardianships

If you have young children or a loved one who can’t take care of themselves, setting up a guardianship may be necessary to ensure their care. A guardianship lets you, or someone you trust, make crucial decisions for your loved one’s care, schooling, or finances. We can help you create a guardianship plan that protects your loved one’s needs.