Frequently Asked Questions
At the Estate Planning Law Center in Tulsa, OK we often hear questions about choosing an attorney and about estate planning. We've tried to answer some of them here. Since your situation is unique, please contact us for specific guidance.
About the Estate Planning Law Center
Where to start with estate planning
- We have a blended family and don’t know how to plan for our kids' futures should something happen to us. Where do we start?
- Should I include my business succession plan as part of my estate plan?
- We are concerned that our children will be held responsible for our mounting debt someday. How do we protect them?
- We are trying to get everything organized, but are finding the process to be overwhelming. Do you have any suggestions?
- I'm concerned about my pets and wonder if I'm allowed to make provisions for them in my estate plan.
Questions about estate planning
What areas do you serve?
The majority of our clients come from the greater Tulsa area of Oklahoma, but we handle cases across the state. We are also prepared to serve clients in Tennessee.
What is your fee structure?
Cost of our counsel depends on the type of services you need. In your initial free consultation, we discuss your legal issues, your legal remedies and alternatives available and the estimated fees involved in pursuing them. We will also provide you with a copy of your signed fee agreement, which details the projected costs based on the expected course of legal events and the extent of work we are authorized to do on your behalf. For many matters, we charge a flat fee based on the complexity of the work, which means that you pay only one fee to cover the entire cost of that service. Other work is charged on an hourly basis for which you will be billed monthly.
Payment of a retainer (an advance deposit for fees) is required before any work can be done on your case. We tell you in advance when the balance will become due. As work progresses, we advise you at the earliest opportunity if we believe a longer time period or additional expense will be required to complete your work.
Where to start with estate planning
We have a blended family and don’t know how to plan for our kids' futures should something happen to us. Where do we start?
Start with an estate plan detailing how you wish your children from different marriages to be treated, including guardianship and inheritance. If your children are minors, you can nominate the guardian of your choice to raise them if you die or are incapacitated. Keep in mind that with blended families, these decisions can be complicated. Without a plan in place, the state gets involved to help decide who will raise your children. An estate planning lawyer can help you get started.
Should I include my business succession plan as part of my estate plan?
Yes. They should be considered together as a closely held company or sole proprietor business is a great part of the family asset base. As the owner of your business, you know it better than anyone. The key in succession planning is to create a match between the company’s future needs, your personal goals, and what you wish for your family’s future. Contact us for a free consultation or attend one of our free seminars on this subject.
We are concerned that our children will be held responsible for our mounting debt someday. How do we protect them?
By law your children are not responsible for your credit card, revolving, or mortgage debt after your death. However, your spouse or your estate would be responsible for paying any secured debt that has been accumulated. Your estate plan should include provisions for distribution of your assets to pay off debts you have accumulated during your lifetime. Learn more by attending a free seminar. Contact us for details.
We are trying to get everything organized, but are finding the process to be overwhelming. Do you have any suggestions?
Don’t put off your estate planning because you are trying to come up with the perfect plan that covers every conceivable possibility from now until the day you die. Remember that an estate plan is a snapshot in time of you, your family and your assets. No one can predict the future. What we do know is that, with proper planning, we can ease some of the distress that your family will experience at your death. Contact us for a free consultation or to attend a free seminar on this subject.
I'm concerned about my pets and wonder if I'm allowed to make provisions for them in my estate plan.
Yes, in Oklahoma you may make provisions for your pets in your estate plan. You may leave enough money for ongoing pet care to a designated caregiver. To learn more, attend our free seminar—call 918-770-3423 for details.
Tulsa area estate planning and probate firm—
Planning for Life
For legal assistance with your estate planning, probate, and elder law concerns in Oklahoma and Tennessee, contact us online or call 918-770-3423. We look forward to consulting with you.
