Okmulgee Wills Lawyer

Wills Attorney in Okmulgee, OK

When it’s time to begin the estate planning process, you may be wondering where to start. An Okmulgee wills lawyer can give you valuable guidance, helping you to determine which aspects of estate planning will serve your needs the most. Wills are an important component of any estate plan, and are usually the first item of business a qualified wills attorney will address with their clients.

At Eagan Law Office, we have decades of combined experience serving the citizens of Okmulgee and Eufaula. Our client-first approach is our personal hallmark. We take every detail of your case under careful consideration, helping you to formulate an effective estate plan with a legally sound will to protect your wishes and give you peace of mind for the future.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that designates how a person would like their assets divided in the event of their death. Wills can communicate how assets are to be allocated to beneficiaries, including family members and charitable organizations.

Wills also allow the testator to declare a guardian for minor children, which makes a will a crucial document for young families. Americans with children under the age of 18 make up the largest percentage of the population without wills, leaving the custody of their children subject to court interference if their parents die.

Probate and Wills

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets are inventoried and distributed to pay any outstanding debts, with the remainder going to the surviving heirs of the estate.

Many people believe that a will is enough to avoid probate. While a will can significantly reduce the amount of time an estate is held in probate, all wills must be verified and validated by the Oklahoma probate courts. Most probate cases are heard at the Okmulgee County Courthouse on West 7th Street.

Is a Handwritten Will Legal in Oklahoma?

While Oklahoma does allow handwritten wills under Statute 84 section 54, called holographic wills, these wills can lead to complications in the probate courts, resulting in costly legal fees and the potential for outside claims to the estate, as wills are a public matter.

Holographic wills, while better than no will, are tricky in that they must be entirely handwritten, and do not require a witness to be executed, resulting in found notes and other signed materials often being presented as “wills” by surviving relatives. There is also an increased risk of forgery with holographic wills, which is why it is always advisable to hire a wills lawyer to draft this important document.

Ready to Begin Planning Your Will? Hire a Wills Lawyer in Okmulgee

Procrastination is the most common reason people delay estate planning, with 43% of Americans in a recent poll reporting they haven’t gotten around to it. This can be a costly mistake, leading to lengthy probate cases that create stress and unnecessary complications for your loved ones after your death. Estate planning is a gift you give to the ones you care about most, providing for their future and giving you peace of mind.

At Eagan Law Office, we can answer all your questions about estate planning. Contact us today to learn more.