When a loved one passes away, grieving is already difficult without the added stress of handling their estate. Families place trust in the executor of the will to carry out important responsibilities, such as distributing assets, paying debts, and respecting the deceased’s wishes.

Settling an estate after someone passes away can be challenging and emotional. Probate often involves validating a will, resolving debts, and distributing assets—all while family members are still grieving.

When someone in Oklahoma dies without a will, their estate doesn’t disappear. Instead, it’s handled through a legal process known as intestate succession. Without written instructions left behind, the state decides who gets what based on a specific order of inheritance.

Serving as a trustee is a meaningful responsibility, one that can carry both personal and legal challenges. While most people step into this role with good intentions, many trustees make avoidable mistakes that can disrupt the administration of the trust or even result in legal disputes. In a place like Tulsa, Oklahoma, trustees play a key part in protecting those trusts.

When a loved one dies without a complete will, the court must confirm each lawful heir through a legal process known as heirship determination. Below, we explain how this process works, what types of evidence are most important, and what families should expect along the way.

At Brier Law Firm, LLC, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we often work with clients who are struggling with legal issues tied to property ownership. One common yet often misunderstood solution is a quiet title action.

We at Brier Law Firm PLLC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, regularly advise families who need clarity on the probate process and what happens if a will is challenged. A will spells out how a loved one’s assets should be distributed, but at times, certain relatives or interested parties question its validity.

When someone passes away, their property doesn’t automatically transfer to loved ones. In many cases, the estate goes through probate, a legal process used to validate the deceased person’s will, settle debts, and distribute assets.

Establishing a trust is an effective strategy for managing and protecting assets, providing efficient estate planning, and achieving specific financial goals.

When it comes to probate, one of the critical considerations is how property is owned and transferred after someone’s death. Joint ownership can have significant implications for probate proceedings, especially in terms of how assets are passed to heirs. At Brier Law Firm, PLLC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we understand how joint ownership affects the distribution of an estate.