Delivering Oklahoma Estate Planning Services with Integrity and Care

Planning for the future is important, but it can feel overwhelming. Our job at Green Country Law Group is to help you to understand your options, the impact of choices you make to your loved ones, and guide you through the process to implement the choice you make.   

With offices in both Tahlequah and Muskogee, Oklahoma, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience meeting the legal needs of people at all stages of life. 
   

Types of Estate Planning Documents

A complete estate plan addressed not only what happens at your death, but important decisions for your life as well. We listen to your situation and intentions to create the plan that accomplishes your choices. Some of the most important documents include: 

• Wills – alone, or in conjunction with a Trust, a will is important to ensure your wishes are followed.

   

• Powers of attorney – Designating a trusted person to make both medical and financial decisions for you when you cannot.

   

• Advance directives – Otherwise known as a Living Will, your wishes regarding end-of-life medical care to save your loved ones from those difficult choices when you cannot speak for yourself.

   

• Trusts – A wide variety of Trusts, and lots of flexibility in those Trusts, helps you to be prepared for as many probabilities as you can think of, while our experienced attorneys help you to plan for the possibilities that you might not.

   

Your estate plan includes important tax considerations, and with a Masters of Law in Taxation, our Managing Attorney can advise you on any such issues relevant to your estate. 

The Differences Between a Will and a Trust

Both wills and trusts can be used to transfer your property at death. Trusts are more flexible, less subject to challenge, they are private, and do not require a probate if properly funded. A Trust can also provide tax advantages when needed. 

 A will does have to go through probate; is more limited in structure, probates are public record, and the probate process is expensive, complicated, and lengthy. 

When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?

It’s important to revisit your estate plan after important life changes such as: 

• Marriage 
• Divorce 
• The birth of a child 
• The acquisition of new real estate or other major assets 
• When your child turns 18 
• A death in the family

   

Additionally, in the event of a major legal or tax change, our offices strive to provide you notice and give you the opportunity to address those changes and any other changes that may have occurred in your life.  IMPORTANT – keep your contact information current. 

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

Every adult should have an estate plan. If you own property – especially real estate – you should have an estate plan that includes a will or trust. Even if you don’t own significant assets, you should have, at minimum, a will, an advance directive and powers of attorney. 

Considerations for a Guardian for Your Children

Designating a guardian is a big decision. Here are some things to consider: 

• Who has a strong relationship with your children? 
• Who has the capacity to provide for your children? 
• Who would provide them with stability and continuity? 
• Who would raise them in the same manner as you might have?

   

In many cases, relatives are a good choice for guardianship designations, but you can designate anyone competent person. 

Start Building or Revising Your Estate Plan Today

Take control of your future. Learn more about how we can help. Call 918-456-6113 or contact us online to get started.