Experienced Lawyers in Muskogee Qualified to Handle any Matter or Dispute Related to Probate
Once the court accepts and validates the will of a deceased person in Oklahoma, that will is granted probate. The executor of the estate handles the distribution of assets as the will designates.
When someone dies but has no will, the court will generally appoint an executor to finalize the affairs of the departed. During probate, disputes can arise related to the division of the deceased’s property.
If you believe that you have a claim to assets, that a will was created under duress, another will exists, or have any other issues or suspicions regarding the administration of an estate, you need an experienced Muskogee probate attorney on your side.
Disputes
If the deceased had a will, it seems as if probate should be a fairly straightforward process. Nevertheless, disputes do arise.
- Sometimes, heirs of the deceased disagree with how the estate is being dispersed.
- Sometimes, creditors or other parties with financial interests make claims against the deceased’s estate.
- Sometimes, probate does not adequately reflect the deceased’s intentions (as he or she expressed them to family members) – either because the will was poorly executed, is ambiguous, or is simply being misinterpreted.
Another important consideration is that the grief associated with the loss of a loved one can cause otherwise reasonable people to act extremely unreasonably. In fact, grief can derail the probate process. Working closely with an experienced Muskogee probate attorney can help smooth over such difficulties.
If You’re the Will’s Executor
While it’s an honor to be chosen as the executor of a loved one’s will, it’s also a massive responsibility. Also, your hard work may be judged harshly by other grieving family members. If you are the executor of a will, face your responsibility head on and keep the deceased’s intentions at the forefront.
Keeping other family members in the information loop is a good practice that can help assuage hurt feelings and that will bolster confidence in your ongoing efforts and your trustworthiness (again, grief takes its toll).
Ultimately, working closely with a skilled probate attorney will expedite the process, ensure the will is faithfully executed, and will take some of the immense responsibility off your shoulders.
If You’re at an Impasse
If you’ve reached an impasse in the probate process and disputes remain unresolved, it does not necessarily mean you are headed to court. The invaluable experience of a probate attorney can help all involved get a better overall view of everything that’s in play and can help forge a path forward that addresses everyone’s concerns.
If You Have Concerns, You Need the Professional Legal Counsel of an Experienced Muskogee Probate Attorney
Disputes that arise during probate can have a significant impact on the outcome of estate administration. For this reason, if you have issues regarding anything that is occurring during probate or believe you can challenge the validity of a will in which you have an interest, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
If you have any concerns regarding the probate process, please allow me to help.