Probate & Estate Administration

Assisting Clients With Administration of Estates

If you have recently lost a loved one, you are probably going through an emotional mourning period, and you may not be sure what is required of you when it comes to dealing with that person's property and financial affairs.

At Armstrong & Lowe, P.C., in Tulsa, our attorneys can guide you through the probate process. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation about the estate administration services we provide.

Determining Whether Probate Is Necessary

Probate is the process of wrapping up the affairs of a person who has died. If an estate goes through probate, the court will supervise an accounting of the deceased person's assets and debts and the distribution of the assets.

Not every estate needs to go through probate. We can help you determine whether probate is required in the case of your loved one.

Some people avoid probate by putting their property in a trust. Other people do not have the types of assets and debts that require probate oversight.

If your loved one's estate needs to go through probate, the next question is whether he or she had a will. If so, the distribution of assets will generally take place under the terms of the will. If there is no will, Oklahoma law will govern how assets will be distributed.

Assisting You With Each Step of the Process

The first step in the probate process is the appointment of a personal representative, a person authorized to act on behalf of the deceased. If there is a will, the personal representative is generally the person named as executor in the will. If there is no will, the court can appoint a family member or associate as personal representative.

Once a personal representative is appointed, he or she must give notice of the probate case to all possible beneficiaries and creditors, conduct an inventory of assets, pay valid debts, distribute the remaining assets and close the estate. Some of these steps may require court approval.

One of our experienced probate lawyers will guide you through each stage of the process, giving you the information and assistance you need to carry out your duties. Contact us today for skilled probate representation.