Trust Administration and Probate

Estate planning is a complex process that utilizes many tools and strategies to meet a client’s unique needs and objectives. One such tool is a trust. A trust is a fiduciary agreement that allows one person (a trustee) to hold property and other assets on behalf of one or more beneficiaries. Trusts have multiple uses, including the elimination or reduction of certain taxes and protection from creditors and lawsuits.

When a loved one dies, finalizing the details of their affairs can be challenging and deeply stressful. However, ensuring that beneficiaries receive payment and navigating the complex legal process of probate is essential to a favorable outcome. That’s where an experienced trust administration and probate attorney can help immensely.

At Riddle Law, PLLC, our Tulsa-based estate planning team helps clients address probate and trust administration issues and ensures that wealth is transferred in an intended manner. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your situation.

How an Oklahoma Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help

When the person who established the trust (the settlor) dies, it is vital to administer the trust properly. This process can be overwhelming, so working with an experienced Oklahoma estate planning attorney is essential. Attorney Trevor Riddle helps clients in Tulsa and the surrounding areas navigate all aspects of trust administration and probate, including:

• Gathering legal documents required for the administration of the trust.
• Consulting tax and financial advisors.
• Collecting money owed to the trust.
• Paying debts owed by the trust.
• Creating and maintaining an inventory of assets in the trust.
• Obtaining appraisals of these assets.
• Managing assets and investments in the trust.
• Filing tax returns.
• Distributing income and property to designated beneficiaries.
• Transferring trust property titles to designated beneficiaries.
• Selling trust property when necessary.

At Riddle Law, PLLC, our highly skilled trust administration and probate team can help you when you need it most. We understand the emotional complexities of trust administration, and our compassionate, knowledgeable team strives to make the process as efficient, seamless, and stress-free as possible.

Tulsa Probate Attorney

When a loved one dies, their estate may be subject to probate. Probate is the procedure of administering the will or estate of someone who has passed away. This process, which involves paying any debts owed by the estate and distributing the remaining assets to designated beneficiaries, can be long and costly. However, probate can be significantly less stressful and expensive with the help of an experienced lawyer who can:

• File papers to create a probate estate.
• Administer your loved one’s estate.
• Locate and file a will.
• Identify beneficiaries.
• Make an inventory of the estate.
• Ensure state and federal taxes are paid.
• Serve as executor or estate administrator if necessary.

You can reduce the excessive costs and delays associated with probate by having a well-drafted, valid will. Using certain investment vehicles, such as trusts, may allow you to avoid the probate process entirely. An experienced probate attorney can assess your unique situation and help you determine how to proceed.

Contact Riddle Law PLLC Today

If you have recently lost a loved one and need to navigate the trust administration or probate process, our compassionate estate planning team can help. We will thoroughly review your situation to ensure the settlor’s wishes are accomplished and beneficiaries receive payment in a timely manner. We will also utilize innovative strategies and available opportunities to reduce or avoid taxes and to guide you through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact Riddle Law PLLC today for a confidential consultation.