Does a Living Trust Remove the Need for a Will?
No, a trust does not remove the need for a will. However, it does dramatically simplify your will.
Should I tell anyone I created a Will or a Trust?
We recommend that you should make those directly impacted by your estate aware of your plans as outlined in your will or trust. That does not mean you need to show it off; just make sure you do not keep it a total secret either.
For instance, family members may want to know if you have designated them as your Health Care Power of Attorney. They may need to know where and how to access the estate documents if needed.
Does my Estate Plan need to be updated periodically?
There are many reasons an estate plan may need to be revised or updated, including the following:
- A death in the family
- A birth in the family
- A marriage
- A divorce
- The need to add or remove beneficiaries
- The need to appoint a different designated guardian
Why do I need an estate planning lawyer?
You can find estate planning tools online, and can make a trust without a lawyer. But your life isn’t generic—and your plan shouldn’t be either. Estate planning isn’t rocket science, but it is state-specific and includes lots of details. Oklahoma law governs how assets are distributed, and it sets the rules for your Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Advance Directive. These documents aren’t just paperwork—they’re your safety net.
I sit down with you, walk through the process step by step, and make sure you understand what you’re doing and why. Because peace of mind comes from knowing your plan is in place—and that it’s built to work when you need it most.
Think of Your Estate Plan Like a Parachute- You only need it once. And when you do, you want to be sure it opens.