Estate Disputes
Mediation When Siblings Distrust Each other to Manage a Trust
Dear Ms. Allison: My sister is the Trustee to my parents’ living trust. My brothers and I do not believe she will fairly divide the assets between all of us. She didn’t handle his life insurance right when my father died, and let it lapse. So why would she do things right when mother goes?…
Read MoreWhat estate disputes can be mediated?
Dear Ms. Allison: What sorts of things can be mediated in a Will Contest or other estate dispute? Lily Rose, Western Oklahoma Dear Lily Rose:An estate dispute (anything involving an inheritance whether with a Will or from no planning) generally happens after the death of a family member or loved one. Occasionally, a dispute arises…
Read MoreCan we mediate our estate planning to choose the executor for our estate?
Dear Mrs. Allison: My wife and I got into it because we each wanted to name a different child as our executor. Then she brought it up at a dinner party, so neighbors and our siblings began weighing in. Now, since it’s been overheard and commented on by the neighbors’ adult kids and our kids’…
Read MoreOpen Letter to my readers concerned about rights to the ashes of a loved one
Open Letter to my readers concerned about rights to the ashes of a loved one…
Read MoreHow Can My Stepmother Take Everything I Was Promised?
My father and stepmother were married for almost 30 years when he died. About 15 years ago he showed me their Wills. It said when both are dead, I am to inherit everything. Well, he died almost a year ago and when I tried to talk to her about getting some of his things we…
Read MoreEstate Matters Update: The Importance of FUNDING Your Will
Gale Allison’s thoughts on the recently publicized ruling of the Oklahoma Supreme Court In Re Estate of James.
Read MoreCan a stepparent leave everything to a stepchild in her will?
Dear Ms. Allison: My stepmom passed away and left everything to me in her will. She has two sisters contesting the will. A lawyer told me that it’s possible I could get nothing cause I’m considered a stranger. Also said the judge would decide who gets what. Is this true? If so what’s the purpose…
Read MoreCan you name co-Powers of Attorney?
Dear Ms. Allison: Is it possible to name two people as “co” powers of attorney and as co-medical powers of attorney? One is an immediate family member and is local. She would also be an heir, as well as her children. The other is out of town and would not be an heir. However, he…
Read MoreWhere to get a petition to challenge an Oklahoma Will?
Dear Ms. Allison: Where can I get a petition to challenge a Will from the state of Oklahoma? GH in Northern Oklahoma Dear GH: There are legal things that very intrepid people (those willing to educate themselves with lengthy research) can do for themselves. Drafting a petition for a Will contest is not one of…
Read MoreAsked & Answered: Can I challenge a Will by myself?
Dear Ms. Allison: Where do I get an Oklahoma petition to challenge a Will? Carl in Oklahoma Dear Carl: There are many legal activities that a few, very intrepid people (folks willing to do lengthy research to educate themselves) can do on their own. Drafting a Will contest petition is NOT one of them. These…
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