Wills and Trusts
Can an irrevocable trust be changed without the beneficiary’s knowledge?
Dear Ms. Allison: Can an irrevocable trust be changed without the beneficiary’s knowledge? My father changed how much of his estate he was to give me and some other things in his irrevocable trust after my sister died and didn’t tell me before he did it. PP in Central Oklahoma Dear PP: Are you certain…
Read MoreHow Much Can Be In A Trust Before It Is taxable?
Dear Ms. Allison: How large can a Trust become before it is taxable by the federal government and is there such a thing as a Sub-Trust or Smaller Trust outside the original? Thanks, PT in NE Oklahoma Dear PT: Your question is difficult to answer due to the many different taxes that could attach and…
Read MoreCan a Successor Trustee sell or give away property left to the original beneficiary?
Dear Ms. Allison: At first, my mom was trustee over my grandma’s will and estate. After some time of my mom was not upholding her duties as trustee (due to personal problems and sadness and depression). She had to sign over her rights to her sister, my aunt, who then became trustee. In her Will…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between Executors, Personal Representatives and Estate Administrator
Dear Ms. Allison: I am confused. My grandad asked me to be his Executor but when I looked it up online, some people call it an Executor and others say Personal Representative. There are also articles that say Estate Administrator. Some articles use all three. The duties look the same or pretty close. Are these…
Read MoreDo I need a lawyer to probate a will on a small estate in Oklahoma?
Dear Ms. Allison: I am probating my mother’s will. Do I need a lawyer to probate a will on estate less than $100,000 in Oklahoma? Anonymous in Woods County, OK Dear Anonymous: Legally, no, a lawyer is not required for this. Wisely, yes, yes, yes! You can figure it all out – if you are…
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 MoreWhat are my rights as a beneficiary of a trust?
Dear Ms. Allison: My family has refused me my inheritance left to me by one of my uncles and possibly my grandfather as well. What can I do to find out what both of their Trusts say? My other uncle and I have never gotten along and he is the head of my dead uncle’s…
Read MoreHow much does a Will Cost?
Dear Ms. Allison: What is the minimum cost of writing and recording a Will? PS in Oklahoma City Dear PS: No one can tell you the cost to write a Will until she or he knows how complicated your estate matter is. Anyone who tells you you are getting a Will for $X before they…
Read MoreWhere do I find out if I’m listed in a Trust?
Dear Ms. Allison: I am told i have a Trust established in my name but cant find it. Anonymous in Oklahoma Dear Anonymous: I wonder where you are looking — and why? It is odd that you are looking into this, unless someone has died and you believe you are not receiving what was left…
Read MoreAsked & Answered: Co-Trustees have lawyer problems…
Dear Ms. Allison: I’m trying to settle my parent’s trust. My sister and I are the beneficiaries and co- trustees of the estate. We are on our second lawyer and not getting anything done. It should be very simple to divide the trust but this second lawyer says it’s complicated. I think she is dragging…
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