Crafting Your Will in Oklahoma City: An Essential Guide From Lai & Turner PLLC

While many have heard of a “last will and testament,” few Oklahomans understand the urgency of proactively creating one. A will is more than just a document – it’s a shield safeguarding you, your loved ones, and assets. To ensure it stands strong, it must align with Oklahoma regulations.

Constructing a Legally Valid Will: The Step-by-Step Process

Every state has unique guidelines defining a legitimate will. While online templates seem tempting for Oklahoma City residents, consulting an estate planning attorney ensures your will is watertight and enforceable.

Here are key requirements in Oklahoma:

1. Age Limit: The will-maker (testator) must typically be 18 or older, with exceptions for emancipated minors, married persons, and military members.

2. Mental Capacity: The testator must possess “testamentary capacity,” meaning a clear understanding of their assets and the will’s implications. This differs from the legal definition of sanity.

3. Genuine Intent: A will must originate from the testator’s wishes, without undue external pressure or manipulation, which can render it void.

4. Signatures: Oklahoma requires wills to be physically signed and dated by the testator in ink, with signatures from two witnesses present. Holographic (handwritten) wills face more restrictions.

Why We Recommend You to Prioritize Creating a Will in Oklahoma City

Many avoid writing wills because it surfaces mortality. However, dying without one leaves loved ones confused about assets and property. A will eliminates guesswork and bypasses Oklahoma’s lengthy intestacy process. Aspects to cover include:

– Naming Guardians: Single parents must designate guardians for minor children in case of simultaneous deaths.

– Distributing Property: Assets like real estate must be explicitly referenced, unless jointly owned.

– Making Special Bequests: Cement specific gift decisions, like family heirlooms for certain individuals, to ensure they’re honored.

Lai & Turner’s Oklahoma City Estate & Will Planning Attorneys Can Guide You

Drafting a customized will doesn’t have to be daunting with help from legal experts. Kickstart the process with a Peace of Mind Planning Session from Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC. We offer affordable flat rates and convenient virtual sessions.

Reference this article when booking and we’ll waive the normal $450 planning fee! But hurry, slots are limited for this holiday special.

During your consultation, our Oklahoma City trust & will planning attorneys will:

– Answer estate planning questions

– Review your financial picture

– Explain Oklahoma regulations for wills

– Outline options to meet your goals
– Provide next step recommendations

Don’t leave the fate of your hard-earned assets to chance – act now to craft a customized will that withstands legal scrutiny. Contact Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC today to schedule your discounted session and gain peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be provided for.