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Studies estimate that 70 percent of family wealth is lost by the end of the second generation and 90 percent by the end of the third generation. To help your loved ones avoid becoming part of this statistic, it is important to educate and update your extended family about your wealth transfer goals and the […]

We recently heard 2 myths related to standalone retirement trusts that we would like to clarify. But first, what is a standalone retirement trust (or SRT)? It is a special type of trust designed to be the beneficiary of your qualified retirement accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, and others. Since the SRT is named as the […]

Real estate can take on different forms of ownership depending upon the number of parties and the unique circumstances involved. Understanding how your real estate is owned, or “titled,” is necessary because this determines the extent of control you have over your real estate, how susceptible your property is to creditors, and what will happen […]

Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is a good thing. However, many of us do not take the first steps to get that estate plan in place because we do not understand the consequences of passing away without a will or trust (which is called intestacy). If you die intestate, […]

For many people in Oklahoma, a revocable living trust is a valuable tool to ensure that their finances are well managed during periods of incapacity and that their loved ones are financially secure upon their passing. Funding your trust is a critical component of preparing for your future. Not only does a completely funded trust […]

Many people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. However, because wills are filed at the courthouse, probated estates become a matter of Oklahoma public record. That means your nosy neighbor Nellie can simply go down to the courthouse or hop online […]

Studies have shown that the largest contributing factors to generational loss of wealth are a lack of communication and trust among family members and the failure to prepare heirs. Often, fear is what underlies the lack of communication and trust that inevitably leads to unprepared heirs. Following are some of the fears that prevent people […]

Do not let political and financial speculation prevent you from making tax-free gifts to or for the benefit of your loved ones. Two of the main types of tax-free gifts are annual exclusion gifts and medical exclusions. Make Annual Exclusion Gifts Annual exclusion gifts are transfers of money or property in an amount or value […]

Owning your own business or investment portfolio can be incredibly rewarding. However, to preserve the fruits of your labor and dedication, you must do everything you can to protect it. Whether you seek to protect yourself, your investments, and your family from taxes, creditors, or probate, a family limited partnership (FLP) is a strategy worth […]

It can be hard to get motivated about your estate planning; for some people it sounds about as fun as getting a root canal. However, you also probably want to make sure that your loved ones are protected and receive your hard-earned money and property – regardless of whether you have $10 million or $10,000. […]