Wills and Trusts
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 MoreShould my possibly divorcing parents update their Trust?
Dear Ms. Allison: So our parents are fighting all the time. It’s about many things, but one of the issues is their Trust. They did a Trust years ago when my mom was pregnant with my brother and I was 2 years old. From what they are screaming at each other, it seems they have…
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 MoreCan my stepmother adopt me while my birth mother is alive?
Dear Ms. Allison: My dad and stepmom are doing their new Wills. She wants to adopt me so there will be no problems with me being included in the inheritance. I have lived with them since I was 11, and now I am 19. My birth mother is not happy with this at all. Is…
Read MoreHow do I stop my brothers from selling my parents’ ranch?
Dear Ms. Allison: My brothers want to sell my parents’ ranch (land and house). I don’t want to, so what kind of lawyer do I need to get to stop them? Ty in Wagoner County Dear Ty: With what you’ve given me to go on, I can’t really determine your situation or whether this is…
Read MoreAre siblings from 1st marriage entitled to estate after 2nd spouse inherits?
Dear Ms. Allison: How can 4 siblings get a copy of our deceased father’s Will after leaving everything to his 2nd wife who just died? An adult sibling by his 2nd wife is the executor of their estate. The first 4 siblings are no blood relation to his 2nd wife and were not adopted by…
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 MoreWould Your Online, Homemade Will Hold Up In Court?
More Americans are doing their wills online due to COVID-19. However, that can cause problems when you go to probate. We explain the problems and how to address them.
Read MoreEstate Planning in a Time of Coronavirus
Facing death from Coronavirus causes many to rethink making an estate plan. At least do the basics described here.
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…
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