Estate Planning and Probate
Have you made your will? If you have not, do you realize that the state legislature has made one for you? Do you think the legislature knew what you wanted to do with your property? Doubt it? You need a will. Do you believe things are being handled unfairly in your family member’s Estate? Do you need a trust fund for your loved ones? I have substantial experience in Estate Planning, which is planning for the distribution of a person’s property at his/her death, and includes preparing wills and trusts. I take into consideration taxes, insurance, and property so as to gain the maximum benefit of all laws to carry out your wishes.
Probate is the court proceeding through which a will is proved to be valid and the property of the deceased is administered. The process includes collecting the deceased’s assets, paying their bills, paying necessary taxes, and distribution of property to their heirs.
I will help you plan your estate or administer the estate of a deceased family member. You owe it to your loved ones to leave your affairs in order.
This worksheet should be completed and brought to the initial estate planning conference. The information it contains will be kept confidential and is necessary for developing a meaningful and tax-advantaged estate plan.
Real Estate Law
Are you involved in a real estate transaction? Do you have title problems? I represent both commercial clients and individuals in all proceedings and transactions that deal with real property‑land and the structures attached to it‑including purchase and sale, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, title examinations, quiet title actions and closings. Let me assist you with sound advice with any aspect of your real estate transactions.
Business/Organizational Law
Are you starting a business? The chosen form of business entity affects virtually every aspect of its operations. I assist my clients in deciding whether they want to operate as a closely held business, limited liability company, partnership, corporation or Subchapter S corporation. I advise my clients about directors’ and officers’ liability, dissolution, franchising, reorganization, trade association membership and activity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, business successions, and shareholders’ rights. I have extensive experience in successfully conducting both transactional and litigation matters for all types of business organizations.
Property Issues
Is there a problem with the title to your land or home? Do you need access to your land, but that access has been refused by other property owners? Has someone cut timber or damaged crops on your land? Have you recently purchased a new home only to find there are major problems with the plumbing or other important parts of the house? These are only a few of the many types of property issues I deal with routinely. Give me a call... let me help you resolve your problem.
Energy Law - Oil and Gas, Mineral Rights
You may be contacted from time to time by energy companies interested in leasing your interests. You should have me review the leases before you sign them. Many times they contain clauses that are not in your best interest. Also I have a set of clauses I require oil companies to include which are very beneficial to you as the lessor.
I have developed an extensive network of landmen and have been very successful in helping my clients obtain more money than they were initially offered to lease, as well as better lease terms.
You also may receive documents from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, (pooling notices; spacing orders, etc.). You should always have them reviewed by an attorney to determine how they will effect you and your interests. For instance, Pooling Orders need to be responded to by yourself with a small window of time and failure to do so can cause you to loose money and other rights. These documents can be confusing if you don’t have knowledge and experience in that area.
You may receive a Division Order for your interests, (1) if the operator drills a new well; and (2) if there is a change in operator. In the event that you do receive new division orders, I would urge you to allow me to review them prior to signing as they may contain wording or clauses that could prove harmful to your best interests. Also, should you execute the Division Order without full knowledge that the interest contained therein is correct, you could be paid royalties based on an erroneous decimal interest.