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Trusts & Estates FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Oklahoma Trusts & Estates

At Denker & Zuhdi, PLLC, our experienced attorneys help people in Oklahoma City and the surrounding counties with developing strategies for preservation, management and distribution of their assets using living trusts, testamentary trusts and other legal tools and methods. Deciding on the estate planning options that are right for you requires a complete and detailed analysis of your financial portfolio and desired objectives. When you retain our firm as your qualified adviser, we listen carefully to your wishes and concerns and suggest a full range of options to help you create a personalized estate plan or make improvements to a plan already in place.

When you’re starting out in the planning process, questions are certain to arise. Some common ones we hear are these:

Whatever questions you have about your estate plan, we have answers.

Contact experienced Oklahoma City estate planning attorneys for a free initial consultation

The lawyers at Denker & Zuhdi, PLLC in Oklahoma City handle a broad range of trust and estate plan actions and disputes. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 405-946-5533 or contact us online.


What is probate and do all Oklahoma estates need to go through it?

Probate is the legal process wherein the assets and debts of a deceased person’s estate are accounted for and distributed. Probate takes place in the Oklahoma district court of the deceased person’s residence. Small estates (valued at less than $50,000) do not need to go through probate. People can also prevent certain property from going through probate by handing over that property via another legal method, such as a trust or deed transfer.

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What is the best way to pass down assets without a heavy tax burden?

The taxes applicable to your estate are based on the value of the estate and the type of assets and accounts you own. Most people do not own enough wealth to trigger the Federal Estate Tax, which requires a tax payment from an estate before assets are transferred to beneficiaries. Oklahoma does not have its own estate tax.

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Should I create a revocable trust or an irrevocable trust?

Each type of trust serves a different purpose. A person who creates a revocable trust can alter the terms of the trust as he or she sees fit, thereby allowing for more flexibility as life changes occur. Once an irrevocable trust is created, the creator cannot modify it, but this form of trust may provide enhanced tax advantages and property protections.

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Who should I choose as my trustee?

Your trustee should be someone on whom you can rely to make financially and ethically sound decisions while keeping your beneficiaries as the top priority. Even if a trustee means well but does not have a solid understanding of money management, he or she may end up mismanaging your assets and harming your beneficiaries.

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Do I need a will if I create a trust?

Even if you are meticulous about including your most valuable assets in a trust, there may be property you exclude. A will dictates your wishes for how that property should be handled when you die, so the state does not decide for you. Also, certain trusts are better created by wills, such as a trust that accounts for what happens to your property that has not been fully accounted for at the time of your death.

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Testimonials
  • "They always provided reliable and thorough work, and consistently provides a quick response. As a solid business partner, the firm handles our legal needs for corporate contracts and real estate acquisitions, but also handles family matters and is invested in my business as more than just another customer. I know that any time I have legal needs, I can rely on the firm to provide efficient, outstanding results." - –David Ross Chairman and CEO TriCorps Security

  • "Our CPA Firm has a long relationship with Denker & Zuhdi. We frequently use the Firm for our legal needs as well as to refer our Clients. We want our Client base to have the best Legal representation possible. The firm has always provided very Professional Services to ourselves and our Clients and we have the utmost confidence in the services provided." - –Hamilton & Associates, CPA Carl Hamilton Anna Hamilton

  • "Having been one of the largest buyers of foreclosures in the state for nearly 30 years, it is the nature of our business to be involved in litigation. We chose Rick Denker as our attorney by using the best method possible. He represented the other side. During this litigation, we saw an intelligent, hard-working man who had common sense. He attempted to resolve the case in the best interest of his client quickly instead of just running up the legal bills. During the past several years that he has represented us, we have been very pleased with his success and would highly recommend him." - –Tana Parks, owner of Ted Parks LLC and Winfield Investments LLC, Tulsa, Ok

  • "“I believe Rick takes a common sense approach to complex issues and looks for the best resolution in a timely fashion. Rick is very approachable and is easily accessible. Rick has been around in Oklahoma City awhile and knows who to talk to and where to go to take care of your legal issues.”" - –Doug Summers President, Paleo, Inc

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