A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important documents you will create. At Riseling & Rhodes, P.C., we help individuals and families throughout Oklahoma prepare wills that reflect their values, and provide clarity for the future if an asset is subject to probate. Our attorneys walk with you through each step to ensure your plan is thoughtful, legally sound, and complete.
Last Will & Testament
A clear, caring way to guide your family and honor your wishes when probate is required.
Why a Will Matters
Think of a will as a back-up plan. If a person passes away owning an asset individually without designating a beneficiary, that property is subject to probate. Creating a will is a meaningful act of preparation and care. Many clients come to us because they want to prevent uncertainty, reduce stress for their families, and ensure their wishes are honored. A well-drafted will provides direction, minimizes confusion, and lays a foundation for smoother estate administration.
Your will allows you to appoint a personal representative (i.e., executor) who will manage your estate, and specify how your property should be distributed if the property is subject to probate. Without a will, these decisions are made under state law, often in ways that do not reflect your intentions.
Understanding a Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that communicates how you want your affairs handled after your passing when an asset is subject to probate. Think of a will as a set instructions to the probate judge. A will does not have control over trust assets or assets inherited via beneficiary designation. It typically addresses:
HOW PROPERTY AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED
WHO SHOULD MANAGE THE ESTATE AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (I.E EXECUTOR)
Even with careful planning, life gets busy and we may overlook some property. A will becomes effective at your death and covers assets that pass through probate. A well-drafted will provides a clear guide, easing the administrative responsibilities for your loved ones.
Benefits of Having a Will
A legally valid, up-to-date will brings reassurance to you and stability to the people you care about. It can:
Provide clarity by outlining your intentions in plain language
Protect family harmony by reducing the potential for confusion or misunderstanding
Simplify the legal process by giving the probate court a clear set of instructions
Preserve your legacy by directing property where it can be most meaningful
Our attorneys create wills that are detailed, compliant with state law, and integrated with your broader estate plan.
Pour-Over Will
Clients with a revocable trust also create a pour-over will, which serves as a safety net for any assets that weren’t transferred to the trust during the client's lifetime. It names your trustee as the personal representative and your trust as the beneficiary, moving any probate assets into the trust.
Our Will-Drafting Process
We approach will planning with care and attentiveness, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the process. When you work with Riseling & Rhodes, P.C., you can expect:
1.
Initial Consultation
We take time to understand your priorities, your family structure, and any concerns you want to address.
2.
Drafting Your Will
Your will is prepared by an attorney—not a template—and tailored to your unique circumstances.
3.
Review of Personal Representative and Beneficiaries
We confirm that your will clearly identifies your personal representative and beneficiaries
4.
Execution and Witnessing
Your will is properly signed, witnessed, and notarized to satisfy Oklahoma requirements.
5.
Ongoing Guidance
Life changes, and your estate plan should change with it. We help revise your will whenever circumstances evolve.
This process ensures your will is both legally sound and clearly aligned with your personal wishes.
Key Services Included
Our will-planning services typically include:
PERSONALIZED CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERIENCED ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
CUSTOM DRAFTING OF YOUR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
EXECUTOR GUIDANCE
REVIEW OF BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS
PROPER WITNESSING AND NOTARIZATION
ONGOING UPDATE SUPPORT AS LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE
Each will is crafted with care to ensure your wishes remain clear and enforceable.
How a Will Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan
A will is an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan, but it is not the only document you may need. Many clients also benefit from:
A revocable trust to simplify administration and avoid probate
A statutory power of attorney for financial matters
An advance directive, living will, and medical power of attorney to outline medical preferences
Together, these documents work to protect you during life and provide clarity after death. We help ensure every component of your plan is coordinated and complete.
When to Create or Update Your Will
Most adults can benefit from having a will in place, regardless of age or wealth. We recommend creating or updating your will when:
You marry, divorce, or remarry
You welcome a child or adopt
You acquire or sell significant assets
You relocate to another state
Your executor or a beneficiary passes away
Your family relationships or goals change
Regular reviews every 1-2 years help keep your plan aligned with your life.
Who This Is For
A Pour-Over Will ensures that any assets not included in your trust are eventually transferred to it via probate. Even without a trust, a will is useful for naming who will handle your probate estate and deciding who receives your assets.
If you haven’t created a trust, having a will is essential. It gives the court clear direction on who you want to manage your probate estate and which individuals or charities should receive your probate assets.
Why Choose Riseling & Rhodes, P.C.
For nearly 40 years, our firm has helped clients throughout Oklahoma create clear, personalized estate plans. When you choose us, you receive:
Experienced attorneys
with decades of estate planning focus
Personal attention
from a boutique firm that values long-term relationships
Integrated guidance
on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate
Reliable support
for updates, amendments, and future planning needs
Our work is grounded in clarity, compassion, and a commitment to helping families prepare for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills
Put Your Wishes Into Writing With Confidence
A well-crafted will brings clarity and comfort, ensuring your wishes are carried out with care. We welcome you to meet with our experienced attorneys to begin or update your estate plan.