Probates
To “probate” a will means that the deceased person’s will is proven and admitted by a judge in court. A probate proceeding administers a decedent’s estate as directed by their will or pursuant to Oklahoma law if the decedent did not have a will. The Personal Representative appointed by the court must identify and preserve estate assets and pay any debts and taxes of the decedent before distributing property to the beneficiaries. If a person owned an asset individually at their death but failed to designate a transfer on death beneficiary for real or personal property, a bank or investment account, or a life insurance policy or annuity, a probate is generally required.