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 debts and taxes of the decedent before distributing property to the beneficiaries named in the will. If a person owned assets individually at their death and 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.