Best Estate Planning Attorney in Tulsa OK

Jay Ramey

Estate Planning Attorney

I am an attorney that is completely dedicated to the protection of your Constitutional rights. I have never worked as a prosecutor. I have never been a police officer or worked in any type of law enforcement capacity. I have never worked as a judge. Therefore, I have never placed anyone under arrest, asked a jury to send someone to prison, signed a search warrant and have never ordered anyone to prison. Since I became a lawyer in 2001, I have been dedicated to the protection of the rights of the individual.

My law practice is predominately criminal defense work. I have handled every type of criminal case from traffic tickets to murder cases. I have also handled just about every type of drug case from simple possession to trafficking. I am one of only three attorneys in Oklahoma who is a lifetime member of the NORML Legal Committee.

The other types of cases I handle are closely related to criminal cases. These cases are civil forfeitures and civil rights violations. Civil forfeitures are civil cases in which the government takes property from an individual, usually cash, and attempts to keep the property by claiming it was gained from, or somehow used in, an illegal transaction, usually drugs. When the police or other government agents use excessive force against a citizen or illegally enter the property of a citizen, the citizen can file a civil lawsuit seeking money damages for that violation of his civil rights.

I am always willing to meet with anyone for at least 30 minutes without any obligation or legal fee required. Feel free to call me at any time.

Rod Yancy

Estate Planning Attorney

Rod created Oath on the idea that every person that has things they value and worked hard for deserves to be able to protect them through an affordable, custom estate plan and financial plan. Planning is for everyone – not just the wealthy. That’s why Rod has dedicated his career to helping families make the most of what they have for the people they love. Rod is married to his college sweetheart, Erin, in 2005, and together they have two sons – Thomas and Will.

Rod was very professional and caring, the entire staff was great. We are extremely pleased with the service provided and at ease knowing we have prepared for the future.
Charles

Tim Powell

Estate Planning Attorney

Tim is a third-generation Tulsan who has lived in Tulsa his whole life, other than when he attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman. There, he majored in Guitar Performance, because believe it or not, people can actually do that.

As one does with a guitar degree, Tim began a career waiting tables, eventually working his way up to manager at one of Tulsa’s best restaurants. It was then he met his soon-to-be wife Erin, and realized the restaurant lifestyle was not easy to mix with family life. He then went to law school at the University of Tulsa mainly because he was excited about the prospect of getting paid to argue with people.

Tim started his legal career in litigation, but realized that ultimately, fighting with other attorneys wasn’t what he loved. In estate planning, he gets to get up every day, excited about helping people plan for the future, protect the assets they’ve worked hard to accumulate, provide structure for their kids, and have some peace of mind about the inevitable hard situations that life will bring to all of us, all while doing it in a way that reflects what they value most.

Riley Carbone Kern

Estate Planning Attorney

Riley Kern is a husband, daddy, idealist, and attorney, in that order. He is the founder and owner of Tallgrass Estate Planning where he is a managing partner with his wife, Laurel Carbone. Their home-based law firm allows Riley and Laurel to blend life and work seamlessly, spending their time and energy on each other, their children, and their clients as organically as possible. Riley is frequently invited to speak on trust planning, special needs planning, and elder law matters, and he has served as the chair of the Estate Planning section of the Tulsa County Bar Association. Riley serves on several Tulsa-area non-profit boards of directors. He is an amateur musician, a hack woodworker, an inconsistent hiker, and a book lover.

Because estate planning is an intensely personal process, Laurel and Riley have created an informal but thorough conversational process to discover clients’ needs, priorities, and values, and then design and execute customized estate plans and services. We call this three-step process Discovery, Design, and Delivery. Throughout the process, Tallgrass Estate Planning, LLP is committed to the core principles of education, hospitality, and inclusion. Your assets, your priorities, and your concerns are different from those of other people, so your estate plan will be different from those of other people, but everyone needs a plan.

Gary W. Crews

Estate Planning Attorney

Gary W. Crews, Esq. obtained a bachelor’s degree in administration from Auburn University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa. He was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1990 and is a sole practitioner with his primary focus on probate, estate planning, business, oil & gas law, and elder law.

His experience in probate and estate planning allows him to provide you with the tools you need to establish a solid estate plan or navigate through the complicated probate process.

Our experience enhances the problem-solving process, permitting us to assemble the most appropriate resolution, while also anticipating & avoiding any additional issues. Because the firm is so diverse, complex transactions are resolved with discerning insight and managed with maximum economy.

Penni Skillern, Esq.

Estate Planning Attorney

Penni Skillern, Esq. was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona until she relocated in high school and graduated from Bartlesville High School in Oklahoma. She went to the University of Tulsa and graduated  Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Law & Society and a minor in History. Penni enrolled at the  University of Tulsa College of Law, where she excelled in Property, Native American law, and Oil and Gas law. She took a particular interest in Wills and Trust law, since it combined her love of history and property with law.

Penni focuses her practice on helping individuals strategize for their future, and the future of their family, through focused and customized estate planning. Additionally, Penni works with clients on special needs planning – helping individuals properly plan their estate to care for disabled loved ones

Penni was a Notes and Comment Editor on the Energy Law Journal, where she was awarded the Best Note or Comment. She took an active role in the student body government at TU law, where she was a Delegate, a Committee Chairperson, and later the  Attorney General for the Student Bar Association.

Penni graduated law school with a Certificate in Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law, where she gained a vast knowledge about land and property issues that has helped her in her estate planning and business law practice. She has worked at Chesapeake Energy Corporation as well as Zurawik Law Firm. Currently, Penni serves on the Women in the Law Committee for the Oklahoma Bar Association, Estate Planning Section of the American Bar Association, and the Trusts and Wills section of the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Paul E. “Trip” Swain III

Estate Planning Attorney

Paul E. “Trip” Swain III has earned a reputation in Oklahoma as a diligent advocate for his clients. He has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating, AV*, recognizing him for his high legal ability and ethical standards in the practice of law. With over 30 years of experience in the legal field, including 18 years at a well-respected Oklahoma law firm and five years as a federal judicial clerk, he is an experienced trial attorney. He represents clients in a variety of legal matters, including adoption and family law issues, guardianships, probate, estate planning, and business law, placing great emphasis on honest and responsive communication with clients.

Paul E. “Trip” Swain III received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Oklahoma in 1977 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1982; he was also an editor of the Oklahoma Law Review. Before forming his own law firm, he was an attorney and shareholder in the Tulsa law firm of Boone, Smith, Davis, Hurst & Dickman for 18 years. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable James O. Ellison, senior judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, for five years.

Paul E. “Trip” Swain III is a member of the American Bar Association, the Oklahoma Bar Association and the Tulsa County Bar Association. He was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma in 1982, the Eastern District of Oklahoma in 1983 and the Western District of Oklahoma in 1998. Mr. Swain was admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals-10th Circuit in 1990. He is a Master of the Hudson-Hall-Wheaton chapter of the American Inns of Court and a fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA). Paul E. “Trip” Swain III is actively engaged in numerous civic organizations, including the Rotary Club of Tulsa, and he serves as chairman of the board of Heritage Family Services Adoption Agency. Mr. Swain is a past chairman and board member of the Ronald McDonald Charities of Tulsa and currently is a member of the Ronald McDonald Charities Advisory Board. He is also a member of the board of deacons of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa.

Scott R. Helton

Estate Planning Attorney

Scott is a business and estate planning attorney with 20 years of experience assisting clients in the Northeastern Oklahoma area. Scott practices in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and general business transactional matters, complex estate planning, probates, trust administration and litigation, and real estate title and transaction matters. Scott enjoys advising business owners and their families on many important areas of the law including asset protection, business succession planning, buy/sell agreements, shareholder agreements, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters and compliance issues.

When he’s not in the office working for his clients, Scott loves to enjoy the outdoors and exploring grand open places. Scott, his wife Carrie, and their three children have hiked and camped in twenty-three National Parks around the country and try to add one or two more each year. 

Corporate Practice: 

  • Startups
  • Limited liability company and corporation organizations
  • Bylaws
  • Operating Agreements
  • Stock Purchase Agreements
  • Asset Purchase Agreements
  • Dissolutions
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Non-compete / Non-solicitation Agreements
  • Real Estate Transactions
  • Title Issues
  • Homeowner and Condo Associations
  • Material men’s Liens

Safeguarding Your Legacy: The Invaluable Benefits of a Top-Tier Estate Planning Attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Nestled along the Arkansas River, Tulsa, Oklahoma, pulsates with energy. Home to a rich cultural heritage, a booming art scene, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Tulsa offers a dynamic environment to build a life and accumulate assets. However, without proper planning, your legacy can be vulnerable. This is where the best estate planning attorneys in Tulsa step in, ensuring your wishes are documented, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. This comprehensive guide delves into the invaluable benefits of having a skilled legal professional by your side, safeguarding your future and providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Understanding Oklahoma Estate Planning Laws: Charting the Course for Your Legacy

Oklahoma adheres to intestacy laws, which dictate how your assets will be distributed if you die without a will. These laws may not align with your wishes, potentially causing unintended consequences for your loved ones. Estate planning empowers you to take control, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your desires and minimizing potential legal and financial burdens for your beneficiaries. Here’s how the best estate planning attorneys in Tulsa become your trusted guide:

  • Understanding Your Options: Estate planning goes beyond just a will. A skilled attorney explains various legal tools at your disposal, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills. They help you choose the instruments that best suit your unique family situation and financial goals.
  • Crafting a Tailored Estate Plan: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in estate planning. A top-tier attorney takes the time to understand your assets, your family dynamics, and your wishes for the future. They then craft a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your specific needs and objectives.
  • Minimizing Taxes and Protecting Assets: Estate planning strategies can help you minimize estate taxes and maximize the value of your assets passed on to your beneficiaries. A lawyer explores various tax-saving strategies and implements them within your estate plan, ensuring your legacy isn’t diminished by unnecessary taxes.
  • Protecting Your Incapacitated Loved Ones: Life can be unpredictable. An estate plan can include legal documents like powers of attorney and living wills, which designate trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This safeguards your loved ones from unnecessary stress during a difficult time.
  • Avoiding Probate: Probate is a court process for distributing assets after someone passes away. It can be time-consuming, expensive, and public. A well-structured estate plan with instruments like living trusts can help you avoid probate, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of assets to your beneficiaries.

Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Estate Planning Attorney in Tulsa

Not all estate planning attorneys are created equal. Here are the key qualities to consider when selecting the best advocate for your future in Tulsa:

  • Extensive Experience in Oklahoma Estate Planning: Oklahoma has specific estate planning laws and tax regulations. A lawyer with a proven track record of handling estate planning cases in Tulsa understands the local legal landscape and can ensure your plan adheres to all relevant state statutes.
  • Compassion and Understanding: Estate planning can involve sensitive family dynamics. Your attorney should approach these conversations with empathy and understanding, creating a comfortable environment for open communication.
  • Effective Communication and Accessibility: Clarity is crucial. A top-tier attorney explains complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner. They keep you informed throughout the process, answer your questions promptly, and address your concerns with patience and respect.
  • Client-Centered Approach: The best estate planning attorneys prioritize understanding your unique goals, values, and family situation. They work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized estate plan that reflects your wishes and provides peace of mind.
  • Competitive Fees and Transparent Billing Practices: Estate planning fees can vary. Discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial circumstances.

Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Tulsa

  • Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have completed estate planning and inquire about their lawyers.
  • Oklahoma Bar Association: Contact the Oklahoma Bar Association for referrals to qualified estate planning attorneys in Tulsa.
  • Tulsa County Bar Association: The Tulsa County Bar Association can also offer referral services for legal representation in Tulsa.
  • Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for estate planning attorneys in Tulsa based on location, experience, client reviews, and areas of expertise in estate planning law.

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