Best Probate Lawyers Lawton, OK

The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lawton, Oklahoma is (580) 581-3272.

You can get a copy of police reports in Lawton by reaching the Records Section of the Lawton City Police Department at 10 South West 4th Street, Lawton, OK 7350. The Lawton Police Department's records division is accessible Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The probate procedure in Lawton usually takes six to 10 months on average. However, when there are disputes between heirs, probate cases can drag on for more than a year. Having the support of a probate lawyer who is knowledgeable about the nuances of the law can be beneficial to the administrators or representatives.

The cost of an hourly probate attorney in Lawton, Oklahoma, can range from $150 to $300, and the projected cost of a basic or simple estate can be as low as $2,500. Attorneys who handle probate cases may bill by the hour. The complexity of the case or whether there may be disputes between the heirs can affect rates.

Executors or personal representatives in Lawton have different duties, such as requesting probate, managing the decedent's assets, distributing properties to heirs, paying off debts, and informing creditors of the decedent's passing. They are bound by a fiduciary responsibility to manage the estate's assets in the decedent's best interests and are forbidden from acting in their own interest or using estate assets for their own gain.

The assets of a deceased person in Lawton are distributed in line with instructions in a will or in some other manner. If the decedent did not make a will, the assets will be distributed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by Oklahoma state law. The executor or appointed administrator may seek the legal counsel and assistance of a probate attorney.

Yes, probate in Lawton can be avoided if people make all of the decisions in advance with a revocable living trust-centered estate plan or a transfer on death (TOD) declaration. By using a TOD designation, one may skip the probate process and transfer ownership of specific assets, like bank accounts or shares, to a chosen beneficiary after death.