Probate and Estate Planning Attorney Serving Norman and the OKC Metro
Compassionate probate and estate planning guidance across the OKC metro
Whether you've just lost someone and don't know what comes next, or you're ready to put a plan in place for your own family, we're here to walk you through it in plain language — no jargon, no unnecessary complexity.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPERIENCE
What Makes Kroier Law Different in Probate and Estate Matters
Before Eric and Aron Kroier became attorneys, they were licensed funeral directors. That's not a detail we bring up for effect — it genuinely shapes how we work with families going through loss. We've sat with people in the hardest moments of their lives, and we know that what families need in those moments isn't complexity. It's clarity.
That experience carries real practical weight too. Eric has used his contacts from the funeral home industry to help a client locate their deceased parent during a probate dispute — the kind of thing that only happens when your attorney has roots outside the courtroom.
The other thing worth knowing: most probate and estate planning firms don't also handle family law. We do. Estate disputes and family conflicts often travel together, and having attorneys who understand both sides of that means you won't get passed between firms if your situation gets complicated.
Probate and Estate Planning Services We Handle
Probate
Probate is the legal process of wrapping up a person's estate after they pass — paying debts, transferring assets, and resolving any disputes along the way. It can be straightforward, or it can get complicated fast, especially when family relationships are strained. We help executors and families move through the process with clear guidance and as little unnecessary delay as possible.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is how you make sure your wishes are carried out and your family isn't left guessing. It covers more than just a will — it's a set of decisions about what you want to happen to your assets, who makes decisions on your behalf if you can't, and how to minimize the burden on the people you leave behind. We walk clients through the options so they can make informed choices, not just check a box.
Wills
A will is the foundation of most estate plans. It names who gets what, who's in charge of carrying out your wishes, and if you have minor children, who you want to raise them. Without one, Oklahoma's intestacy laws decide those things for you. We help clients draft wills that are clear, legally sound, and actually reflect what they want.
Trusts
A trust can do things a will can't — it can help your estate avoid probate, protect assets for a minor or a beneficiary with special needs, and give you more control over how and when assets are distributed. Whether a trust makes sense for your situation depends on your goals, your assets, and your family. We'll help you understand the difference and decide what fits.
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney designates someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf — financial, medical, or both — if you're unable to make them yourself. It's one of the most important documents in any estate plan and one of the most commonly overlooked. We help clients understand the different types and put the right ones in place.
Who We Help in Probate and Estate Matters
Most of the people who call us for probate and estate help fall into one of a few categories:
- Executors and family members who've just lost someone and need to know what the legal process looks like and what they're responsible for
- Families working through a probate dispute — often one involving conflict between siblings, contested claims, or a will that's being challenged
- Adults who've been putting off estate planning and are finally ready to get something in place
- Parents who want to make sure their minor children are protected if something happens to them
- Anyone who's experienced a major life change — marriage, divorce, a new business, the birth of a child — and needs to update an existing plan
If you're not sure which of these describes your situation, that's fine. Call us and tell us where you are. We'll help you figure out what you need.
Common Questions About Probate and Estate Planning in Oklahoma
Do I need a probate attorney in Oklahoma?
Not every estate has to go through formal probate, and not every probate case requires an attorney. But the process involves legal filings, deadlines, creditor notifications, and asset transfers — and mistakes can create problems that are hard to fix later. If there's any real property, significant assets, debts, or family conflict involved, having an attorney is almost always worth it. Call us and we'll tell you honestly what your situation calls for.
How does probate work in Oklahoma?
When someone passes away, probate is the court-supervised process of settling their estate — validating the will if there is one, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts, and distributing what's left to the rightful heirs. In Oklahoma, the process typically takes several months at minimum, and longer if the estate is contested or complex. We explain exactly what's required at each stage so nothing catches you off guard.
What's the difference between a will and a trust in Oklahoma?
A will takes effect after you pass and goes through probate before assets are distributed. A trust can take effect during your lifetime, and assets held in a trust typically pass to beneficiaries without going through probate at all. Trusts offer more privacy, can be faster, and give you more control over how assets are distributed — but they also cost more to set up and require ongoing management. Whether one makes more sense than the other depends on your situation, and that's exactly what we help you think through.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma's intestacy laws take over and determine how the estate is distributed — typically to a surviving spouse and children, or to other relatives in a set order if no spouse or children exist. The result may or may not match what the person would have wanted. A will ensures your wishes are actually carried out, rather than leaving those decisions to a default legal formula.
Does Kroier Law handle estate planning near Norman, OK?
Yes. We work with clients throughout the OKC metro from our Norman office, including those in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Moore, and Midwest City. If you're ready to put a plan in place or need help with a probate matter, give us a call.
Take the First Step Today
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Whether you're in the middle of a probate matter or just ready to finally put a plan in place, the first step is a conversation. We'll listen, explain what the process looks like, and help you decide what to do next.
