When a person dies without a will, Oklahoma inheritance laws determine how that person's estate will be distributed.

Under Oklahoma law, a surviving spouse receives half of the estate and the rest goes to any surviving children in equal shares. In addition, a deceased spouse's parents will inherit their share of the intestate estate.

Oklahoma inheritance laws


When someone dies without a will, the state of Oklahoma applies its strict laws of intestacy to determine what happens with their property. The laws of inheritance in Oklahoma are designed to ensure that a decedent’s closest relatives inherit their estate, whether it is a spouse, children, parents, or siblings.

If the decedent is married, their surviving spouse will receive half of their property, with any children receiving the other half. In addition, their parents will inherit a portion of the decedent’s estate if they are unmarried and have no shared children.

In many situations, these rules of inheritance are not interpreted in the most beneficial way. In some cases, a surviving spouse may only receive a fraction of the property.

If you have questions about how to plan your estate and inheritance, you should seek the help of an experienced Oklahoma estate attorney. An advisor can help you understand how these laws apply in your situation and determine which legal options will be best for you.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Oklahoma?


If you die without a will in Oklahoma, your property will be distributed according to state law. Known as intestate succession, these laws ensure that your closest relatives will inherit the bulk of your estate.

Regardless of how you want to distribute your estate, it is important to create an effective plan to protect your wishes. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating a will or trust.

Probate is a court-supervised process that takes control of an estate and proceeds to assess its value, pay creditors and distribute the assets to heirs or legatees. This process may be avoided in certain circumstances by establishing a revocable living trust.

If you are concerned about what happens to your property if you pass away without a will, it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss how to best plan for the future. Our Oklahoma City probate attorneys can help you determine the best way to transfer your property while ensuring that it is inherited according to your wishes.

What are the top reasons to have a will?


A will is a legal document that allows you to specify how you want your property distributed upon your death. It can be as specific or as general as you like.

If you die intestate (without a will), state laws will determine who gets your property and who takes care of your minor children. This can be very complicated and costly for your loved ones, so make sure you have a will to avoid these issues.

Another great reason to have a will is that it can help you make charitable contributions. Giving money to charity can reduce your estate taxes and make a real difference in the lives of people you care about.

Finally, a will can also allow you to nominate a guardian for your children in the event that you die before they reach adulthood. This could save your children from having to go through a court-appointed guardian. It can also ensure that your kids are taken care of by someone you know and trust.

Oklahoma Will & Trust.


A Will is a legal document that allows you to name who receives your property upon your death. It also lets you name someone to manage your assets if you become incapacitated, such as an executor or attorney-in-fact.

Wills are usually signed by you in front of two witnesses. You can also write a holographic will that does not require witnesses and is written entirely in your handwriting.

The process is very technical, and any error can invalidate a will. In addition, a will must be executed by you and not under duress, undue influence or fraud.

A Living Trust is another way to leave your estate without having to go through a probate process (which can take months to complete). However, Oklahoma does not adopt the Uniform Probate Code so its process is not as streamlined as other states.