If you die without a Will or Trust, Oklahoma’s intestacy laws decide how your estate is divided. This often leads to outcomes you would never choose.

Examples:
• A spouse may be forced to share the estate with children.
• Children from prior marriages may inherit differently than expected.
• Assets may be split in ways that cause tension or hardship..

Many people assume their spouse will receive 100% of the estate — but that is not how Oklahoma law works.

Without a Will or Trust, the surviving spouse must share with:
• Biological children
• Children from previous relationships
• Sometimes parents or siblings (if no children are present)

This can leave the surviving spouse in a financially unstable position.

Without a Will or Trust, your estate must go through probate — a public, lengthy, and costly court process.

Problems include:
• Delays of months or even years
• Court involvement in every decision
• Access to bank accounts and property is restricted
• Additional attorney and filing fees

When there is no estate plan, families are left to guess your intentions.

Common issues:
• Arguments between the surviving spouse and adult children
• Disputes over personal items or property
• Disagreements about who should manage the estate
• Long-term damage to family relationships

If you have minor children and no Will:
• You do not choose who raises them
• The court selects a guardian
• Family members may fight over custody

A Will gives you the ability to name trusted guardians.

Without planning:
• Estranged relatives may inherit
• Ex-spouses may still be listed as beneficiaries
• Assets may not go to the people you intended

Outdated beneficiary designations can override your wishes.

Without Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives:
• Loved ones cannot make medical decisions for you
• They cannot access accounts to pay bills
• End-of-life wishes may not be honored

These essential documents only exist within a proper estate plan.

Dying without a Will or Trust often leads to:
• Increased legal fees
• Probate costs
• Delayed access to funds needed for funeral or household expenses
• Additional emotional strain

Estate planning significantly reduces these burdens.

Probate is a public record. Anyone can see:
• What you owned
• What it was worth
• Who received it

A Trust keeps your affairs private and avoids court involvement.

 Without a Trust:
• Children may inherit large sums at age 18
• Disabled loved ones may lose benefits
• No protection exists if beneficiaries mishandle money

A Trust allows you to direct how and when assets are distributed.

 Not having a Will or Trust leaves families unprotected, confused, and vulnerable to Oklahoma laws that may not reflect your wishes. Proper estate planning ensures your desires are followed, your family is protected, and everything is handled with clarity and peace of mind.