There are nearly a quarter of a million Oklahoma children that reside with a step-parent.  This is a significant number of families that are blended.  Further, many times these parents will pass away and not provide a will.  Herein lies the problem.  Under Oklahoma intestate law, step-children do not receive any inheritance rights if an estate goes to intestacy.  This article will explain how to include children from blended families in your estate plan and ensure they receive an inheritance as well.

Oklahoma Step-Children Inheritance Laws

Because Oklahoma law does not designate any specific procedure to step-children inheritance, they may be left out of your estate.  You can see the relevant statutes under Title 84 §213.  So, if a step-parent or step-grandparent passes without a will, the children receive no share.  Fortunately, many step-parents want to include their children from blended families in their estate plans.  However, this must be in writing.

In many cases, people will create a last will and testament in order to delegate inheritance.  Legal last wills and testaments are not the only way to provide for step-children inheritance though.  You may also set up a trust with your step-children as beneficiaries.  In some cases you can designate certain items or property to your step-children through a holographic will.  However, these are not as reliable and can create some problems with authentication in court. Thus, having a solid estate plan will ensure your step-children inheritance.

MORE QUESTIONS ON PROBATE? SEE OUR ARTICLE ON ESATE PLANNING.

Tulsa County Estate Lawyers

Oklahoma’s inheritance laws appear simple, but can have many complications.  Don’t let your will fall to the wayside because of a simple error.  Our Estate planning Lawyers have years of experience creating wills and trusts.  We can help you ensure your all of your children inheritance is secure in your estate plan too.  To get a Free consultation with the Tulsa County Lawyers Group call us at 918-379-4864