Barrett Legacy Estate Solutions

05/28/2026

Studies estimate that 70 percent of family wealth is lost by the end of the second generation and 90 percent by the end of the third generation. To help your loved ones avoid becoming part of this statistic, it is important to educate and update your extended family about your wealth transfer goals and the plan you have put in place to achieve these goals.

You should consider communicating the following information to your family to ensure that your loved ones understand and will be prepared to carry out your wishes during a difficult time:

✅ A net worth statement or, at a minimum, a broad overview of your wealth.

✅ Your final wishes for burial or cremation and memorial services.

✅ Estate planning documents such as a durable financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, revocable living trust, last will and testament, and irrevocable life insurance trust.

✅ Who you have chosen to make decisions if you die or are incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions while living, including the successor trustees and agents named in your documents.

✅ Your goals and intentions for inheritances: what the money is and is not to be used for.

✅ How to access your digital assets.

✅ Your key advisors and their contact information: estate planning attorney, financial advisor, certified public accountant, insurance agent, spiritual advisor, etc.

We can assist you with determining your wealth transfer goals, creating a plan to achieve these goals, and effectively communicating this information to your loved ones.

You can reach us at (405) 928- 4075.

Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Litigation, Medicaid, and Veteran’s benefits in Norman, Oklahoma

05/27/2026

Most people understand that having some form of an estate plan is a wise step. Still, many of us put it off because we do not always grasp what happens if we pass away without one. Dying without a will or trust is called intestacy, and the consequences can be more complicated than many realize.

If you die intestate, most or all of your property will likely go through probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring your assets after death. That means what you owned, what you owed, and who inherits what can all become public record. Your mortgage lender, car loan company, and credit card providers will line up to collect any balances owed at the time of your passing. Once those debts are handled, state law takes over and decides who receives your assets and when.

For example, if your only heirs are your two children and you have not left instructions, state law will divide everything equally. If one or both children are under eighteen, the court will appoint a conservator to manage the funds until they come of age. That conservator can charge significant fees and could even be a stranger. At eighteen, your child would suddenly gain full control of the inheritance, regardless of whether they are mature enough to handle it. On top of that, if you die without a valid will, the court will decide who becomes guardian to raise your minor child. That is not a choice most parents want to leave to a judge.

There is an alternative. A properly funded trust can keep your estate out of probate. Property titled in the trust is managed according to your instructions by the trustee you name. This person follows the plan you put in place, ensuring your wishes are honored and your children are provided for at the right time and in the right way. While you still need a will to cover any assets not included in the trust and to appoint guardians for minor children, the trust gives you far greater control and privacy.

The bottom line is simple. With a trust, you keep decision-making in your hands, not the court’s. You can protect your children, avoid unnecessary costs, and create a clear path for your legacy. Take the first step today.

Call us at (405) 928-4075 to discuss how we can help you build a plan that gives peace of mind now and security for the future.

05/21/2026

If you have overheard any estate planning discussions, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee.” Although there is no substitute for you as a parent, a guardian is someone who steps in when you pass away to assume your parental role and raise your minor child through legal adulthood. Conversely, a trustee manages the financial legacy you leave behind for your minor child. As a parent, you need to consider the skills and characteristics each role requires to ensure that you nominate the right people for the benefit of your child and their inheritance.

Who Makes a Good Guardian?

When choosing a guardian, the top consideration is who will love and raise your child like you would. Keep in mind the potential guardian’s religious beliefs, parenting style, interest in extracurricular activities, energy level, and whether they have children. You may want to consider where the individual lives and whether they have the capacity to provide daily love, care, and support for your child.

Who Makes a Good Trustee?

While the guardian you choose may be great at caring for your children, they may not be great at managing money. Not surprisingly, when choosing a trustee, the most important characteristic is that they manage finances well.

However, they often do not need specialized knowledge or training. This individual can seek assistance from financial professionals should the need arise. The trustee must be able to manage the funds in accordance with your intent and pursuant to the trust’s instructions.

Consider whether your potential trustee will agree and comply with the way you have structured the payout plan for your child’s inheritance (for example, giving your child a portion of their inheritance at different ages). If they do not agree with your wishes, it may be difficult for them to enforce them. Likewise, if you want to give your successor trustee discretion in managing funds and distributing inheritances rather than setting forth ages at which distributions are to be made, you should ensure that your trustee will use their discretion in alignment with your intent.

Should They Be Different People or the Same?
Whether you select the same person to act as guardian for your minor child and trustee for your child’s inheritance will likely be based on the ability and capacity of the specific person. Some people may have the skills required to manage both roles effectively, which can simplify certain aspects of the process.

On the other hand, not every person can do both jobs. With two different people serving in these roles, you can ensure that you have the right person for each job if one person is not ideal for both. Also, some individuals choose to designate a guardian from one spouse’s family and a trustee from the other spouse’s family to establish a system of checks and balances. This approach ensures that both sides of the child’s family are equally involved and each individual remains accountable.

While the estate planning process can be daunting, it does not have to be. We can explain your options and help you determine the best plan that will follow your wishes while meeting your family’s needs. You can reach us at (405) 928-4075.

05/19/2026

What Is Charitable Planning—And Why It Matters for Your Legacy

Many people give generously during their lifetime—whether it’s to their place of worship, alma mater, or a cause close to their heart. But few realize that their giving doesn’t have to stop when they’re gone. With the right planning, you can continue supporting the people and organizations you care about long after your lifetime. That’s where charitable planning comes in.

What Is Charitable Planning?
Charitable planning is the process of strategically organizing your giving so that it supports the causes you believe in and maximizes the benefits for both you and the charity. Done well, it’s more than a financial strategy—it’s a way to write your legacy and ensure your values live on.

At Barrett Legacy Estate Solutions, we believe charitable planning is not just about tax deductions or financial tools. It’s about crafting what we call your moral biography your moral vision grounded in self-understanding. When you know the story you want your life to tell, charitable planning becomes one of the most powerful ways to carry that vision forward.

Why Charitable Planning Matters.
Without a plan, even the most generous intentions may not reach their full potential. Charitable estate planning allows you to:

• Ensure your values endure – Your giving continues in alignment with your beliefs and priorities.

• Create a lasting impact – Strategic planning can multiply the effect of your generosity.

• Provide clarity for your family – Loved ones are guided by your clearly expressed wishes.

Maximize benefits – With the right legal strategies, you may reduce taxes, increase what you leave behind, and create win-win solutions for your family and the organizations you support.

How We Help You Build Your Charitable Legacy
At Barrett Legacy Estate Solutions, we guide you through a reflective and practical process:

• Discernment – We help you uncover the “why” behind your giving, grounding it in your deepest values.

• Innovative Legal Strategies – From charitable trusts to foundations, we design custom strategies to maximize your impact.

• Educating the Next Generation – We help instill your charitable vision in your heirs, so generosity becomes part of your family’s legacy.

Take the First Step

Charitable planning is not just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants their story of generosity to live on. Whether you dream of supporting a local nonprofit, funding medical research, or passing on the value of giving to your children, we can help you make it happen.
Your legacy deserves to be more than numbers on a page. It deserves to reflect the life you lived and the values you stood for.

Call Barrett Legacy Estate Solutions today to begin writing your moral biography and creating a charitable plan that carries your legacy forward.

05/14/2026

When starting your estate planning, your attorney will likely begin by asking questions about your family, property, and accounts. But estate planning isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s an opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy for your loved ones. Beyond money and property, what values, memories, or lessons do you want to pass on? Here are some questions to help you think about what matters most:

1.What has been your greatest success? What has been your greatest regret?

Sharing both your triumphs and setbacks can offer valuable insights. Successes inspire, while failures can teach your loved ones how to avoid similar mistakes. Consider recording these thoughts in a letter or video for a personal touch.

2. What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?

Passing on the lessons you've learned in life can give your loved ones a head start, preparing them for challenges you may not be around to guide them through. Sharing personal stories or photos can make these lessons even more impactful.

3. How do you want your loved ones to remember you?

Reflect on the memories you want to create with your family—whether it’s annual vacations, family dinners, or traditions. These rituals will become cherished memories, helping your loved ones remember you fondly.

4. What kind of future do you want for your loved ones?

Estate planning isn’t just about assets; it’s about ensuring your loved ones have the resources to pursue their dreams. Whether it’s funding education, supporting charitable causes, or creating experiences, a well-thought-out estate plan can help shape their future.

Estate planning allows you to share your life’s story, values, and dreams for your loved ones' futures. It’s not just about distributing wealth—it’s about creating a lasting legacy filled with love, wisdom, and the resources to live the life you envision for them. Take the time to craft an estate plan that reflects the life you’ve built and the legacy you want to leave behind.

If you're ready to start your estate planning journey or need assistance, we're here to help. Contact our office at (405) 928-4075 to begin creating a plan that truly reflects your legacy.

05/12/2026

Because your estate plan relies on people you trust, it is important to think not only about your own future but also about theirs. What happens if the person you appointed to make decisions on your behalf cannot, or will not, do the job? That is where having backup decision-makers becomes essential.

An estate plan works only as well as the individuals you choose to carry it out.

These key roles often include:

● Personal Representative – The person responsible for administering your estate through probate after your passing.

● Trustee – The individual tasked with managing your trust’s money and property.

● Guardian – The person you legally entrust with the care of your minor children.

● Power of Attorney Agent – The person authorized to handle your medical or financial affairs if you become unable to do so yourself.

While naming your first choice is important, life has a way of changing plans. People move, grow older, face health issues, or simply decide they can no longer serve. Imagine naming a trustee who later struggles with their own financial problems, raising doubts about their ability to manage your trust responsibly. Or consider a guardian who encounters personal challenges that make them a poor fit to care for your children.

What if your chosen guardian passes away, becomes disabled, or asks to be relieved of the role? If you have not listed backups, the court may step in, and that can lead to outcomes you never intended.

This is why reviewing your estate plan regularly is so critical. Re-evaluate the people you have appointed, and update your documents to include at least two backups for every position. That way, if your first choice cannot serve, there is a clear path forward. Having trusted alternatives ensures that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and the courts do not have to make these deeply personal decisions for you.

The bottom line: a strong estate plan is not only about documents, but also about people. Take time to revisit your choices, refresh your plan, and give yourself peace of mind.

Call us today at (405) 928-4075 to discuss how we can help you build a plan that works no matter what life brings.

05/07/2026

Who is on your estate planning team, and what does your team actually do to support you and help you plan for the future? This team includes your estate planning attorney, financial advisor, accountant, and insurance agent. They work together to make sure that you are protected during your lifetime and that your loved ones and the causes you support are taken care of after your passing.

Your team makes sure your documents are properly executed. Your attorney is the trusted advisor tasked with making sure that your wishes are accurately and legally documented. We can also suggest additional safeguards for your plan if you are concerned about being taken advantage of, such as appointing a corporate trustee instead of a family member or friend, so you know there is proper oversight of your trust.

Your team scrutinizes changes made to your estate planning documents and beneficiary designations. Many changes can occur over the life of your financial and estate plan, and we want to make sure that any changes to your estate planning documents or beneficiary designations are free from an opportunistic loved one’s undue influence.

Because you are the client, as long as you are able to make decisions for yourself, we will listen to the changes you want to make. However, if you are unable to make decisions for yourself, we want to make sure that your documents are not changed.

Your estate planning team is here to protect you. As you enter your golden years, you can rest assured that you have a team of people watching out for you if you find yourself in a vulnerable position.

To learn about the ways in which I can help you protect your family's future as a member of this team, give me a call at (405) 928-4075 to schedule a consultation.

05/05/2026

If you have a revocable living trust, you probably named yourself as the initial trustee so you can continue to manage your financial affairs. Eventually someone else will need to step in when you are no longer able to act due to incapacity or after your death.

Your successor trustee plays an important role in the effective implementation of your estate plan. Some of their responsibilities will include making financial decisions, selling or refinancing property, paying bills, filing taxes, and distributing your accounts according to the instructions in your trust.

Who Can Be a Successor Trustee?

A successor trustee can be an adult child, family member, trusted friend, or professional or corporate trustee. If you choose an individual, you should name multiple back-ups in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act.

What You Need to Know:

• Your successor trustee should be someone you know and trust, whose judgment you respect, and who will also respect your wishes.

• Consider the qualifications of your candidates, including personalities, financial or business experience, and time available. Being a trustee can take a substantial amount of time and requires a certain amount of business sense.

• Be sure to ask the people you are considering if they would want this responsibility. Do not just assume they want to take on this role.

• Trustees should be paid for their work - your trust document should provide for fair and reasonable compensation.

Rest assured, I can help you select, educate, and advise your successor trustees. You are not alone. Give me a call today at (405) 928-4075 to schedule an appointment.

04/30/2026

How to Choose the Right Trustee for Your Estate Plan

Naming a trustee is one of the most important parts of creating a trust. This person or professional will manage your trust and make decisions on your behalf when you’re no longer able to. While hiring a professional trustee can be a smart choice, it’s important to make sure they’re truly prepared for the job. Here are some key things to look out for:

✅ Do They Have the Right Resources?
A professional title doesn’t always mean they’re equipped to manage your trust. Your trustee should have proper systems for recordkeeping and trust accounting. They must keep your trust funds in a separate account—not mixed with their own—and be able to provide clear records of all income, expenses, and distributions. They should also be able to handle tax filings and maintain detailed documentation for every action they take.

✅ Are They Accessible and Responsive?
Trustees should be available when needed—especially when the trust allows for distributions based on a beneficiary’s needs, like education, medical care, or daily ving expenses. If your trust includes complex terms, such as a special needs trust or provisions for a beneficiary in recovery, the trustee must be willing to learn about the situation and stay in regular contact.

✅ Do They Have a Succession Plan?
No one can serve forever. If your trust will last for many years—especially if it benefits young children—it’s essential that the trustee has a plan in place for someone to take over when they step down. Ask if they have a team or designated successor, and make sure your trust includes clear instructions in case a replacement is needed.

✅ Will They Work with Others?
In some cases, the trustee will need to collaborate with caregivers, advocates, or medical professionals—especially if your beneficiary is a minor or has special needs. Your trustee should be open to input and willing to maintain those important relationships to make the best decisions for your loved ones.

Choosing the right trustee gives you peace of mind and ensures your wishes are honored. If you’d like help making this decision—or if you’d like us to speak with your chosen trustee and explain their duties—we’re happy to assist.

Call us at (405) 928-4075.

04/28/2026

Here are three tips for protecting your finances as you age or those of you with an elderly parent or other relative:

1. Assemble Your Defenders.

This tip emphasizes choosing the right person – someone who is money-savvy, trustworthy, and ready to act in your best interest – to step in and manage your finances when you are not able. This is accomplished through naming an agent to act on your behalf in financial matters in a legal document called a Power of Attorney. While your spouse may be your first choice as agent, be sure to choose a younger alternate agent in case your spouse also becomes impaired.

2. Open Up Your Finances.

This tip emphasizes sharing your financial information with your agent so that he or she will be able to notice when things go awry. For example, you can set up email or text alerts with your financial institutions that notify both you and your agent when unusually large transactions take place. You should also give your doctor and financial advisor permission to contact your agent if they become concerned about your cognitive abilities.

3. Design a Money Blueprint.

This tip emphasizes putting together an “investment policy statement” (IPS) which spells out your financial goals over time, what types of investments you will hold, and how much of your portfolio should be allocated to safe and riskier assets. An IPS will not only help you keep your investments on track, but it will also help you resist sales pitches that fall outside of your plan.

We can help you set up a plan that will protect you, your family and your finances as you age.

To schedule an appointment with one of our estate planning attorneys, call us at (405) 928-4075

04/23/2026

Although estate planning may be the last thing on your mind when preparing for an international vacation, it is an important consideration. We encourage you to think about these 2 questions:

Question #1: What planning should I do if I am going to leave my minor child in the United States while I vacation abroad?

When leaving your minor child with a trusted person, the person must have the authority to fully care for your child while you are away. This includes seeking medical treatment, signing school permission slips, etc. Choosing a person to watch over your child does not automatically give that person the requisite authority to carry out their duties.

Most states have a legal document that you can complete to name someone as a temporary uardian of your minor child. It is important to remember that this document is only effective for a specific period of time (six months to one year, depending on your state’s law), so you may need to sign a new document before the current document expires.

It is also important to note that, although this document allows you to delegate the responsibility to care for your child, it does not mean that you are no longer able to care for your child — the person you choose is a backup.

Further, if you are going to be traveling, especially without your minor child, it is essential that you have proper estate planning documents and that they are up to date. A last will and testament is an important component of a comprehensive estate plan because this document can be used to nominate a guardian for your minor child at your death if the other legal parent is unable to care for the minor child.

Question #2: What items might I have missed that I should add to my to-do list in preparation for my trip?

In addition to the typical tasks you may do before your trip such as stopping the mail delivery and adjusting your home’s thermostat, you should be sure to take care of the following:

• Meet with an experienced estate planning attorney to create an estate plan or update an existing estate plan

• Legally appoint someone to handle your financial matters while you are away

•Research how to name a medical decision maker in the country you will be visiting if you will stay in that location for a significant period

• Contact your health insurance company to see if they will cover you while you are traveling in another country

• Research and decide whether travela insurance is necessary or advisable for your trip

• Review any existing life insurance policies to make sure that the beneficiaries are properly named and that the activities you take part in during your trip (i.e., bungee jumping, rock climbing) will not void coverage

• Apply for or renew your and your child’s passport

• Have the proper documentation prepared o legally give someone the ability to make decisions for your child while you are away

Are you planning an international excursion and would like some advice on these matters? We are here to help! You can reach us at (405) 928-4075.