Category Archives: Aaron M. Arnall
Estate Planning and the Special Needs Trust
A Special Needs Trust is a specific trust which ensures that a beneficiary remains eligible for Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and other government benefits. It also provides for distributions for medical care not covered by Medicaid as well as other enhancements to the beneficiary’s quality of life. Your will should provide your Personal Representative the… Read More »
Who Should Serve as Trustee of My Trust?
If those you have chosen as Trustee lack the ability or knowledge to implement your directions, then regardless of how well prepared your estate planning documents are, especially your trusts, your estate planning goals may fail. The following are some things to think about when you choose a Trustee: (1) Does your prospective Trustee have… Read More »
Divorces Involving Minor Children After November 1, 2014
Beginning November 1, 2014, 43 O.S. 107.2, was amended to include a requirement that any “actions for divorce based upon incompatibility filed on or after November 1, 2014, where the interest of a child under eighteen (18) years of age is involved, the adult parties shall attend, either separately or together, an educational program concerning… Read More »
I’ve Been Appointed Guardian, Now What?
If you’ve been appointed guardian over a relative or other loved one, or you think that it may happen soon, please be aware that being appointed as a guardian brings with it many responsibilities and duties. The precise nature of your duties as guardian will be determined by the Judge and by Oklahoma law. You… Read More »
Questions About Oklahoma Covenant Marriage Bill
THE FOLLOWING IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE CROSTHWAIT LAW FIRM, ITS ATTORNEYS, OR ITS STAFF, REGARDING THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION. The Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 105, which would legalize “covenant marriage” in Oklahoma. The Bill’s proponent, Senator Josh Brecheen (R-Coalgate), cites… Read More »
Where Can I Go to Calculate Child Support in Oklahoma?
Generally speaking, child support in Oklahoma is calculated based upon the gross income of the parents of the children. There are many sources of income that can be included in the gross income, including what is called “Earned Income” and “Passive Income”. The Oklahoma legislature has defined both “Earned” and “Passive” Income in the statutes… Read More »
What Does It Take to Be a Guardian in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Administrative Office of the Courts has provided the following excellent resource, free of charge: A Handbook for Guardians (click link to download). This handbook provides general information about the laws and procedures concerning guardianship and conservatorships. Guardians have many duties, and this handbook sets them out in plain, easy-to-understand language. Before or after reviewing… Read More »
Changes Coming to Oklahoma’s Nontestamentary Transfer of Property Act (Transfer on Death Deeds)
Oklahoma probate law allows a person who owns an interest real estate to transfer the interest at the time of their death, without the need for probate. This is an excellent way for a person with a relatively small or simple estate to transfer a home, some land or even mineral interests to a friend or… Read More »
Aaron M. Arnall Joins The Crosthwait Law Firm
The Crosthwait Law Firm, announces that, effective May, 2008, Aaron M. Arnall has joined the firm as an attorney. Mr. Arnall received his B.A. cum laude from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2004, and his Juris Doctor from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2007. Mr. Arnall’s practice focuses primarily on family law, including… Read More »