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On June 28, 2013, M. Joe Crosthwait, Jr., was chosen by the Oklahoma County Bar Association as the recipient of the 2013 Bobby G. Knapp Leadership Award. The Bobby G. Knapp Leadership Award is awarded for sustained and effective leadership in the Oklahoma County Bar Association, distinguished by stewardship and professionalism reflecting the highest values… Read More »

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 »

Lawsuits challenging the validity of wills and trusts based on undue influence have become increasingly more common. In many, if not most cases, the persons alleged to be exerting the influence are family members or trusted others who use their position to unduly influence the elder for their own greed or financial gain. In a… Read More »

M. Joe Crosthwait, Jr., has been chosen to serve on the Professional Responsibility Tribunal of the Oklahoma Bar Association. The Professional Responsibility Tribunal is a panel of Masters whose function is to conduct hearings on formal complaints filed against lawyers and on applications for reinstatement to the practice of law in the State of Oklahoma. You… Read More »

On June 22, 2012, M. Joe Crosthwait, Jr., a long time volunteer for the organization, was overwhelmingly recommended for immediate election to the 2012 Oklahoma Lawyers for Children Board of Directors. Oklahoma Lawyers for Children is the only 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in Oklahoma dedicated to providing legal services to abused, neglected and deprived children in Oklahoma County…. Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

On April 20, 2010, in a ceremony in the courtroom of the United States Supreme Court, M. Joe Crosthwait, Jr., was admitted to practice before that court. You can learn more about the United States Supreme Court by visiting their site here: Supreme Court of the United States

Midwest City attorney M. Joe Crosthwait, Jr., has been elected as a member of the American Law Institute, the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize and, otherwise, improve the law. The organization is made up of about 4,000 lawyers, judges and law professors of the highest qualifications and… Read More »