Wednesday, August 31, 2022
I don’t care about estate planning #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: I don’t care about estate planning #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
The state planning is about the now #shorts 
Watch on YouTube here: The state planning is about the now #shorts 
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Monday, August 29, 2022
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Estate planning questionnaire #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Estate planning questionnaire #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
I was supposed to get an heritance #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: I was supposed to get an heritance #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Friday, August 26, 2022
Life insurance proceeds to a Minor Child #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Life insurance proceeds to a Minor Child #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Inheritance with substance abuse #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Inheritance with substance abuse #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Asset protection with a Trust??? #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Asset protection with a Trust??? #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Asset appraisal during probate #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Asset appraisal during probate #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Cars into revocable trust. Yes or no? #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Cars into revocable trust. Yes or no? #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Monday, August 22, 2022
Cortes Law Firm: What You Need To Know About Health Care Power of Attorney
Cortes Law Firm, an Oklahoma City based law firm, would like to talk about health care power of attorney and how it allows an individual to designate who will take care of their health and healthcare decisions, should they become incapacitated. Deciding who holds power of attorney before it becomes necessary is crucial since the injured party may not be in the ideal state of mind to make a sound decision. As such, a proactive approach can ensure the party in question can maintain total control over their future wellbeing.
“Health Care Power of Attorneys (HCPOAs) may be used to give an agent the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable or unwilling to make those decisions yourself,” says Cortes Law Firm. “The HCPOA is often called ‘proxy directives’ because they allow someone else (your ‘agent’ or ‘health care proxy’) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf in a manner that's very similar to how a durable power of attorney designates a person who can manage your financial affairs when you cannot. A HCPOA must comply with specific requirements under State law in order to be valid and binding. Health Care Power of Attorneys may be made effective only under certain conditions, such as when you are in an irreversible coma from which recovery is unlikely.”
Health care power of attorney becomes useful in situations where family members are unable to make important healthcare decisions or do not agree about what they believe the patient’s wishes would have been regarding a particular treatment option. HCPOA gives the designated person a great deal of flexibility to decide how best to proceed with medical treatment based on available information and their own understanding of the patient’s wishes. Cortes Law Firm recommends choosing an individual who can hold this responsibility before it becomes necessary. This will allow the ‘patient’ to communicate their wishes and give the other party a better understanding of what the patient would prefer in the event they are unable to voice their opinion.
Cortes Law Firm is a probate attorney and estate planning attorney that actively seeks to build a deep understanding of the unique needs of each client. They take the time to develop strong relationships with their clients, sitting down to discuss their goals and long-term objectives along with their concerns. They take pride in providing clients with personalized representation and make it their goal to deliver the best service as either estate planning attorneys or probate attorneys. A number of clients have left excellent reviews of the firm as a result, with high praise expressed regarding the personal touch they are able to provide in every consultation and interaction.
One client says in a glowing review, “Stephen Cortes welcomed me in his office for our initial consultation with honesty and optimism for what we could achieve with our situation. I had a few other consultations scheduled after his, but I knew after our talks he was the one I wanted to represent our side. It has been very pleasant and humbling to have someone dedicated to the individual needs and our group as a whole during the process. I could not be happier with the service Mr. Cortes provided, and the most important thing: availability. Thank you, Stephen, for everything!”
Another client shares that, “I came from out of state and had no idea what I was walking into when my brother passed without a will. My cousin did a quick search online and called the top 5. After hearing the situation, 4 of the 5 said that it would cost a minimum of $3,000 and tried to schedule a meeting. Steve was the only one who personally listened to the situation and didn't ask for a check, but a meeting. I was extremely satisfied with the results of our meeting. We discussed my situation thoroughly, and it cost nothing. In the end, there's always a cost, and I will gladly continue to use Steve because of his integrity, and he has earned my trust.”
For more information on Health Care Power of Attorney, visit the Cortes Law Firm’s website. Given the complexity of the legal processes involved, the firm strongly advises anyone who finds themselves in this position to contact their team immediately.
https://youtu.be/dS2PwQEcNj8
Source: Cortes Law Firm: What You Need To Know About Health Care Power of Attorney
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Just start to reach your goals #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Just start to reach your goals #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Friday, August 19, 2022
Sal house to pay off estate debt #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Sal house to pay off estate debt #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Joint tenancy is not an inheritance #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Joint tenancy is not an inheritance #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Assets listed in a last will and testament #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Assets listed in a last will and testament #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Fighting over personal items in probate #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Fighting over personal items in probate #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Monday, August 15, 2022
Oklahoma City Law Firm Discusses the Important Aspects that Define a Durable Power Of Attorney
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma’s Cortes Law Firm has established a reputation for being able to help families and individuals with top-notch legal representation. The firm specializes in such legal areas as estate planning, wills, trusts, and has a strong name in their area when it comes to probate matters and litigation. They are also a law firm that likes to help keep people informed of different aspects estate planning. A good example of this is the blog that is posted on their website that discusses the important aspects that define a Durable Power of Attorney. The firm's lead attorney and founder, Steve Cortes, says, “A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to designate who will care for your finances if you become incapacitated. That makes it a very important part of a Revocable Trust Centered Estate Plan.” It is also the next important document after Pour Over Last Will in a Revocable Living Trust Centered Estate Plan.
In this blog that was posted on Jul 4, 2022, to the Cortes Law Firm website it started out by reaffirming Attorney Cortes’ statement that a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) grants an agent or ‘attorney-in-fact’ the power to manage assets outside a trust during incapacity. It’s a legal document that under Oklahoma law that gives an agent power to do something for or on behalf of another person, the ‘principal’, who grants them power in the event of their incapacity. The blog post also stated that DPOA’s differ from state to state and that’s why it’s important to have them drawn up by an attorney that knows Oklahoma probate law such as those at the Cortes Law Firm. It also talked about how these documents usually kick in in the event of a person’s illness or disability. That’s why it’s often referred to as a power of attorney that lasts even if someone loses their capacity to make sound estate decisions. The article stated that this document needs to be in writing, must be signed by the person granting power, and should always be properly notarized. It also helps if these actions are witnessed or verified. The special wording in the document is what gives a power of attorney ‘durability’ and they end either by revocation of the principal while he or she still has legal capacity, or the death of either party. This Cortes Law article can be seen in its entirety on the firm’s website.
Those who have obtained a Durable Power of Attorney or other probate assistance from the Cortes Law Firm often express in reviews being very satisfied with the legal advice and representation they have received. Kathy Padilla stated, “Thank you for the clear and direct communication and help in getting my affairs in order. This was a very pleasant experience and I have a peace of mind knowing that my estate will be directed exactly how I want it to be when that time comes!.” Jabbar Chaibainou expressed, “Mr. Cortes is a big hearted, a wonderful spirit. His promises are legally delivered. He would take time, listen to my case and if it's not winnable he wouldn't charge me. He is one the most unselfish lawyer I have ever known. May God bless him and his family.” Ishita Vest wrote, “Anything I say can't do justice to how great everyone at Cortes Law Firm is. I had a really good experience. I will recommend him to anyone that needs his services.” Also, Kevin C proclaimed, “Steve was just awesome and easy to work with! We got everything we were hoping for and made the process very easy. I can't thank him enough. I highly recommend him; he does a great job!” All 30 reviews that have been left on the Cortes Law Firm’s Google rate them a perfect 5 out of a possible 5-stars. Attorney Cortes also takes the time to personally reply to each review that is left on the firm’s GMB Listing.
https://youtu.be/3MfadjtC3dc
Those that would like more information on the probate legal services that the Cortes Law Firm offers can get that information by contacting them by phone or by referring to the firm’s website.
Source: Oklahoma City Law Firm Discusses the Important Aspects that Define a Durable Power Of Attorney
Sunday, August 14, 2022
Inheritance to minor children #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Inheritance to minor children #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Inheritance must be in writing #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Inheritance must be in writing #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Inheritance outside of Probate #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Inheritance outside of Probate #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Friday, August 12, 2022
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Consequences of Probate Fights #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Consequences of Probate Fights #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Revocable living trust centered estate plan #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Revocable living trust centered estate plan #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Monday, August 8, 2022
Joint tenancy inheritance mistakes #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Joint tenancy inheritance mistakes #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Sunday, August 7, 2022
How long does a Estate Plan take #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: How long does a Estate Plan take #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Saturday, August 6, 2022
Estate planning by joint tenancy #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Estate planning by joint tenancy #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Friday, August 5, 2022
Toughest decision estate plan #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Toughest decision estate plan #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Cortes Law Firm Explains ‘Pour Over Last Will’
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma based Cortes Law Firm is reaching out to the local community to explain what a ‘pour over last will’ is and why it is so important. Cortes Law Firm offers high quality estate planning and administration law services for the residents of Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas.
Cortes Law Firm founder Steve Cortes says, “A pour-over will is simply a formal term for a last will and testament when it is part of a client-centered estate plan created by a lawyer. Usually, the goal of having a revocable living trust is to put all of your assets in that Trust. However, a person will sometimes forget to title an asset in the name of the trust. It is not ideal, but when this happens the pour-over will with a probate proceeding transfers (pours) the asset into the Trust. The pour-over will also play a significant role for parents by naming guardians for minor children. These factors make pour-over wills a very important part of your estate planning.”
As Cortes explains, a pour-over will is a legal document that ensures an individual’s remaining assets will automatically transfer to a previously established trust upon their death. Pour-over wills work in conjunction with a trust. In general, trusts take assets that have been funded into them and distribute them among beneficiaries (as directed by the grantor). Pour-over wills cover assets that may not have been funded into the trust at the time of their death. Without explicit instructions provided by a will, remaining assets would be subject to laws of intestate succession, as established by the jurisdiction in which the individual died.
Pour-over wills can alleviate any issues that might arise during the execution of a living will. If any assets exist that a grantor has not added to the trust, whether by accident or on purpose, a pour-over will will ensure that they are distributed to the right beneficiaries. It can also provide extra protection against legal issues with a trust; in the event the trust becomes invalid or if it is unfunded, it can ensure that the assets intended for the trust will be distributed to the trust’s beneficiaries.
According to Cortes Law Firm, estate planning lawyers will help pair pour-over wills with living trusts. Smaller estates usually use revocable living trusts, which allow grantors to control the assets in the trust until they pass away. Larger estates sometimes use irrevocable trusts — where they cannot change or end the trust after its creation and the trust is fully under the control of the beneficiaries (to make life easier for beneficiaries). Pour-over wills work with either type of trust without any issues — and ensure that any assets not part of the trust can smoothly transfer to the beneficiaries.
Cortes says, “Estate planning and creating a last will and testament is a complex process, and it is understandable that you might not be able to take care of it all on your own. Cortes Law Firm is here for you. We can help you plan your estate properly, and set up a pour-over will for you so that your beneficiaries can get all the assets that are due to them.”
The services provided by Cortes Law Firm have earned them an excellent reputation among their clients. Cathy Padilla writes in their 5-Star Google review, “Thank you for the clear and direct communication and help in getting my affairs in order. This was a very pleasant experience, and I have peace of mind knowing that my estate will be directed exactly how I want it to be when that time comes!”
Teresa T. also writes that the firm was, “Very professional, thorough and listened to our specific needs. I highly recommend Steve. I had been with a previous lawyer who just happened to be in court before ours. They had to reschedule, and when my probate case was called and Steve went up to the judge, the judge said, “I don’t have to worry about you, you have your i’s dotted and t’s crossed.” That was reassuring and true.”
https://youtu.be/1j-m7RnMqiA
Those who want to learn more about Cortes Law Firm or the range of legal services they provide may visit the law firm’s website. Steve Cortes encourages interested parties to get in touch with his office via phone or email. Social media users can find Cortes Law Firm on a number of platforms as well.
Source: Cortes Law Firm Explains ‘Pour Over Last Will’
Monday, August 1, 2022
Real estate in different states #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Real estate in different states #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm
Adding children as joint tenants to save on estate planning #shorts
Watch on YouTube here: Adding children as joint tenants to save on estate planning #shorts
Originally published by Cortes Law Firm