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Other Key Documents in Your Estate Plan Package

Oklahoma estate planning attorneys helping you prepare Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and other key estate planning documents.  

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Other Key Estate Planning Documents

Estate planning is more than just drafting a Will or a Trust, it’s about creating a complete plan that safeguards your financial, medical, and personal decisions.  

With either a Will or a Trust as the cornerstone of your plan, a comprehensive estate plan should also include other key legal documents — such as a Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will), HIPAA Authorization, Pour-Over Will, and Affidavit of Disposition of Remains. Together, these documents ensure your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are supported when they need it most. 

At Ball Morse Lowe, our estate planning attorneys in Oklahoma take the time to understand your goals and guide you through every step with understanding and precision. We make the process approachable and transparent because every family, every story, and every future is different. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all planning, we believe in thoughtful guidance and customized solutions built around your unique circumstances, your priorities, and your peace of mind. 

Commonly Asked Questions About Estate Planning Documents in Oklahoma

What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to name someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This can include managing bank accounts, paying bills, signing documents, or handling property matters. It helps ensure that your affairs continue smoothly without the need for court intervention. 
What is a Health Care Power of Attorney? A Health Care Power of Attorney lets you appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself. This person can communicate with doctors, authorize treatments, and ensure your healthcare preferences are honored when you’re unable to do so personally. 
What is an Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will)? An Advance Directive, often called a Living Will, outlines your wishes for end-of-life care. It specifies whether you want to receive life-sustaining treatment or artificial nutrition and hydration. This document brings clarity and peace of mind to your loved ones, ensuring your choices guide these difficult decisions. 
What is a HIPAA Authorization? A HIPAA Authorization gives the individuals you name permission to access your medical records and speak with healthcare providers. Without it, even close family members may be restricted from receiving important information about your care. 
What is a Pour-Over Will? A Pour-Over Will is commonly used in trust-based estate plans. It names your trust as the beneficiary and ensures that any assets not already titled in your trust are transferred to it after your passing. This document acts as a safety net to make sure everything ends up where it belongs. 
What is an Affidavit of Disposition of Remains? An Affidavit of Disposition of Remains allows you to name someone who will carry out your wishes regarding burial or cremation. If you’ve made prearrangements, those can be documented here as well, offering clarity and comfort to your loved ones. 
How do I know which documents I need? Every person and family has unique needs, goals, and concerns. Our estate planning attorneys in Oklahoma take the time to understand your situation, walk you through each document, and explain how they work together. We’ll help you decide which documents best fit your circumstances, so your plan reflects your life and your wishes. 
Can I choose which documents I want in my plan? Yes. Every estate plan at Ball Morse Lowe is fully customizable. We’ll discuss your goals and help you determine which documents fit your needs, whether you’re building a plan from scratch or updating existing documents. Our goal is to make your estate plan truly your own. 
How much does it cost to prepare these documents? We offer flat-fee estate planning services, so you’ll know your total cost upfront, no hourly surprises or hidden fees. Your plan will be tailored to your situation, and our team will walk you through exactly what’s included before any work begins. Transparency is part of how we earn your trust and make planning easier to navigate. 
Does Guardianship override a Power of Attorney?

In most cases, yes — a court-ordered guardianship can override an existing Power of Attorney. 

A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to name someone you trust (your “agent”) to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. It’s designed to avoid the need for court involvement by giving your chosen person clear authority in advance. 

However, if a court later determines that a guardianship is necessary — for example, if questions arise about whether your agent is acting in your best interest, or if there’s no valid POA in place — the court-appointed guardian’s authority generally supersedes that of the agent under the POA. The guardian’s powers are defined and limited by the court order. 

This is why thoughtful estate planning is so important. By working with an experienced estate planning attorney, you can ensure your Power of Attorney is properly drafted, comprehensive, and durable, reducing the likelihood that a guardianship will ever be needed. 

Learn more about Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney. 
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Make Your Estate Plan Work for You

Our Oklahoma estate planning attorneys can help you finalize every detail, from your Will or Trust to the key legal documents that ensure your wishes are honored.
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Explore Estate Planning Resources

Explore our helpful blogs, practical guides, and in-depth articles to learn more about the essential documents that shape a comprehensive estate plan.

 

Learn More About Key Estate Planning Documents