Oklahoma Guide
What to do when someone dies in Oklahoma.
A step-by-step guide for families navigating death administration in Oklahoma. Covers death certificates, cremation rules, probate, and average costs.
First 24 Hours in Oklahoma
Getting a Death Certificate in Oklahoma
How many do you need? Plan to order at least 10–12 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retirement accounts, and courts. It is much cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later.
Oklahoma Legal Requirements
Oklahoma has a very high small estate threshold of $200,000 for simplified affidavit procedures.
Average Funeral Costs in Oklahoma
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates do I need in Oklahoma?
Plan for at least 10–12 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, government agency, and court requires its own original certified copy. It costs $15 per copy per copy from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
How long does probate take in Oklahoma?
Straightforward probate in Oklahoma typically takes 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes or significant assets can take 2–3 years. Estates under $200,000 may qualify for a simplified process.
How soon can cremation happen in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma requires a 24 hours waiting period before cremation. All paperwork must be completed and signed by the authorized next-of-kin before cremation can proceed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Oklahoma?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate") in Oklahoma, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally assets pass to the spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a specific legal order determined by the probate court.