05 Jan After the Holidays: Your Legal Checklist for 2026
The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away, and it’s time to turn the page to a new year. January is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make sure your legal and financial affairs are in order.
Whether you’re running a small business in Oklahoma, planning for your family’s future, or trying to simplify a loved one’s estate, a little organization now can bring peace of mind all year long.
At J. Miller Law Firm, we help Oklahomans protect what matters most — their families, their businesses, and their legacies. Here’s your post-holiday legal checklist to start 2026 right.
1) For Oklahoma Business Owners: Start the Year Strong
✅ Check your entity’s good standing
- Make sure your annual renewal date is on your calendar to renew your business with the Secretary of State for your LLC, Corporation, or Partnership. This is an annual filing requirement!
- Verify your registered agent and mailing address are current.
- Review your Operating Agreement or Bylaws to ensure ownership interests and management roles are up to date.
✅ Refresh your contracts and compliance
- Update client and vendor agreements for clear payment terms, renewal clauses, and dispute resolution.
- Review employment policies for compliance with Oklahoma and federal labor laws.
- Ensure non-disclosure and independent contractor agreements match your business’s needs for 2026.
✅ Revisit your business protection plan
- Review your liability, professional, and key person insurance policies.
- Confirm your Buy-Sell Agreement and succession plans reflect current ownership and business value.
✅ Prepare for tax season
- Make sure 1099s and W-9s are in order.
- Schedule a meeting with your CPA to discuss potential Oklahoma tax credits, depreciation rules, and deductions.
2) Estate Planning: A Fresh Start for Your Family
The new year is the perfect time to review your estate plan. Laws and life circumstances change, and your documents should keep up.
✅ Review your essential documents
- Last Will and Testament: Ensure your will reflects your current wishes and that your chosen executor is still willing to serve.
- Revocable Living Trust: If you have a revocable living trust, make sure it is properly funded. Real estate, bank accounts, and other assets should be titled in the name of the trust. Some assets (such as retirement accounts) are typically not transferred into the trust but should have appropriate beneficiary designations instead.
- Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney: Confirm your chosen agents are available and trustworthy.
- Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will): Update any medical treatment preferences or end-of-life instructions.
✅ Update beneficiaries and asset titles
In Oklahoma, assets like life insurance, IRAs, and payable-on-death (POD) accounts pass outside your will. Check that:
- Beneficiary designations are current.
- Your spouse or children are correctly listed.
- No outdated names (such as former spouses) remain.
✅ Plan for special circumstances
- Guardianship nominations for minor children.
- Special Needs Trusts for dependents with disabilities.
- Instructions for digital assets, including online accounts and cryptocurrency.
3) Probate Planning: Simplify the Process Before It Starts
When a loved one passes away in Oklahoma, the probate process can feel overwhelming. Preparing in advance makes a huge difference.
✅ Steps to make probate easier
- Keep an up-to-date asset list with account numbers, locations, and titling.
- Maintain organized financial records, including debts, policies, and statements.
✅ Create a family “roadmap”
Compile a binder or secure digital file that includes:
- Contact info for your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor.
- Copies of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
- Bank, investment, and insurance summaries.
- Notes about your preferences for final arrangements.
4) Four-Week Post-Holiday Legal Action Plan
Week 1: Estate Planning
Action Step:
Review your will, trust, and powers of attorney.
Week 2: Business Organization
Action Step:
File required Oklahoma reports and update contracts.
Week 3: Beneficiaries
Action Step:
Confirm life insurance and retirement account designations.
Week 4: Family Roadmap
Action Step:
Organize your key documents and share your plan with loved ones.
5) Common Questions for Oklahoma Families and Business Owners
Q: How often should I update my Oklahoma estate plan?
Every 3–5 years or after major life changes like marriage, divorce, relocation, or the birth of a child.
Q: My business grew last year — should I form an LLC or S-Corp?
Possibly. Each offers liability protection and tax benefits. An Oklahoma business attorney can help you choose the best structure and handle filings with the Secretary of State.
6) Start 2026 Confidently
After the holidays, it’s natural to feel ready for a clean slate. Taking care of your legal and financial planning now means fewer surprises later, and more time to focus on what really matters.
At J. Miller Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we guide Oklahomans through every stage of business, estate planning, and probate with clarity, compassion, and practical advice.
📞 Call: 918-938-1322
📧 Email: jamie@jmillerlawfirmpllc.com
📅 Schedule: jmillerlawfirmpllc.com
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