Shacklett Curtis J

Planning for the future, particularly when it involves safeguarding assets, ensuring the well-being of loved ones, or navigating the complexities of aging, requires legal counsel that is both deeply knowledgeable and profoundly compassionate. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, Curtis J. Shacklett, a highly respected attorney at Barber & Bartz, PC, offers precisely this level of dedicated expertise. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Mr. Shacklett focuses his practice on critical areas such as estate planning, elder law, and special needs trusts, providing invaluable guidance to individuals and families across the state. This article will delve into his extensive experience, accessibility, comprehensive services, and the unique features that make him an ideal choice for Oklahomans seeking peace of mind through careful legal planning.

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Curtis J. Shacklett is a highly esteemed attorney and an "Of Counsel" member at Barber & Bartz, PC, a well-established and prominent law firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. Shacklett brings a wealth of experience to his practice, having graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1979 and being admitted to legal practice in Oklahoma that same year. His career, now spanning over 45 years, has been dedicated primarily to helping families navigate significant life transitions, with a particular focus on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and elder law. He has a special interest and recognized expertise in developing estate plans that incorporate Special Needs Trusts for individuals with disabilities.

Before embarking on his legal career, Mr. Shacklett served with Campus Crusade for Christ and spent four years as a school teacher in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, teaching and coaching children with various learning disabilities. This background underscores a lifelong commitment to service and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families with special needs, which profoundly informs his legal practice today. He actively advises parents and professional trustees through his blog, "The Special Needs Trust Advisor," demonstrating his dedication to educating and supporting the community beyond direct legal representation.

Mr. Shacklett is widely recognized by his peers for his legal acumen and ethical standing. He holds an AV Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5 rating by Martindale Hubbell and is Peer Rated 5.0 out of 5 by Lawyers.com, indicating the highest level of professional excellence. He has been consistently selected to Super Lawyers since 2008 through 2023, an honor reserved for a small percentage of top attorneys. He has also been included in "The Best Lawyers in America." These accolades reflect his esteemed position within the legal community and his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal counsel, making him a trusted advisor for Oklahomans planning for their future.

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Curtis J. Shacklett’s office, as part of Barber & Bartz, PC, is conveniently located in the vibrant downtown area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The firm's address is 525 S Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA. This central location ensures excellent accessibility for clients from various parts of Tulsa and surrounding communities throughout Oklahoma.

Situated on South Main Street, the office is in a well-known professional building within Tulsa's legal and business district. This makes it straightforward for clients to find and access the office, whether they are traveling by car or utilizing public transportation. For Oklahomans from nearby cities like Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, or even further afield, the downtown Tulsa location provides a clear and manageable destination for important legal consultations. The professional and welcoming environment of the office is designed to put clients at ease when discussing sensitive and personal matters.

Beyond the physical location, the firm ensures accessibility through direct communication channels. The primary phone number, (918) 599-7755, serves as a direct line for inquiries, scheduling appointments, and discussing ongoing legal matters. This combination of a strategically placed office and responsive contact options highlights the firm's dedication to making expert legal assistance readily available to Oklahomans who are planning for their future and addressing elder law concerns.

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Curtis J. Shacklett at Barber & Bartz, PC, concentrates his practice on specialized areas of law that are crucial for individuals and families planning for the future, managing life transitions, and ensuring care for vulnerable loved ones. His primary services include:

• Estate Planning: Assisting clients in creating comprehensive plans for the management and distribution of their assets during life and after death. This includes drafting and advising on:

  • Simple and Complex Wills: Tailoring wills to meet specific client needs, from basic directives to intricate testamentary provisions.

  • Trusts: Establishing various types of trusts, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and charitable trusts, for asset protection, probate avoidance, and wealth transfer.

  • Tax-Sensitive Planning: Advising on strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes to maximize wealth transfer to beneficiaries.

  • Powers of Attorney: Preparing legal documents that grant authority to designated individuals to make financial or healthcare decisions on one's behalf.

  • Charitable Planned Giving: Guiding clients on how to incorporate charitable donations into their estate plans.

  • Business Succession Planning: Helping business owners plan for the future of their businesses.

• Elder Law: Providing legal guidance for the unique needs of older adults and their families. This includes:

  • Medicaid Planning: Advising on strategies to qualify for Medicaid while protecting assets.

  • Long-Term Care Planning: Assisting with plans for future healthcare and living arrangements.

  • Guardianship: Representing individuals in guardianship proceedings for incapacitated adults or minors.

  • Public Benefits Planning: Navigating eligibility for various government benefits for seniors.

• Estate & Trust Administration & Settlement (Probate): Guiding executors, administrators, and trustees through the legal process of managing and distributing assets after a person's death. This includes:

  • Probate Administration: Handling the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets.

  • Trust Administration: Advising trustees on their duties and responsibilities in managing trust assets.

  • Probate and Trust Litigation: Representing clients in disputes arising from wills, trusts, or estate administration.

  • Ancillary Probate: Managing probate processes for assets located in multiple states.

• Special Needs Trusts: A particular area of expertise for Mr. Shacklett, involving the creation and administration of trusts designed to provide for disabled individuals without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential government benefits.

Mr. Shacklett's compassionate approach and extensive experience in these specific areas make him a reliable resource for Oklahomans seeking to secure their legacy and protect their loved ones.

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Curtis J. Shacklett stands out as a highly accomplished and compassionate attorney, particularly suited for the needs of Oklahomans in estate planning and elder law. His key features and highlights include:

• Deep Specialization and Experience: With over 45 years in legal practice since 1979, Mr. Shacklett brings extensive experience focused primarily on estate planning, elder law, and trust administration. This long-standing dedication to these specific fields means clients benefit from a profound understanding of complex laws and practical solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. His interest in Special Needs Trusts, informed by his personal and professional background, is a particular highlight for families with disabled loved ones.

• Highly Recognized and Awarded: Mr. Shacklett consistently receives top-tier recognition from his peers and legal directories. He holds an AV Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5 rating from Martindale Hubbell and a Peer Rated 5.0 out of 5 by Lawyers.com, reflecting the highest standards of professional ability and ethical conduct. His consistent selection to Super Lawyers from 2008 through 2023 and inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America" solidifies his reputation as one of the elite attorneys in his field. This assures Oklahomans they are receiving counsel from a highly respected and competent professional.

• Commitment to Education and Community Service: Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Shacklett is a frequent speaker at public and professional seminars on estate planning and elder law. He contributes to a news magazine for seniors and maintains a blog, "The Special Needs Trust Advisor," to educate parents and professional trustees. His past leadership roles in various bar associations (e.g., Chairman of the Probate, Trust, & Elder Law Section of the Tulsa County Bar Association) and his involvement with organizations like the National Prader-Willi Syndrome Association further demonstrate his dedication to both the legal community and the broader public, especially those with disabilities.

• Compassionate and Practical Approach: Mr. Shacklett’s background as a former teacher working with children with learning disabilities and his personal involvement in family and ministry activities (including leading marriage enrichment courses) underscore his compassionate nature. He is noted for finding "great satisfaction helping families plan for and deal with life transitions," indicating a client-focused approach that goes beyond mere legalities to address the human element of estate and elder care planning.

• Robust Professional Affiliations: His memberships in organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the Tulsa Title & Probate Lawyers Association ensure he remains at the forefront of legal developments in his specialized areas, providing clients with up-to-date and effective strategies.

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In the realm of highly specialized legal services, particularly for sophisticated areas like estate planning, elder law, and special needs trusts, traditional "promotions" or time-limited "special offers" are not typically advertised by firms like Barber & Bartz, PC, where Curtis J. Shacklett practices. Instead, their value proposition comes through established professional practices that prioritize accessibility, transparency, and the inherent benefit of expert legal guidance.

While specific discount offers are not publicly detailed for Curtis J. Shacklett, prospective clients in Oklahoma can generally expect standard practices common among highly reputable law firms in these fields, which serve as significant benefits:

• Initial Consultations: It is customary for firms handling estate planning and elder law to offer an initial consultation. The nature of these consultations (whether complimentary or paid) can vary, but they serve as a crucial first step for Oklahomans to discuss their needs, understand the complexities of their situation, and explore potential legal strategies without an immediate, substantial financial commitment. This allows clients to assess the firm’s expertise and approach before fully retaining services.

• Transparent Fee Structures: Rather than promotional rates, clients will find a commitment to clear and transparent fee structures. For estate planning and trust administration, firms often utilize flat fees for specific services (e.g., drafting a will or trust), which provides cost predictability for clients. For more complex or ongoing matters, hourly rates may apply, but these are typically discussed and agreed upon upfront. This transparency helps Oklahomans budget for their legal needs effectively.

• Value of Expertise and Efficiency: The most compelling "offer" from an attorney with Mr. Shacklett's extensive experience and accolades is the inherent value of his expertise. His decades of specialized practice, particularly in complex areas like Special Needs Trusts, mean that clients are investing in highly efficient and effective solutions that can save significant time, money, and stress in the long run. The positive outcomes and peace of mind achieved through proper planning with an expert are invaluable.

For Oklahomans planning for their future, the assurance of working with a highly experienced, recognized, and compassionate attorney like Curtis J. Shacklett serves as the most significant "special offer." Individuals are encouraged to contact the firm directly to discuss their specific planning needs and to inquire about the firm's approach to initial consultations and fee arrangements.

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For Oklahomans seeking expert legal counsel in estate planning, elder law, or special needs trusts, connecting with Curtis J. Shacklett at Barber & Bartz, PC, is made easy through accessible contact points.

The firm's office is conveniently located in the heart of Tulsa, providing a central and professional setting for in-person consultations:

Address: 525 S Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA

To speak directly with Mr. Shacklett’s team, discuss your specific estate or elder law needs, or schedule an appointment, you can reach them by phone:

Phone: (918) 599-7755

Mobile Phone: +1 918-599-7755

These contact details offer a direct pathway to accessing dedicated and experienced legal support for securing your future and planning for the well-being of your loved ones in Oklahoma.

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For Oklahomans who are wisely planning for their future, addressing the needs of aging loved ones, or ensuring comprehensive care for family members with disabilities, Curtis J. Shacklett at Barber & Bartz, PC, stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource. His profound expertise and dedicated approach directly address the unique concerns of the local community.

Firstly, Mr. Shacklett’s deep specialization in estate planning, elder law, and particularly Special Needs Trusts, offers invaluable benefits to Oklahomans. In a state where families value securing their legacy and caring for vulnerable members, having an attorney with over four decades of focused experience in these precise areas is crucial. He understands the intricacies of state-specific laws and the nuances of various planning instruments, ensuring that plans are robust, compliant, and truly serve the client's long-term goals.

Secondly, his consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer and his top peer ratings from Martindale Hubbell underscore his unparalleled professional standing. These accolades are a testament to his legal skill, ethical practice, and respect within the Oklahoma legal community. For locals, this means peace of mind, knowing they are entrusting their most sensitive and vital planning to an attorney widely acknowledged for his excellence.

Furthermore, Mr. Shacklett's compassionate approach, evident in his background as a teacher for children with learning disabilities and his active role in community education, makes him especially suitable for families dealing with sensitive topics like special needs planning or long-term care for the elderly. He doesn't just provide legal documents; he offers guidance rooted in understanding and empathy, helping Oklahomans navigate emotional and complex decisions with greater ease. His accessibility through various communication channels and his commitment to transparency further solidify his position as a trusted advisor for the local community's critical planning needs.