Insights from Tulsa’s Leaders :  Ricki Replin

Ricki Replin is not just a lawyer, she is an entrepreneur, a business owner and actively involved with her family.

 She is a member in good standing in the Oklahoma Bar Association as well as the Tulsa County Bar Association as well as a member of the Family Law Section of the Tulsa County Bar Association. She is also a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Bar Association and is licensed to practice in the Northern District and Eastern District of Oklahoma. She has been in practice for 32 years.

She has worked with the Domestic Violence Shelter by originally serving on its Board of Directors and as vice-president. Currently, she assists the Domestic Violence Agency by providing pro-bono legal assistance to individuals who are in their shelter and have no other means by which to obtain legal counsel.

Her current practice consists of cases in the area of family law, which includes not only divorce and custody matters, but also adoption, child support, property division and debt division cases as well as DUI/DWI law and estate planning.

Ms. Replin is certified to handle civil and domestic mediations and meet the statutory requirements to qualify for the Tulsa District Court’s directory as an active mediator and arbitrator and has also received the necessary training to handle high conflict mediations. She is also certified in the area of interdisciplinary collaborative divorce. She also participates in the Alternate Resolution Program offered by the United States Postal Service and mediate cases between management and employees through its Redress Program.
 

She has nineteen years of service as an alternate Municipal Judge for the City of Tulsa. She did her internship in the Tulsa Municipal Prosecutor’s Office handling such cases as DUI and DWI and has also worked in the Municipal Public Defender’s Office handling the same types of cases.

What can you expect if you are arrested for DUI?

First you must understand that there is no such thing as a "simple" DUI. If you face a DUI prosecution, you are probably worried about the consequences which can include jail time, probation, a criminal record, loss of your driver's license and many other things that cause serious social and financial harm. A conviction on this charge will follow you for the rest of your life. There are many hidden costs to you from a conviction and each case has unique issues. Defenses must be raised at the right time or you will lose them and evidence must be gathered quickly. You only have 15 days to request a hearing to protect your driver’s license. Timing is very important to the success of your case, so if arrested for DUI, seek legal counsel immediately.

What are some of the things I should know about estate planning?

Estate planning is the process through which one is able to make certain his or her property and health care wishes are met in the case of death or incapacitation. Estate planning involves making decisions concerning the transfer of one’s property at death as well as various decisions concerning health care, retirement, and other personal matters. Estate planning is important because it ensures that your wishes will be carried out in the event of your incapacitation or death. You should consider planning your estate if you have a child or children that are minors, possess property that you care about and if you care about your future health care treatment. If you meet any of the above descriptions, planning your estate can benefit you in many different ways. Potential benefits include being able to provide for your immediate family, deciding guardianship for minor children, avoiding probate and make sure that loved ones get property quickly and without trouble, planning for your incapacity and minimizing expenses due to property transfer. To plan your estate well you should find an experienced estate planning attorney to help you through the process. Hiring an estate planning attorney will make certain that nothing is overlooked and everything is done correctly. An attorney can help ensure that your property is transferred to those you have identified with as little trouble as possible, minimize potential taxes and fees, help you avoid the probate process, and direct arrangements once you die or if you should you ever become incapacitated.

What should you consider if I am contemplating filing for divorce?

Divorce is a stressful and often devastating event in a person’s life. It is important to have a strong support system during this time that includes family, friends and an attorney that you can trust who will provide you with sound legal advice. Seek an attorney who is readily available and who listens to your concerns. With the aid of a divorce attorney you can learn how the divorce court is likely to handle the particular aspects of your case. There are many complex issues when it comes to divorce—from the division of property and debts, to child custody, child support, visitation rights, and alimony. A skilled attorney can help you avoid landmines that may cost you money down the road, and will represent your best interests in resolving any custody issues or financial complications that may arise. A divorce attorney can help you look at options available to you and discuss possible solutions for your situation. Even when the issues are complex, your future is at stake and emotions are running high, an experienced divorce lawyer will protect your legal rights while avoiding unnecessary conflict and heartache as much as possible.

What should I look for in hiring an attorney?

Your attorney should be someone you can depend on and trust. When you are going through a difficult legal matter you need someone who will explain the legal process to you and aggressively advocate for your rights. With 32 years of experience I will do everything possible to achieve all of your legal goals. My mission is to provide high-quality, personalized legal services. I realize that the outcome of your case, whether it be a DUI, divorce or estate planning issue will have a significant impact on your life. It is important that you are fully informed. The more that you understand the process, the more you will be able to assist me in the preparation of your case. I will always give you an honest assessment of your situation and will explain how Oklahoma laws apply to your issues. I am very familiar with the court system in Tulsa and the surrounding counties. My clients are my number-one priority. Your satisfaction with the outcome of your case is my ultimate goal.