Estate planning isn't just about drafting a will—it’s about creating a comprehensive, customized plan that protects your assets, provides for your loved ones, and ensures your wishes are honored. Whether you're planning for the unexpected, building a legacy, or looking to reduce future tax burdens, an estate plan offers a roadmap to peace of mind—and the professionals at Tallgrass Estate Planning are here to help you get started.

Founded in 2016 by then-husband-and-wife duo Riley Kern and Laurel Carbone, Tallgrass has evolved into a respected firm grounded in shared values and a commitment to service. Although no longer married, Riley and Laurel have maintained their friendship and professional partnership, and together they've watched their firm grow into a community staple, now serving clients from three local offices.

"Our South Tulsa office is still run from Laurel’s home, [with the help of] our assistant Jennifer Perrault. We also have an office in Midtown where I work with our assistants Paris Naegle and Abigail Camp, along with Brooke Meehan, a nurse practitioner who specializes in end-of-life care and counsels our clients on creating highly customized medical directives. We also maintain an Owasso office where we meet with clients by appointment," Riley shares.

It’s a remarkable evolution for a firm that began as a home-based business—and the path that brought Riley to estate planning in the first place is equally unique. "After high school, I studied theology and worked as a minister and musician before going to grad school at Oklahoma State University. I had a wonderful time studying zoology and environmental conservation policy. I had the chance to study Oklahoma’s wildflower and bee populations, work with primates, meet Jane Goodall, and study under a professor who worked with the United Nations Development Programme on sustainability practices. I went to law school thinking I would concentrate on conservation policy, potentially in Washington DC. Law school introduced me to estate planning, which became my focus," he explains.

Even as the firm has grown, Riley emphasizes that its founding mission, making estate planning accessible to everyone, remains unchanged. "We do this by emphasizing hospitality, education, and inclusion. Everyone has an estate, so everyone needs a plan. We want to reduce the barriers to meeting with an attorney and receiving expert advice. Our goal is to work with all kinds of individuals and families, including those who are routinely overlooked by traditional law firms or people who are hesitant to work with traditional firms. This might include members of the LGBTQIA+ community or underrepresented racial or religious groups who have experienced discrimination in seeking help. We not only want to emphasize our knowledge and expertise, but also kindness and generosity," he shares.

That commitment to inclusivity is something both Riley and Laurel are proud of, and  just as diverse as their clientele are, so too are the services Tallgrass offers—ranging from revocable and irrevocable trusts for tax planning and asset protection, to wills, business succession plans, probate services, and guardianships.

When asked what advice he would offer those exploring their estate planning options, Riley underlines the importance of having a plan in place—no matter your income or circumstances.

"First, an ‘estate’ isn’t what you think it is. Everyone has one, so everyone needs a plan. Second, an estate plan isn’t for you. It’s for the people who have to make key decisions during a crisis. The goal is to create clarity for them and reduce their stress as much as possible through well-crafted legal documents and explicit directives. Third, there is no one-size-fits-all option, so it’s crucial to talk with an expert about your family, assets, priorities, and values."

In addition to his passion for his profession, Riley brings experience and credentials to the field. He is a Heart of America Fellow through the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and is frequently invited to speak at legal, financial, and accounting events on topics related to estate planning and asset protection.

Beyond the office, Riley stays involved in the local community. He serves as chair of the Estate Planning section of the Tulsa County Bar Association, is a member of the Bixby Rotary Club, a former board member of the Osage Forest of Peace, and currently sits on the board of The City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma and Tulsa Irish Fest. When he’s not working, Riley enjoys a wide array of hobbies."I’m an amateur musician, a hack woodworker, an inconsistent meditator, and a book lover," he shares.

To learn more about how Tallgrass Estate Planning can help you prepare for the future, their team is ready to connect. Contact them at (918) 770-8940 or firm@tallgrassestateplanning.com. For more information, visit tallgrassestateplanning.com or follow along at fb.com/tallgrassestateplanning and on Instagram (@tallgrassestateplanning).