Hello and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.
Although your mother had no estate at the time of her death, she now does have an estate. Because of that, you should open probate in Oklahoma, and list the life insurance as the asset.
The one issue that may complicate matters is that she was in a nursing home. If it was State run, then the State may have a claim to the life insurance money. If that’s true, then opening probate may not be worth your time. So, it really depends on all facts in order to determine whether it’s worth your time and effort.
You can start the probate process by contacting the district court where you’re mother resided, and ask for forms to open probate. You should be able to handle this without the need to visit Oklahoma, though it will be easiest with a local attorney.
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Attorney-At-Law
Licensed in Maryland