It is possible to appoint a guardian for a minor in your will. You may also be able to appoint a guardian for an adult who is mentally incapacitated. However, if you die intestate without a will, a Missouri judge needs to decide who will take care of your child,...
Saint Peters, Missouri Estate Planning And Probate Law Blog
Do I have to hire an attorney for a Missouri probate?
When a loved one passes away and the probate process begins, personal representatives are required to hire an attorney in Missouri to assist with the legal process in most cases. You may feel that this is an unnecessary expense, but the probate process is complex with...
Trust Administration Basics
The process of collecting, managing and distributing trust assets is referred to as trust administration. The trust administration process can be complicated and relies on the trustee to complete several tasks. The trustee is responsible for carrying out all duties...
The tricky aspect of power of attorney and beneficiaries
Many wish to set up a solid future for themselves and their next of kin. While that may be a common sentiment, when it becomes a serious conversation, estate planning often gets involved. Estate planning can require serious thought and careful consideration. After...
Using trusts in estate planning
While many people rely solely on a will for their estate plan, some people find that establishing a trust is a better choice for their estate. As Forbes notes, trusts can be used alone or alongside a will to help your estate avoid probate, plan for taxes and achieve...
How Does The Secure Act Affect Retirement Accounts?
At the beginning of 2020, the SECURE Act was signed into law. SECURE stands for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. Who is affected by the SECURE Act? Anyone who has an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) account is affected by this law. Basically, people who...
Keeping Your Home Out of Probate
Buying a house is probably the biggest and most expensive purchase you will ever make, so it’s important that you ensure that house will be handed down as intended upon your death. There are various methods to transfer your home and avoid probate, such as...
What About My Belongings?
When creating your will, you may be tempted to include provisions designating who should receive certain items of tangible personal property (things like furniture, jewelry, and collectibles). If you include these specific provisions in your Will and later change your...
Top 5 Estate Planning Myths
This guide debunks common misconceptions which can lead to trouble for your loved ones down the road. 1. "I'm not wealthy enough to need an estate plan." There is no amount of money that signifies one should have a basic estate plan, rather it is something every...
Eight Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Planning for death can be both physically and emotionally challenging so its understandable that mistakes are made. Luckily, any mistakes can be fixed so long as you are alive. This guide explains some of the most prominent mistakes which are commonly made in Estate...