In today’s digital age, much of our life can be found online. We do everything from banking, running our businesses, reading, building relationships, connecting with friends and investing online. We even save our most precious memories in the cloud. Given the wide...
Saint Peters, Missouri Estate Planning And Probate Law Blog
4 ways to update your estate plan after a divorce
Divorce is more than the end of a matrimonial union; it’s also the beginning of a major legal and financial reset. While most people focus on dividing assets and settling custody agreements, one area that’s often overlooked during this transition is estate planning. ...
How to avoid probate in Missouri
Probate can be a lengthy and costly process for settling an estate. In Missouri, probate involves the court overseeing the distribution of a deceased person's assets. This can lead to delays and additional expenses, which many people prefer to avoid. Fortunately, with...
5 common estate planning pitfalls
Those who take the time to put together an estate plan are already a step ahead of most families. Recent estimates show most Americans do not have an estate plan. The number of those who have created these documents ranges from 25% to 33%. Although having a plan in...
The process of appointing a guardian in Missouri
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,...
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...