Secure Your Family’s Future
Setting up an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take for your family’s future.
Protect Your Children’s Future
Without an estate plan, your children’s future is at risk. The state will determine what happens to them, and your spouse.
Customized Legal Solutions for Your Family
We use a holistic approach to estate planning to make sure that nothing is left to chance.
Creating an Estate Plan
What is in an estate plan?
Creating an estate plan is an essential part of preparing for the future. It involves making legal arrangements for how your assets will be managed and distributed after your passing.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal agreement where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of a beneficiary.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines your final wishes and how you want your assets to be distributed after your death.
What Are Powers of Attorney for Finances and Healthcare?
Powers of attorney are legal documents that give someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf.
What Are Transfer on Death Instruments?
A transfer on death instrument is a legal mechanism for transferring ownership of an asset upon your death.
The courts make the decisions for you
What happens if I don’t have an estate plan
If you do not have an estate plan in place and need powers of attorney appointed for yourself or your children, the court will appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. This process is often lengthy and can result in delays and added expenses. It is important to have a comprehensive estate plan in place that includes powers of attorney to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected in the event of incapacity or death.
When a person dies without an estate plan, their assets will go through the probate process. If this happens, the court may distribute the assets according to state law, which could result in only half of the estate going to the surviving spouse. The remaining half may be held in trust for any children until they reach the age of 18, at which point they will inherit the rest of their portion.
Find out how we can help your family
We welcome you to our Columbia or St. Louis office, but are more than happy set up online meetings, phone conversations, and we will come to you if you need us to.
