Estate Planning

Trusts are powerful estate planning tools that you can use in tandem with a will. Trusts differ from wills in that your chosen trustee assumes the responsibility of distributing assets placed within the trust to your beneficiaries, rather than leaving the process to...

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets should be distributed after their death. While it is a common and useful estate planning tool in Missouri, there are many misconceptions about wills that can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Here...

Helping aging parents determine how to plan for the future of their estate might be challenging. Understanding the significant roles that people may play throughout the process can offer confidence and limit confusion. Estate planning often involves designating people...

The Trustee of a trust or an estate has to stay on top of a lot of important responsibilities. Unfortunately, making a mistake in their performance of their duties could have serious consequences. If there are more than one Trustee serving as co-Trustees, both...

If you intend to use Medicaid to pay for your long-term care needs, starting your planning before you reach a crisis can help you save money and retain property for your beneficiaries. There are many ways to manage your assets so that you qualify for Medicaid....

Talking to your parent about the inevitable is not something that comes easy to anyone, and it only gets harder as time passes. However, you will do your parent, yourself and the rest of your family a favor by broaching the subject of estate planning as soon as...

Though do-it-yourself estate planning seems like a viable option for saving money, it is often one of the things that are worth investing in. Here are three reasons to pay a professional to handle your estate planning rather than attempting a DIY. 1. DIY tools do not...

Preparation is essential if you want to be ready for whatever life throws your way, but it is also important if you want to take care of your loved ones after your pass. If you are like many other people, you may think that simply creating a will is enough. However,...

Probate can be costly and significantly extend the amount of time it takes to settle a deceased person's estate. Estate planning strategies can help you avoid probate for your inheritors if desired. Review the factors that determine whether an estate requires probate...

It's not uncommon for Missouri residents to focus their estate planning efforts on what happens after they die. However, an estate plan can also help you account for events that might take place during your lifetime. A trust, Financial Power of Attorney or Health Care...