Yes, probate is necessary unless prior to death the decedent established an estate plan that caused him or her to avoid owning property that must be administered through probate. Once an estate is opened or created in the county where the decedent last resided, probate disputes often arise during the administration of a deceased person’s…
Preparing for the end of your life is one of those things you know you should do, but have you done it? According to a recent survey by Caring.com, a senior living referral service, only 4 in 10 American adults have a Last Will and Testament or a living trust. Maybe you are one of…
As a wise consumer, you will soon be meeting with an attorney to discuss an estate plan and when you do it is likely you will discuss the use of a trust. A living trust is a legal arrangement you establish during your lifetime to protect assets and direct distribution after your death. It is…
Digital assets are simply defined as content that is stored digitally. Some common types of digital assets include photos, music, videos, power point presentations, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, logos and other branded graphics, audio files, PDF’s, and access codes to bank accounts, credit card accounts, investments, and the like. For some, these assets comprise a…
The establishment of a solid estate planning package is essential, even for the rich and famous. Although adored by fans and showered with swag at ceremonies like the Oscars, celebrities as a whole seem no different than the average American when it comes to making estate planning mistakes. Just like many people who lack celebrity…
In the wake of a recent, controversial event occurring in St. Louis, Missouri involving attorneys Mark McCloskey and his wife Patricia McCloskey, who displayed guns in an attempt to protect their home and lives from trespass and harm, this article does not seek to express a political position on gun ownership and possession. Instead, it…
In 2012, it was estimated 1.857 million cars were rented from 18,293 locations. When renting a vehicle it is important that you fully understand the fees, insurance coverage and liability, as well as the terms and conditions. The following tips are designed to help you save time and money. Do your homework.By booking online, you…
Few people who have successfully declared bankruptcy will tell you the process is an effortless discharge of debts followed thereafter by a fresh and new life. To some, bankruptcy is an embarrassing admission of fault, defeat, or insufficiency. Still others consider it a terrible chapter of their life and one of the top five life-altering…
Many individuals are offended after receiving a traffic ticket and desire to remove it from their record at all costs. Our firm represented traffic clients in over 30 Missouri jurisdictions last year and we monitor traffic offenses carefully and encourage clients to seek a disposition with counsel and without points whenever possible. This article examines…
1. ILLEGAL STOP – a Missouri DWI Enforcement officer cannot stop a car without having a reasonable and articulate basis to believe that a law has been violated or he can articulate unusual operation of the motor vehicle. Therefore, if the Missouri DWI enforcement officer stops the car because he saw the driver walk out…
