In the realm of estate planning, a Last Will & Testament often stands as a testament to one’s final wishes. Yet, the process is not always straightforward, particularly when disputes arise over the validity of a will. In Missouri, as in many other states, contesting a will involves navigating a complex legal landscape. Understanding the…
By now you should be considering the establishment of an estate plan. Yes you…even you need an estate plan. While the term “estate” may sound ostentatious and unnecessary to many, the truth is every Missouri senior adult can benefit from an estate plan regardless of their wealth. An estate plan simply communicates the grantor’s wishes…
Growing older is not the blessing some expected, nor is it the curse others feared. It likely falls somewhere in the middle. But, according to a 2009 Pew Research Center report, older adults do report experiencing fewer of the benefits of aging than they expected, such as spending more time with family members, traveling more…
Love is eternal and blind, isn’t it? Afterall, we learn from the immortal lyrics in Time After Time, a song made popular by often controversial 80’s songstress, Cyndi Lauper, “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, Time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting. Time after…
Elder abuse is often referred to as a silent problem; a problem that affects the dignity, security, and safety of some American seniors every day. Elder abuse includes various forms of abuse such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, emotional abuse, and abandonment. According to statistics published by the National Council on Aging (NCOA),…
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…
As you begin the process of establishing an estate plan, there are many important decisions you and your attorney will make. Arguably, one of the most important decisions involves identifying who will receive your estate assets and in what manner you want assets to pass when you die. Whether you create a revocable living trust,…
“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson Hopefully we all agree that older Americans are important to our society, but some say the role older Americans play in both government and society must increase if we are to remain a wonderful beacon…
This article continues our examination of the guardianship and conservatorship process in Missouri. We pick up the process after the adjudication hearing is held… If the Petitioner proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the Respondent is incapacitated or disabled, or both, the court will seek to determine the degree of supervision necessary for…
But for a few exceptions, the majority of homes and real properties are worth less than they were ten years ago. That is the bad news. The good news is that a soft real estate market is the perfect opportunity to review, appeal, and potentially reduce property taxes. Among all cost-control measures, lowering a property…
