When it comes to managing your financial assets or making critical decisions on your behalf, selecting a fiduciary is one of the most significant decisions you can make. A fiduciary is an individual or institution legally obligated to act in your best interest, putting your needs above their own. This role can involve managing investments,…
Probate administration in the State of Missouri is a legal process that occurs after someone passes away, involving the validation and execution of their Last Will & Testament, or, in cases where no will exists, the distribution of their assets according to state law. Yes, you read that correctly, a will does not avoid probate,…
Lawyers have also played a dominant role in American politics. “The government of democracy is favorable to the political power of lawyers,” Alexis de Tocqueville wrote more than a century ago. Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 25 were lawyers. In the mid-19th century, approximately 80 percent of the U.S. Congress were…
Finding a good probate attorney is an important task if you are dealing with the legal process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s estate. A probate attorney can help ensure that the process is handled smoothly, efficiently, and in accordance with state laws. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you find a suitable…
The handling and disposal of human remains in Missouri are governed by a combination of state laws and regulations, which aim to ensure public health, respect for the deceased, and the rights of families. This article provides an overview of the legal framework surrounding the disposal of human remains in Missouri, including burial, cremation, and…
In Missouri, if you die without a Last Will & Testament (will), your assets will be distributed according to state “intestacy” laws. In summary, those laws give your property to your closest relatives, beginning with your spouse and children. If you lack a spouse and children, your grandchildren or your parents will be next in…
If you read my monthly articles regularly, you know the cornerstone of any estate plan is a Last Will and Testament, (hereinafter, “Will”). But a Will has many limitations and should never stand alone as a plan for your future. The following are a few of the limitations for Wills: A Will does not completely…
In the realm of estate planning, ensuring that your assets are transferred smoothly to your loved ones after your passing is a paramount concern. One valuable tool in this endeavor is the beneficiary deed, a Missouri approved legal instrument that allows for the efficient transfer of real estate upon the owner’s death. While beneficiary deeds…
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…
