As an elder law and estate planning attorney here in Missouri, I have sat across our conference table from too many grieving families left picking up the pieces because a loved one never got around to making an estate plan. Just this month, we prevailed in a 9-hour trial wherein we successfully obtained many assets…
Performing surgery is serious business and most would never consider doing it on their own body. Creating a valid and enforceable Last Will and Testament, (hereinafter, “will”), is also serious business and should only be done by experienced attorneys. The creation of a valid will is crucial to ensure your wishes are honored after your…
As we grow older, many of us rely on loved ones or close friends to assist with our daily needs. Whether it is running errands, preparing meals, or providing personal care, this help can make the difference between staying in our homes or needing to move into a care facility. While these arrangements often begin…
At the time of authoring this article, winter continues to pound our community, bringing snow, ice, and cold temperatures. During these miserably cold months, seniors face not only personal safety concerns but also potential legal liabilities. Many people do not realize that property owners, including homeowners, can be held responsible for injuries that occur on…
Serving as a personal representative (also known as an executor) of an estate in Missouri is a position of significant trust. The personal representative is responsible for managing the estate’s assets, paying debts, and distributing property according to the decedent’s will or state law if no will exists. When a personal representative fails to fulfill…
As a Missouri attorney and a member of our local community here in Jefferson City, I take great pride in my commitment to serving clients with integrity and professionalism. I believe it is essential for everyone, particularly senior adults who often seek legal guidance on sensitive matters, to understand the ethical obligations attorneys must follow…
Estate planning is a vital process that ensures an individual’s assets and wishes are properly managed, distributed, and protected after death. However, creating a comprehensive estate plan requires navigating a maze of complex legal, financial, and personal issues that, if not properly addressed, can lead to unintended consequences, costly mistakes, or even legal disputes. Attorneys…
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…
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…
