“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 1789. Benjamin Franklin was correct. Death is inevitable for all of us. As a result, each Missourian should…
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…
Our law firm regularly receives inquiries from potential clients asking for a “simple Will” and how much they cost. While I never discount why people call and ask for an inexpensive solution to their estate planning problems, and I always appreciate their desire to establish a Will using our law firm, the question is analogous…
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, March 27, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ — Law Office of Todd Miller, LLC is pleased to announce it was recently hired by the Jefferson City Housing Authority as its legal counsel for general counsel services and to execute its landlord/tenant law remedies. The Housing Authority has 318 units of Public Housing and 421 units…
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…
A guardianship proceeding is a legal process of determining a person’s capacity and the ability he or she has to make decisions regarding his or her health, safety and welfare. The person at issue is generally referred to as the Respondent until a final determination is made. Once he or she is determined to be…
“Where there’s a Will, there are 500 relatives” is a humorous take on the less desirable probate outcome for many Americans. But probate itself is not your enemy. Sometimes it can be a benefit. For example, the following instances often benefit from a court administering a decedent’s estate in probate: (1) family members and other…
In part one of this article, we discussed the substantial increase in consumer debt by older Americans and the anticipated increase of subsequent debt collection efforts against older Americans. Thereafter, we began a discussion of what seniors should know about debt collection so as to prepare for that unwelcome event should it arise. We now…
This two-part article takes a look at what seniors should know about debt collection. Americans are going further and further into the red. Experian Information Solutions reports that consumer debt in the United States reached $13 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Helping to comprise that total debt are credit card debt at $834…
