202402.28
0
0

The Beneficiary Deed: A Suggestion for Secure Estate Planning

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…

202402.14
0
0

Navigating Probate Disputes: Understanding the Complexities and Resolving Conflicts

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…

202401.31
0
0

Unmarried people should know the importance of a thorough estate plan

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…

202401.03
0
0

You need a power of attorney and here is why!

When created properly, a power of attorney, (hereinafter, “POA”), is a legally binding estate planning document that provides its creator (principal or grantor) the important ability to appoint one or more people to act on their behalf in areas such as managing property, making medical decisions, or addressing financial affairs. Alarmingly, approximately 50% of American…

202312.03
0
0

Important Payable on Death and Transfer on Death Beneficiary Insights for Missouri Seniors

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…

202311.01
0
0

Hey Missouri pet owners! You can create an estate plan to address important topics for your pet

Americans love their pets. The American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) reports that approximately 85 million American households have one or more dog, cat, bird, or horse, representing approximately 157 million pets. That number excludes specialty and exotic pets like fish, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, poultry, and livestock. Pets are often cherished, loved, and treated like family…

202211.23
0
0

Preparing a loved one for a nursing home

The challenge of placing a loved one in a nursing home or residential care facility is a topic none of us look forward to facing.  Often, those moments are made all the more difficult when we recognize that our loved one requires a higher level of round-the-clock care that we are not able or qualified…

202210.25
0
0

Update your estate plan following divorce

Following any dissolution of marriage, a wise person updates their estate plan.  This step is particularly important if there are children or assets involved.  Approximately one-half of marriages in the United States end in divorce, and for most people involved, it is one of the worst experiences of their lives.  As a result, many participants…

202208.04
0
0

“Per stirpes” or “per capita” – you better know the difference

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,…

202206.30
0
0

Tips for Seniors Choosing Contractors

Legal disputes with contractors occur often and in some instances these disputes can involve your most expensive asset…your home.  Liens and encumbrances involving contractors can be avoided if you choose contractors wisely.  The choice of a reputable contractor is especially important for those on limited budgets, pensions and those receiving state and federal subsidies. The…