The role of a judge is one of immense responsibility and impact. Judges are entrusted with interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and upholding justice in a fair and impartial manner. Their decisions can shape legal precedents, influence societal norms, and significantly affect the lives of individuals. Given the complexity and gravity of these tasks, the necessity…
Garnishment is a legal process where a creditor can collect a debt by seizing a portion of the debtor’s wages, bank accounts, or other assets. In Missouri, garnishment is governed by both state and federal law, with the Missouri Revised Statutes outlining specific procedures, limitations, and exemptions. This article provides a detailed look at how…
Introduction Chapter 7 bankruptcy, commonly referred to as “liquidation” bankruptcy, provides relief to individuals who are overwhelmed by unsecured debt and lack the means to repay it. This legal remedy allows qualifying debtors in Missouri to discharge most, if not all, of their unsecured debts and start fresh financially. While Chapter 7 can be a…
Estate planning is often a topic that people prefer to avoid, as it involves contemplating the end of life and the distribution of assets after death. However, proper estate planning is crucial for anyone who wants to ensure that their wishes are honored, their loved ones are protected, and their estate is managed efficiently. This…
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…
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…
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…
