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…
For those senior adults with unmanageable debt and few assets, filing for bankruptcy may be a viable option to reduce those overwhelming financial concerns. Bankruptcy is a legal process wherein debt is discharged or managed through court order when a qualified senior is unable to repay debts. In summary, bankruptcy is a life preserver for…
When creating your estate plan, it is important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Probate assets are those subject to court administration in a process through which a court determines how to distribute your property after you die. Some assets are distributed to heirs by the court as probate assets while others…
Okay sure, your life is calm now. Perhaps you are retired or nearing retirement. Perhaps your children are independent or nearing an age of independence. But soon enough you will be a senior adult with completely different legal needs than your younger self. While speeding tickets, dissolution of marriage and family law issues were paramount…
Elder abuse is often referred to as a silent problem; a problem that affects the dignity, security, and safety of some American seniors every day. Elder abuse includes various forms of abuse such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, emotional abuse, and abandonment. According to statistics published by the National Council on Aging (NCOA),…
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,…
The Pew Research Center reports that among parents with adult children in the U.S., 61% of them say they have helped an adult child financially in the preceding 12 months. Among those who have helped an adult child financially, with errands, housework or home repairs, or with child care, nearly nine-in-ten (89%) say it is…
Todd Miller recently attended the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association Fall 2015 Regional Continuing Judicial Education Seminar in Columbia, Missouri. Attendees learned case law updates and specific procedural techniques regarding new Senate Bill Five addressing conduct by municipal courts arising from the protests in Ferguson, MO.
The Missouri Durable Power of Attorney Law is set forth in Chapter 404.700 through 404.735 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. A power of attorney is a legal document wherein you voluntarily, and with informed consent, and in the presence of witnesses, give another person powers to address your property and finances. Although you may select multiple parties to…
