When a Missouri resident dies without a valid will, their estate is subject to the state’s intestate succession laws. These statutes, found in Chapter 474 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, dictate how assets are distributed among surviving relatives. While designed to reflect traditional family structures, intestate succession may not align…
Family heirlooms carry more than monetary value. They hold emotional significance, historical meaning, and generational memories. Whether it is a grandfather’s watch, a war medal, or a set of antique china, protecting these items during estate planning is essential. In Missouri, thoughtful planning and legal tools can ensure your treasured…
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy, provide for loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored. In Missouri, a well-crafted estate plan can help avoid probate delays, minimize disputes, and give you peace of mind. But simply having…
Dying without a will, known legally as dying “intestate,” can create confusion, delays, and unintended consequences for your loved ones. In Missouri, the state’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, who manages your estate, and who inherits your property. While these laws aim to reflect typical family structures,…
If you are looking for ways to avoid probate court in Missouri, joint ownership is one way to go about it. Probate can be challenging, and a lot of people look for ways to avoid it. If you want to learn more about what probate is and ways to avoid…
Nowadays, our assets extend far beyond our physical possessions. Most people now have digital assets along with their physical assets. When you’re discussing your estate plan, it’s best to note your digital assets along with your other assets. There are a lot of different things that must be included in…
A lot of times, people aren’t thinking about all the details that go into divorce when they get married. If it happens, it’s a big financial change. Estate planning is one of the things that people need to think about when they get divorced. Missouri residents should review their plans…
Estate administration is the legal process of managing and distributing the assets of a deceased person. Probate is related to this because it is the specific court-supervised part of estate administration. The probate court oversees this process, and the estate administration involves gathering the assets, paying the debts and taxes,…
When a loved one requires ongoing care due to a physical and/ or cognitive disability, estate planning becomes essential. One of the most effective tools for this purpose is a Special Needs Trust. A Special Needs Trust is a powerful estate planning tool designed to provide long-term financial support without…
Trusts are a powerful legal and financial tool commonly used in Missouri estate planning. When assets are placed into a trust, they are no longer considered part of the trust creator’s estate, thus providing a smooth and private transfer of property to their heirs or designated beneficiaries. One of the…
