Making sure your will is actually valid is critically important. Not only do you want your wishes honored, you want to make sure your assets aren’t distributed according to intestacy laws. There are specific requirements you have to follow to make sure your will is valid. It is always best…
Having the right estate plan in place can make all the difference for Missouri families. It can give you peace of mind and help you know your beneficiaries are protected. If you’ve never done an estate plan before, 2026 is the time to get started. If it’s been a while…
If you recently lost a loved one, you might wondering if the estate has to go through Missouri probate. Probate can seem intimidating, with all of the deadlines and court filings it requires. On your own, the process can be complicated and contain legal risks if you make mistakes, but…
Too many Missouri residents go without a will, or try to do one on their own. There are countless websites that will let you do a “free will” or one that seems really cheap. Unfortunately, these are usually created by non-lawyers, often from out-of-state. They often fail to meet the…
When people are getting ready to estate plan, they often ask whether they will have to pay inheritance taxes. Missouri removed its state inheritance tax back in 2005, so there is no Missouri state inheritance tax in 2026. However, federal inheritance taxes exist, and the law often changes. Understanding how…
After losing a loved one, you might wonder if you have to go through Missouri probate. For small estate, there may be simplified procedures that streamline the process. This can reduce the costs and have fewer court requirements along with it. If the decedent planned well, you may be able…
A conservatorship is a serious thing. It is a type of legal arrangement that gives one person power over another, primarily their finances and property. This usually begins because a person is unable to care for themselves independently, whether because they are too young or struggling at a particular point…
A divorce decree is an enforceable order of the court. You must follow what it tells you to do. Both spouses are obligated to follow everything within it. If one party fails to follow through with their obligations, they could face several different sanctions. Penalties could include fines, payment of…
Title insurance protects you against issues with a property’s legal history. When you go to buy a property, you are getting everything with it. This could mean that ownership disputes of the past, easements you didn’t know about, or other issues with the deed could affect you. Title insurance helps…
Children don’t have control of who they live with when it comes to a Missouri child custody dispute. However, they’re input might still matter as something the judge considers. If they are old enough and have the capacity to have an opinion, the judge might consider what your kids want….
