It’s a difficult time when a loved one passes away but there are tasks that need to be completed promptly to ensure your loved one’s intentions are fulfilled and that property passes as planned. You have only one year from date of death to open a Probate Estate in Missouri. You need an experienced attorney to handle the probate process and the legal issues.

Many smart people have no Estate Plan whatsoever. Making an estate plans may seem unpleasant, or something to put off for the distant future. However, If you have no Will, then the law of your State will determine who receives your assets. It generally costs much more to handle a probate estate when there is no Will, because the courts usually require a surety bond. If you are a single person, consider this. it may be more difficult to determine your heirs, particularly if you have no children or siblings. Beyond this, you may not want all of your assets to be distributed to your next of kin. If you have no Will or Trust, you have no control over how your estate is distributed. Everyone should do some Estate planning, even if it’s just the basics of a Will and power of attorney. Everyone needs a Power of Attorney, because this allows you to grant authority to a trusted person to handle your affairs in the even of your disability or incapacity.

If you want to avoid Probate, and keep your Estate Plan private, consider setting up a Living Trust. A Living Trust transfer assets without a Probate Court and care for you in the event of a disability.

I handle each case personally. I have 37 years experience in Probate, Estate Planning, DWI Defense, and Auto Accident Injury cases. I am licensed to practice in both Missouri and Illinois. I have handled every stage and level of litigation, both trials and appeals. My varied experience helps me to effectively address my clients’ needs, even where areas of law overlap