Chesterfield Estate Planning Blog

Estate planning before getting remarried

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC posted in estate planning on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

Anyone in Missouri who is getting married after previously being widowed or divorced has good reason to feel happy about their new love and chance for a positive future with a new spouse. However, that joy should not get in the way of taking care of some very important practical and financial matters, especially when children from prior marriages are involved.

Fidelity Investments recommends that partners have frank and open conversations about their long-term plans for their estates and assets before they get married. This should involve a thorough review of all assets each person will bring to the relationship such as real estate, investments, retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

What is a trust and what can I do with one?

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Estate planning is not hard to understand, but there can be many different aspects to it. For example, wills and trusts. For many people, they often mix the two up and basically think they are both the same thing. However, they are very different.

What is a trust?

What's in a will and do I need one?

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

It's a hard topic to talk about but planning for your death with the right documents is part of caring for your family members in the future. If you have a spouse, children or living parents, it's a good idea to have a well-written will in place. A will can offer you peace of mind by knowing you've put your affairs in order and communicated your preferences to those you love.

In addition to passing along money and possessions, a comprehensive will allows you to express your intentions, protect your assets and save your family members from potential stress after your death.

What are the basic estate planning tools?

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

Estate planning is a process that addresses the financial, legal and personal realities of passing away. You may have the desire to create an estate plan, but it can be difficult to know where to start. It may seem like a convoluted process at first glance, but it is actually quite simple when you know the basic terms.

While your estate plan should be unique according to your particular situation, most estate plans consist of some basic tools. Here are the core components of an estate plan.

The rules for making a will in Missouri

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Thursday, July 26, 2018.

A will is one of the basic estate-planning tools. Whether alone or in conjunctions with trusts and other instruments, a will can provide an effective way to allocate your property.

Missouri law sets forth some essential technical requirements. Getting them wrong can cause the probate court to invalidate a will and proceed to distribute the estate as per Missouri's intestacy laws.

Dividing property in a Missouri divorce

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

Figuring out asset division can be a tough part of any divorce. Understanding how Missouri law generally approaches this issue can help you get a clearer picture of what you can expect.

Every divorce involves different personalities, priorities and types of assets. Thus, instead of a strict by-the-numbers approach, judges typically consider a variety of factors. Even if it is your goal to ultimately avoid litigation, knowing the basic framework can give you a basis for planning negotiations.

The best way to get a divorce in Missouri

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Monday, January 29, 2018.

When you think about divorce, do you imagine heated court battles, vengeful acts and a constant tug-of-war? If you do, you are not alone. It is sometimes a deterrent for couples who want out but do not want to experience those circumstances.

However, the truth is that you have other options besides fighting in court and having a judge determine the outcome. Litigation is sometimes necessary, but when it is not, it is only harmful to your time, money and family. Try the best way to divorce instead.

Changes to make in your estate plans after a divorce

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

The divorce is final, and you have settled into your new life. With the exception of possibly needing to make modifications in the future, you no longer have to worry about the legal effects of your divorce, right?

Wrong. The end of your marriage impacts more than just child custody and property division. It also requires that you alter your estate plans to reflect your current state of affairs. Make these changes now to ensure your assets go where you want them to and your children receive protection if you pass away.

3 ways to enforce child support orders

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Friday, August 4, 2017.

Child support orders are a legal obligation that can have serious consequences if not fulfilled. Whether you are depending on support from an ex or have an order to submit support payments, there are a few things you should know about enforcement methods when the supporting party does not make payments. According to the Missouri Bar, the Family Support Division assists parents seeking to enforce support orders.

The following are three ways that the division may enforce support orders if it becomes necessary. Whether you are on the giving or receiving end of child support, acquiring a legal representative may help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. There are options available for parents who are struggling to make payments and those seeking support from a noncustodial parent.

How to successfully co-parent with your ex-spouse

On behalf of Hamra Law Firm, LLC on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

No matter where you are in the divorce process, you may find yourself wondering how you can co-parent with your ex-partner in St. Charles County when there is so much animosity and arguing. You may not want anything to do with your spouse now that you are moving on. But if you want to minimize the amount of stress and conflict your children will endure because of the situation, you should learn how to tolerate your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

A divorce decree does not change the fact that your kids have two parents. You do not need to live together or agree about everything to raise them successfully. You just need to develop a good co-parenting plan and stick with it.

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