Chesterfield Estate Planning Blog
Do I need a will?
Estate planning is something that does not always get the attention it deserves. It is easy to take for granted our safety, which is why many of us do not develop a thorough estate plan. If you do not have an estate plan, do you need one? Despite the benefits of a...
How important is a financial power of attorney?
Many couples get advice on the importance of advanced directives such as a living will or a durable power of attorney to accompany their will or trust. But as part of the estate planning process, it is also important to consider naming a financial POA while assessing...
How to establish and use a special needs trust
Trusts are among the most frequently used estate planning techniques for residents of St. Louis and the rest of Missouri. These trusts, however, come in many different colors and sizes. What may be the perfect trust for a well-off family of four may be totally unfit...
Is a charitable remainder trust right for you?
Over your lifetime you may have been committed your time and efforts to various social causes in Missouri or perhaps you went on to get a college education that served you well over the years. Many people in their 50s or 60s who are starting the estate planning...
Which assets go through probate in Missouri?
Throughout people’s lives, they acquire various assets. These could be various bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, homes and other property, vehicles, jewelry, collectibles and many other types of assets. People may cherish these assets and use...
How creative can I be when estate planning?
To make your estate plan look the way you want it to look, you may want to get a little creative. Perhaps you plan to add conditions to trust payouts or take a non-traditional approach to how you express your end-of-life wishes. However, before you do any of this, it...
Estate planning to protect heirs from making common errors
For Missouri residents who have accrued a relatively ample portfolio and are considering their legacy, it can be worrisome if they think their heirs could make mistakes to deplete or outright lose their inheritance. As Baby Boomers age, they are increasingly thinking...
Who receives one’s property if they pass away without a will?
It can be important for people in Missouri to plan for various aspects of their lives. People plan for their children’s education, for unexpected emergencies and expenses, retirement and other events that can arise. People should also plan for one’s death as well. It...
Factors that should be used in picking a guardian in a will
Death is not a subject that people in Missouri really like to think about all the time, but unfortunately, it is inevitable. The hope is certainly that people are able to live a long, full life prior to passing away, but that is not always the case. There are many...
Intestate succession in Missouri
Most people do not know the specifics of Missouri’s intestate succession laws, but they may make a lot of assumptions about them. Intestate succession refers to the order in which a person’s estate will pass if they die without a will. Many individuals may assume that...
