When a person dies, they often leave behind a will that details how they want their assets distributed. This document is a legal document that lists the names and organizations that will receive certain assets. Most of the time, this document is a valuable piece of...
Why are some wills contested?
A carefully organized and executed will is a powerful tool in a Missouri resident’s estate plan. A personal will provides important instructions and information to individuals about how a decedent wished to distribute their assets after their death. When a will is...
New laws and their effect on trusts
Missouri residents may have missed the news that the Internal Revenue Service has pronounced a new tax rate for certain gifts, specifically those under s.7520. For May of 2020, the rate is 0.8%—this amounts to a full 73% decrease from February of the same year. This...
How a charitable trust helps you give back
If you are considering using all or part of your estate to financially support a cause that is important to you, the best way for you to do that is to include a charitable trust in your estate plan. A charitable trust may sound like something that only the very...
What makes a will valid?
Wills commonly serve as a cornerstone for an overall estate plan. Because of how important a valid will is, it is equally important for estate planners to know what makes a will valid and the requirements their will must meet. There are several requirements wills must...
