A will is an important tool that individuals can use to plan for the ends of their lives. It is a document that outlines important instructions for how a decedent’s assets, debts, and responsibilities should be managed when they are no longer alive. Through a will, a...
A well-planned estate can minimize the probate process
Probate, the courts’ method of addressing a deceased person’s, or “decedent”, estate, can take many paths. The process can be short and simple, or it can be lengthy. Where a particular decedent’s estate falls on the spectrum rests on the size of the estate, whether a...
Role of the personal representatives in administering a will
Planning for one’s passing may not always be something that people in Missouri like to think about, but it is still important to plan for it. People do not know when they will pass away either, so it is important for people of all ages to plan for it as well. One way...
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...
Who can contest a will in Missouri?
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...
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...
Why is being specific in a will important?
Some people, by the time they reach their fifties, may have children from one or two previous marriages and a current spouse with children from a prior relationship. This makes it crucial to be specific when dictating your wishes in a will. Specificity is important in...
Do you need a will if you are married?
The idea of planning for what happens after you die may not be exactly fun to think about. However, planning ahead is going to be very helpful to your family. While it will not affect you one way or the other, it can save your family from many headaches and legal...
How to prevent will contests
You can expect emotions to run high for your beneficiaries when you die. While it is normal for them to feel sad or have questions about your estate plan, the last you want to happen is for someone to legally challenge the will. Will contests can drag on for years and...
