Blog

Published on December 20, 2022

How to Choose a Trustee

Selecting your trustee is one of the most important responsibilities you will have as you set up a trust. However, while you may be inclined to select a family member to act as the trustee, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages, the responsibilities of your trustees, and how trustees work before you […]

Published on December 13, 2022

Qualified Spousal Trusts in Missouri

In Missouri, a married couple’s trust (meeting specific criteria) can provide unique asset protection characteristics. What Is A “Qualified Spousal Trust” (QST)? In Missouri, a Qualified Spousal Trust (QST) allows property owned by a married couple’s trust to be treated as “Tenancy by the Entireties.” What Is “Tenancy By The Entireties?” In Missouri, “Tenants-by-the-Entireties” (TBE) […]

Published on December 6, 2022

How do I update my existing estate plan?

Estate plans should be reviewed roughly every five years and updated as circumstances warrant. Consult an Estate Planning Attorney.

Published on November 16, 2022

What happens if I don’t have a Successor Trustee?

If a Trust does not have any living Successor Trustees, very likely a professional fiduciary would be appointed by the court. However, having your Trust (and beneficiaries) deal with the cost and hassles of the court is not ideal. Here are some helpful considerations. When preparing a Trust, it is wise to have a sufficiently […]

Published on October 27, 2022

Wills vs. Trusts

Take a look at two crucial Estate Planning documents. Learn more about the differences between wills and trusts and which might be more appropriate for your goals.

Published on October 24, 2022

How does signing a deed work?

Choosing the correct form of a deed and correctly drafting it is of utmost importance when transferring real estate in Missouri.

Published on October 20, 2022

A Walkthrough of Estate Planning

What happens when you decide to get a Will, Trust, or other Estate Planning performed?

Published on October 12, 2022

What happens to a Joint Trust when one spouse dies?

For Joint Revocable Living Trusts formed by married couples, minimal changes occur (regarding the Trust) upon the death of the first spouse. However, the changes are significant upon the surviving spouse’s death. When a married couple creates a standard Revocable Living Trust (RLT), they typically act as the: 1. Joint Settlors (creators of the Trust). […]

Published on October 7, 2022

Property Subject to Probate in Missouri

Want to avoid probate? The answer should be yes! Here’s a summary of what property is subject to probate administration under Missouri law. In Missouri, property not subject to probate administration includes: 1. any personal or real property owned by a Trust; 2. property which the decedent owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship […]