Category: Wills

The Difference Between a Will And a Living Will

As you work through your estate plans, crafting your will and living will could prove to be more confusing than you thought. After all, it is not unusual for Missourians to use living will and will interchangeably.  However, there are stark differences between wills and living wills that you should be aware of as you […]

Published on December 20, 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 27, 2022

What are the differences between a Will-based estate plan and a Trust-based estate plan?

Learn more about your options for selecting the right estate plan for you and your loved ones. Certain documents are almost universally recommended when an individual or couple has an estate plan prepared. These documents include: 1. “Standalone” Will OR a Trust & “Pour-over” Will 2. General Power of Attorney (selects an agent for financial/legal […]

Published on May 18, 2022

Can my parents create a Will or Trust if they are seriously ill? When is it too late?

When someone is particularly ill, is not an ideal time to create an estate plan–it should be avoided if possible. However, sooner is always better! The downsides of waiting until you (or your parents/grandparents) are late in years or terminally ill, include: (1) You never know when your health could quickly fail (or suffer an […]

Published on June 25, 2021

Pour-Over Wills Are Crucial to Trust-Based Estate Planning

If I have a trust do I still need a Will? In short, yes. It is always advisable to have a Will. If you have a Trust you should still have a Will. There are certain issues addressed in your Will that cannot be addressed in a Trust. Some of these issues include nominating a […]

Published on March 5, 2021

What is the Difference Between a Will, a Living Will, and a Living Trust?

Learn the difference between commonly confused estate planning terms. Estate Planning terms vary from state to state Legal verbiage is notoriously confusing. In Estate Planning this confusion is compounded by different states using different terms to describe the same concepts. One example is the term “Executor.” An Executor is called a “Personal Representative” in Missouri […]

Published on January 15, 2021

How Do I Revoke a Will in Missouri?

Under Missouri law, you can revoke a Will be destroying it, canceling it, or by creating a new Will. When a client has an existing Will (plenty of course do not—for many clients this is their first estate plan), they frequently ask what will happen to their old Will, if they create a new one. […]

Published on November 30, 2020

Does a Will Protect My Property From Probate?

Unfortunately, Wills are not a legal instrument capable of protecting your property from probate administration. Learn more about instruments that can. Does a Will Protect My Property From Probate? The short answer: No. Most people don’t realize that giving property to a beneficiary through a Will exposes it to probate. Probate occurs anytime property that […]

Published on February 11, 2020