Protect Your Family’s Future with a Thoughtful Estate Plan
At Legacy Law Center, we believe estate planning isn’t just for you — it’s also for the people you love most. Having a plan in place for your parents can be just as important as creating your own. Without one, you may be left managing a complicated and stressful process while grieving their loss.
We’ve seen families spend countless hours sorting through financial records, navigating disputes over heirlooms, and struggling to divide property fairly. A clear, updated estate plan can spare your family unnecessary conflict, expense, and heartache.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning is about more than distributing assets after death — it’s about making sure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for.
Without a plan, Missouri probate courts must follow state law to decide who inherits property, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally taxing for your family.
Whether you are planning for yourself or helping your parents prepare, our attorneys can guide you through:
- Creating or updating wills and trusts
- Appointing a power of attorney and healthcare proxy
- Protecting assets from unnecessary taxes or claims
- Planning for long-term care costs
- Avoiding unnecessary probate delays
Starting the Conversation with Parents
Talking to your parents about estate planning can be uncomfortable, but it’s an important step. One way to approach the subject is to share your own planning experience — for example, explaining that you and your spouse met with an attorney to create a will — and then asking if they’ve done the same.
Key questions to ask:
- Have they worked with an estate planning attorney in the last five years?
- Do they have a plan for potential long-term care costs?
- Are their documents up to date with their current wishes?
- Even if they don’t share every detail, knowing a plan exists can bring you peace of mind.
Essential Documents Every Estate Plan Should Include
Our Missouri estate planning lawyers recommend that every adult have, at minimum:
- A Will — Specifies how assets will be distributed, names an executor, and outlines final wishes, such as burial or cremation preferences.
- Durable Power of Attorney — Appoints someone to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so. Without it, loved ones may have to seek court-appointed guardianship.
- Healthcare Proxy (Healthcare Power of Attorney) — Names a trusted person to make medical decisions if you are incapacitated, preventing family disputes during difficult times.
Chesterfield Estate Infographic
Understanding Probate in Missouri
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets. In Missouri, this process often takes at least six months but can last longer if there are disputes, multiple heirs, or complex assets.
Our probate administration services include:
- Filing for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
- Notifying creditors and beneficiaries
- Inventorying and appraising assets
- Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
- Preparing settlement reports for court approval
- Ensuring timely and lawful distribution of assets
Avoiding Family Conflict
Disagreements often arise during probate, especially when there are multiple heirs, disinherited family members, or unclear instructions. We help clients reduce conflict by:
- Dividing assets fairly or explaining unequal distributions clearly
- Avoiding shared ownership of property between heirs
- Using trusts for minor children
- Outlining funeral and burial preferences in advance
Why Work with Legacy Law Center
Since 2012, Legacy Law Center has helped Missouri families create estate plans that reflect their values and protect what matters most. Our attorneys combine legal knowledge with compassion, ensuring that your plan is both comprehensive and enforceable.
Whether you’re planning ahead or already facing the probate process, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Missouri
1. What is the difference between a will and a trust in Missouri?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It must go through probate in Missouri, which is a court-supervised process.
A trust, such as a revocable living trust, can hold your assets during your lifetime and transfer them directly to beneficiaries without going through probate, saving time and reducing legal costs.
2. How long does probate take in Missouri?
In Missouri, the shortest probate process usually takes about six months and 10 days from the first publication of notice to creditors. However, more complex estates — especially those with multiple heirs or disputes — can take a year or longer to resolve.
3. Do all estates have to go through probate in Missouri?
No. Certain assets, such as jointly owned property, payable-on-death accounts, and assets in a trust, can bypass probate. Small estates valued under $40,000 may qualify for simplified probate procedures.
4. What documents should be in an estate plan?
A complete Missouri estate plan should include:
- A Last Will and Testament
- A Durable Power of Attorney for financial matters
- A Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy)
- A Living Will or Advance Healthcare Directive
- A Revocable or Irrevocable Trust (optional but recommended for some situations)
5. Can I change my estate plan after it’s created?
Yes. You can update your will or trust at any time as long as you are mentally competent. It’s a good idea to review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation.
6. What happens if someone dies without a will in Missouri?
When a person dies intestate (without a will) in Missouri, state laws determine who inherits the estate. Typically, assets go to the surviving spouse and children. If there are none, the estate passes to other relatives according to Missouri’s intestate succession laws. This process often requires full probate and can take longer.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Don’t wait until a crisis forces you to make rushed decisions. Contact our Missouri estate planning lawyers today or complete our secure online form to schedule a confidential consultation and start protecting your family’s future.
Legacy Law Center
3401 Technology Drive Suite 219, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367
(636) 486-2669
