Estate Planning Attorney St. Peters, MO
Trusted Guidance for Wills, Trusts, and Protecting Your Legacy
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Legacy Law Center, we’ve been helping St. Peters families make confident, informed estate planning decisions since 2012. Our attorneys work closely with you to create a plan that reflects your wishes, protects your loved ones, and complies with Missouri law.
Whether you need a will, a living trust, powers of attorney, or guidance on probate avoidance, we’re here to simplify the process and give you peace of mind.
Why Estate Planning Matters—For Everyone
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about making sure:
- Your assets go to the right people.
- Your medical and financial wishes are honored.
- Your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal stress and costs.
Without a plan, Missouri’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets—which may not match your intentions. Even if you simply want everything to go to your spouse, a formal plan is essential to protect against unexpected events.
Key Estate Planning Tools We Provide
1. Wills
A will outlines who inherits your property, who will serve as guardian for your minor children, and who will manage your estate.
- Must meet Missouri’s legal requirements to be valid.
- Typically goes through probate, a court process that can delay asset distribution.
- Can be paired with a trust for more comprehensive planning.
2. Living Trusts
A living trust allows you to transfer assets into a trust during your lifetime, with instructions for distribution after your death.
Advantages include:
- Avoiding probate, allowing faster, private distribution of assets.
- Maintaining privacy, as the trust isn’t part of public record.
- Continuity of management if you become incapacitated—your successor trustee can step in without court involvement.
Considerations:
- Costs more to establish than a will, but can save money later by avoiding probate fees.
- Some assets, like retirement accounts, can’t be placed directly in a trust.
- All assets must be properly titled to the trust—anything left out may still require probate.
3. Irrevocable Trusts
Unlike a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust cannot be altered once created.
Benefits include:
- Asset protection from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce.
- Removal of assets from your taxable estate.
- Long-term preservation of family wealth.
Common types we set up include:
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
- Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
- Dynasty Trusts
- Pet Trusts
4. Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to manage your affairs if you can’t. This may include:
- Paying bills and managing accounts.
- Selling or transferring property.
- Making business or healthcare decisions.
Choosing the right person is critical—they should be responsible, trustworthy, and willing to act in your best interest.
5. Choosing an Executor or Trustee
Your executor (for a will) or trustee (for a trust) carries significant responsibility:
- Locating and managing assets.
- Paying debts and taxes.
- Distributing property according to your plan.
Because this role can be emotionally and logistically challenging, some clients choose a professional fiduciary or attorney to ensure impartiality and efficiency.
Avoiding Probate in Missouri
Probate can be lengthy, public, and costly. Missouri law provides ways to avoid it, including:
- Titling assets jointly with right of survivorship.
- Naming beneficiaries on accounts and insurance policies.
- Using revocable or irrevocable trusts.
Our attorneys will review your assets and recommend the best probate-avoidance strategies for your situation.
Safekeeping Your Estate Plan
Once your documents are complete:
- Store originals in a secure, fireproof location.
- Provide copies to your executor/trustee and key family members.
- Keep an updated list of accounts, deeds, policies, and passwords.
We can advise you on what to include and how to keep your plan current.
Why Choose Legacy Law Center
- Local experience – Serving St. Peters and the surrounding Missouri communities for over a decade.
- Comprehensive guidance – From simple wills to complex trust structures.
- Personalized service – We take the time to understand your family dynamics, assets, and goals.
- Proven track record – Trusted by Missouri families to protect their legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Missouri
Q: Is estate planning only for wealthy families?
A: No. Estate planning is for anyone who wants control over how their assets are distributed and who will manage their affairs if they become incapacitated.
Q: What’s the main difference between a will and a trust?
A: A will goes into effect after your death and generally must go through probate. A trust can take effect during your lifetime, avoid probate, and provide privacy.
Q: Can I put all my assets in a trust?
A: Many assets can be placed in a trust, but some, such as retirement accounts, require different beneficiary designations.
Q: How often should I update my estate plan?
A: We recommend reviewing it every 3–5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets.
Q: Can a power of attorney be changed?
A: Yes. You can revoke or change a power of attorney at any time while you are mentally competent.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Legacy
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. Our team at Legacy Law Center will walk you through every decision, ensuring your plan is legally sound, clear, and tailored to your life.
Call us today at (636) 486-2669 or complete our secure online form to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Estate Planning Attorney in St. Peters, MO.
