Legacy Law Center was founded in 2012, to serve seniors, veterans and families with proper estate planning from a law firm they could trust. Legacy Law Center has four team members—two senior attorneys, Charles Moore and Margoth Moore, a paralegal and legal assistant, Cara Mansker and Melissa Byers.
Charles Moore is the founder and owner of the Legacy Law Center and has practiced law since 2005. Mr. Moore can practice law in California, Missouri and a few federal courts such as the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis, and the Southern District of California in San Diego.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer in Chesterfield, MO is going to be the lawyer that helps the executor of the will or the beneficiaries of the estate through the probate process. When someone dies, their assets have to be distributed according to their will and state laws, so it can be hard for the executor of the estate or beneficiaries to follow the probate process, which is a legal process of identifying the assets and distributing them according to law, among other things.
A probate lawyer is a state licensed attorney that works with executors and beneficiaries to settle the affairs of someone that is deceased. Sometimes probate may be avoided if these assets are placed in a trust, but usually that means the assets are not accessible for a certain number of years due to the trust. A trust does ensure smooth property transfer outside of the court and legal proceedings that would otherwise need to happen, though.
A probate lawyer in Chesterfield, MO is going to help you collect proceeds from life insurance policies, identify and secure assets, obtain appraisals for real property value, assist you in paying bills and debt, prepare and file documents that are required by court, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate
How long does the probate process take?
The probate process in Missouri takes at least six months, but it can take longer. This depends entirely on the assets available, and any quarrels between beneficiaries, as well.
Do all estates go through probate in Missouri?
Most estates in Missouri have to go through probate—there is a simplified procedure for smaller estates that are valued at $40,000 or less may qualify for. You have to submit a written request for this procedure, take responsibility for all debts to be paid and other inheritors. You are required to submit an inventory list along with the value of the property—and if the property is above $15,000 in value, a notice is published in the newspaper regarding it for up to a year, for creditors to make their claim on the property.
Does a will have to be probated in Missouri?
Yes. A will has to be probated and must be filed with the county court where the person was living at before they died. The court has to deem this will is valid.
Reach out to the probate lawyers in Chesterfield, MO that reside at Legacy Law Center to work with you today.
