Estate Planning & Elder Law Articles — page 4
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Polaris Named St Louis Magazine’s 2026 A-List Best Estate Planning Law Firm
St. Louis Magazine has named Polaris Estate Planning and Elder Law the Best Estate Planning Law Firm in its 2026 A-List Readers’ Choice Awards. We want to be clear about where this came from, because it changes what it… Read “Polaris Named St Louis Magazine’s 2026 A-List Best Estate Planning Law Firm”
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Six Mistakes That Can Undermine a Missouri Will
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork TL;DR Signing a document called a will doesn’t guarantee that a will is valid or that it will work as you intend. In Missouri, a will has to meet specific requirements, and six common… Read “Six Mistakes That Can Undermine a Missouri Will”
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The Unfunded Trust Problem: Why So Many Missouri Living Trusts Don’t Actually Work
Written by: Attorney Raymond Chandler TL;DR A living trust only accomplishes its intended goals for assets it actually owns. Many Missouri trusts were properly drafted and signed but never funded, meaning the home was… Read “The Unfunded Trust Problem: Why So Many Missouri Living Trusts Don’t Actually Work”
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Independent vs. Supervised Probate in Missouri: Which One Applies to Your Estate?
Written by: Anne Harris TL;DR Missouri probate law offers two paths: independent administration, which runs with light court oversight and is faster and cheaper, and supervised administration, where the court signs off… Read “Independent vs. Supervised Probate in Missouri: Which One Applies to Your Estate?”
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What Slows Missouri Probate Down? 6 Common Delays and How Families Avoid Them
Written by: Marcus Tecarro TL;DR Missouri probate usually takes six months to a year, and a big part of that is simply built into the law: creditors get a set window to come forward before an estate can close. What… Read “What Slows Missouri Probate Down? 6 Common Delays and How Families Avoid Them”
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Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will in Missouri?
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork TL;DR A living trust and a will each play an important role in estate planning, but they serve different purposes. A living trust can help properly funded assets avoid probate, provide… Read “Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will in Missouri?”
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Can You Avoid Probate with a Small Estate Affidavit in Missouri?
Written by: Raymond Chandler TL;DR A Missouri small estate affidavit provides a simplified prohttps://polarisplans.com/missouri-probate/bate process for qualifying estates, but not every estate is eligible. Whether you… Read “Can You Avoid Probate with a Small Estate Affidavit in Missouri?”
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What Missouri Probate Laws Should Every Family Know?
Written by: Anne Harris TL;DR Missouri probate laws determine how a person’s estate is administered after death, including which assets go through probate, who inherits property, and the responsibilities of the personal… Read “What Missouri Probate Laws Should Every Family Know? ”
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How Do You Protect a Surviving Spouse in Missouri?
Written by: Marcus Tecarro TL;DR Protecting a surviving spouse involves much more than deciding who inherits your assets. A well-coordinated estate plan can help ensure your spouse has access to financial accounts,… Read “How Do You Protect a Surviving Spouse in Missouri?”
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What Actually Happens in Missouri Probate Court?
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork TL;DR Understanding what happens in probate court in Missouri can make an overwhelming situation feel much more manageable. Probate is generally required when assets cannot transfer… Read “What Actually Happens in Missouri Probate Court?”