Lake St. Louis County

Estate Planning Attorney

Lake St. Louis County Estate Planning Attorney

Planning your family’s future is something you should never put off, there’s no such thing as too early.

Securing Benefits for Your Estate

Estate asset protection
Creating the best outcome
Estate Tax Strategies

Tailored Estate Plans

Find the best optons
Plan for your future
Give your family the legacy they deserve.

Caregiving Support

Choosing the Right Estate Plan
Planning for Medicaid
Plans for elders

Estate Planning Legal Guidance

Special Needs
Elder Succession
Veterans Benefits

What is the Purpose of an Estate Plan?

An estate plan serves many purposes. Most people think that an estate plan only goes into effect when they die.

For instance, the most common and traditional form of estate planning, the will, only has a legal effect upon a testator’s death. However, more modern forms of estate planning can transfer property and provide instructions before a testator dies. In essence, an estate plan can take effect as soon as the signatures go on the paper.

One prominent impact of an estate plan is to avoid the state’s intestacy laws. These regulations exist to instruct a probate court about how to deal with a decedent’s estate should they die without any planning documents. According to Missouri Statute § 474.010, a surviving spouse receives the full estate if a person dies without children. However, if the decedent has children and a spouse, the spouse will receive half the estate plus $20,000 while the children receive the other half. Clearly, this may cause chaos concerning a family home or business. A Lake St. Louis estate planning attorney could help create an airtight estate plan so that the state’s intestacy laws do not impact inheritances or create confusion among family members

Call Lake St. Louis County Estate Planning

Call (314) 763-2739

Common Examples of Estate Planning Documents

Beyond the Will: Flexible Strategies for Estate Planning

An estate plan can take on many forms. While the goal always remains the same, the means of achieving that goal can vary. The traditional form of estate planning is the will. Here, a testator describes what they want to happen to their property and assets after they die. While a will is certainly a valid option, more creative thinking could help to better meet a person’s goals.

Avoid Probate with a Well-Structured Trusts

A common alternative to a will is a trust. A trust places property under the care of another party, and that party has a duty to distribute those assets at a set time. This occasion could be before or after a trustee’s death. Trusts are useful because they can help avoid the complexities of the probate process and the tax issues that come with gifting property.

When You Can’t Decide, Your Plan Can

Estate planning could also help in situations where a person becomes unwilling or unable to make their own decisions. For instance, arrangements like a living trust or a guardianship can grant other people the power to make medical decisions or sell property on behalf of a testator. A dedicated lawyer in Lake St. Louis could help identify a person’s estate planning goals and draft the documents that make those goals a reality.

Secure Your Future with Comprehensive Planning

Modern estate laws allow for a variety of estate documents. Traditional wills are still an option but trusts and powers of attorney offer potential alternatives. A Lake St. Louis estate planning lawyer could help you identify your estate planning needs and draft the documents to effectively protect your future. Contact an attorney today to schedule a consultation.

Attend Our Free Estate Planning Seminar

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and ensure peace of mind. Our free seminar will explore essential elder trust strategies designed to safeguard your assets, support long-term care needs, and place decision-making authority in the hands of those you trust.

Personalized Trust Strategies for Aging with Dignity and Peace of Mind

Effective estate planning begins with understanding your personal needs for care, protection, and legacy preservation.

Using tools such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship arrangements, we create legally sound strategies tailored to your family’s circumstances. With clear guidance and documents that meet Missouri’s legal standards, you can move forward knowing your future, and your loved ones, are protected.

Start planning for your future today, let’s discuss your care and legacy needs.

Take the First Step Toward Securing Your Future

Start the conversation today, let’s discuss your care preferences, estate goals, and the legacy you want to leave behind.

Secure Your Legacy with a Legally Binding Will

A last will and testament allows you to clearly designate beneficiaries, outline the distribution of your assets, and appoint guardians for minor children. It ensures your final wishes are honored and provides clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.

The Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust

A revocable trust allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime or after death, all while avoiding the delays and costs of probate. Its flexibility lets you adjust the terms as your circumstances or goals change, giving you control and peace of mind throughout life’s transitions.

Protecting Your Wealth with an Irrevocable Trust

An irrevocable trust removes designated assets from your personal estate, offering a powerful layer of protection against potential creditors and legal claims. This strategy is ideal for preserving wealth, supporting long-term care planning, and securing assets for future generations.

Understanding Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust allows seniors to preserve key assets, such as the family home and savings, while still qualifying for long-term care benefits. By structuring ownership properly, this trust provides financial security, helps maintain Medicaid eligibility, and ensures your legacy remains intact.