Lake St. Louis County

Probate Attorney

Lake St. Louis County Probate Attorney

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

Securing The Estate

Probate asset protection
Resolving creditor claims
Preserving value through legal oversight.

Tailored Plans

Probate plans
Find the best options
Discover the choices you have and make the best decisions

Probate Support

Selecting the Correct Probate Path
Understanding Probate
Navigating options

Probate & Legal Guidance

Special Needs
Probate Law
Benefits

What Is the Purpose of Probate?

Probate serves several important functions. Many people assume that probate only matters after someone has passed away.

Probate occurs when someone dies and the courts work with the deceased person’s executor to settle the distribution of the estate’s assets. The will is entered into probate, and the court oversees executors as they liquidate assets, pay creditors and final taxes, and distribute bequests to beneficiaries. This is a complex process, so many people seek the advice of an

Lake St. Louis County Probate Can Help

Call (314) 763-2739

Common Examples of ProbateDocuments

Intestate Succession

When a person dies intestate, Missouri relies on succession laws to distribute assets to heirs. A spouse inherits everything if there are no children and 50 percent of the estate plus the first $20,000 if there are children, who will split the remainder. The decedent’s children by another relationship are also entitled to inherit. Other relatives may inherit if the decedent has no spouse or children.

Without a will, the decedent risks both assets and business interests going to estranged relatives. To avoid misdirection of assets, contact a Lake St. Louis probate attorney for help.

Probate Process

The executor will:

Affirm for the court they will serve as executor
Opens an estate bank account
Inventories and values the decedent’s assets
Publishes a newspaper legal notice to alert creditors who may have a claim on the estate
Pays creditors
Completes the decedent’s federal and Missouri income tax forms and pays outstanding taxes
Provide the federal government with an accounting if estate or inheritance taxes are due

Inheritance Taxes

Missouri does not impose a state inheritance tax. Property located in one of the six states that does impose one could still be subject to inheritance tax, however, even if the heir lives in Missouri. An estate must be worth $12.92 million for a single person or $25.84 million for a married couple before federal inheritance taxes apply, which can amount to 40 percent in the top tax bracket.

Simplified Process for Smaller Estates

When an estate is worth no more than $40,000, Missouri has a simplified process for an executor to notify the probate court in writing they will be responsible for paying the decedent’s final debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries. An inventory of assets must accompany the letter. A legal notice in the newspaper must advise creditors of the death if the estate is valued at more than $15,000. Creditors have a year to validate the debt for probate.

Join Us for a Free Probate Information Seminar

Learn how the probate process works, what to expect as an executor or heir, and how to avoid common pitfalls when settling an estate.

Get Assistance With Probate From a Lake St. Louis Attorney

A death in the family is always a sad and somber event. There is also a lot to accomplish legally when the decedent’s estate must be settled.

Contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys. They understand how probate works and could help you with all aspects of estate planning and probate matters. A Lake St. Louis probate lawyer could assist you if you are the executor, explain how the process works if you are a beneficiary, or draft your estate documents to ensure a smooth probate in the future.

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

Take the First Step Toward Securing Your Future

Reach out today to discuss your role, responsibilities, and how we can help ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored through probate.

Secure Your Loved One’s Legacy Through the Probate Process

Probate ensures assets are legally distributed, debts are settled, and a valid will is honored. It provides clarity and protection for families during a difficult time.

When Probate Is Necessary

If no trust or estate plan is in place, probate may be required to transfer assets legally. While it can be time-consuming, probate protects heirs, ensures debts are paid, and provides legal authority to settle the estate.

Protecting the Estate Through Probate

Probate helps ensure that assets are transferred legally and that creditors are properly addressed. It protects the estate’s value by resolving claims and securing rightful inheritance for beneficiaries.

Understanding Probate and Asset Transfers

Probate ensures assets like a home or savings are legally transferred after death. Without proper planning, these assets may be delayed or diminished. A probate attorney can help protect what matters most to your family.