Why You Should Hire an Attorney for Probate
Probate is a complicated process that can take a major toll on the executor or administrator. From preparing forms and generating reports to serving notices and ensuring compliance with Missouri laws, probate can be incredibly stressful. Add family disputes into the mix, and you need an attorney on your side.
A probate attorney from TdD Attorneys at Law LLC can help you navigate the probate process from start to finish. We will:
- Interpret complex legal language
- Gather and take inventory of assets
- Make lists of creditors and settle debts
- Liquidating the estate’s assets if need be
- Prepare final reports for the court
- Navigate any disputes that may arise
- Mediate difficult family conflicts
Superior Legal Services for Those in Need
At TdD Attorneys at Law, we understand how challenging legal matters can be. No matter what you’re going through, you should feel confident that you and your case are being handled with respect and compassion. As a client-focused, results-driven law firm, we make the attorney-client relationship our number one priority. Our comprehensive legal knowledge can make a difference for you — from real estate matters, estate planning, and probate issues to family law, business law, criminal defense, and personal injury cases. We take the time to get to know you and your goals so that we can align you with a strong, supportive legal strategy that strives for the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
With over 30 years of combined experience and a wide range of expertise, you can gain peace of mind with our team on your side.
You deserve representation that can protect your rights and best interests. Let us fight for the outcome you need to move forward. As your dedicated attorneys, we’ll negotiate aggressively on your behalf and always remain mindful of providing great value at a fair and reasonable price. We’ve helped countless individuals and families in St. Louis, Missouri, and are ready to help you through your legal matter today. With over 30 years of combined experience and a wide range of expertise, you can gain peace of mind with our team on your side. Contact one of our two office locations today for a free case consultation and put our skills to work for you.
Types of Estate Planning Cases We Handle
Estate planning provides you with the peace of mind that your wishes for your estate will be carried out. Through effective estate planning, we will address the following areas with you:
- Will: Establishing a will can set out how to distribute your estate at the time of your death. It can also designate who you would like to care for any minor children left behind.
- Revocable trust: This allows you to maintain control of your assets and helps your beneficiaries avoid probate court. Additionally, you can modify it to reflect changes in your estate plan until the time of your death.
- Tax planning: We can help you and your loved ones avoid or minimize the impact of taxes on your estate.
- Power of attorney: A power of attorney allows you to designate another entity to act on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated. This individual, or group of individuals, may then manage financial, personal or health care matters for you.
- Health care declaration: This helps ensure that doctors respect your wishes regarding medical care at the end of your life or when you cannot communicate them yourself. This commonly addresses such issues as life support and pain and suffering.
- Beneficiary deed: This transfers your property to an individual or entity at the time of your death without using a will, trust or another form of estate planning.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. We will closely examine the details of your estate and your relationships with your loved ones to create a plan tailored to your specific situation.
When Should I Create My Estate Plan in Missouri?
You should not wait to create an estate plan in Missouri. It is never too soon to craft a legal document protecting your assets and estate. The unexpected could happen at any moment, leaving your loved ones unable to grieve in peace due to legal ramifications or placing your estate in the hands of the state if you did not leave behind an estate plan.
As soon as the age of adulthood – 18 years old – you should consider creating an estate plan that at least addresses primary concerns, such as naming a power of attorney for health care and finance needs and creating a basic will.
In general, it is wise to create an estate plan if you are older in age, have been diagnosed with an illness that could threaten your health or future, or have significant assets that will need to be probated after your death. However, virtually anyone could benefit from having a legal document that plans for the fate of their estate.
How Often Should I Review and Update My Estate Plan?
It is important to update your estate plan after important life events, such as getting married, having or adopting children, getting divorced, retiring, being diagnosed with a medical condition, moving to Missouri from another state, or experiencing a significant change in assets. Even if there are no major life changes, you should schedule periodic reviews of your estate plan with an attorney to make sure it still reflects your goals and current state laws.
Contact Our St. Louis Estate Planning Lawyers Today
Please pick up the phone today and put your mind at ease. At TdD Attorneys at Law, we realize that estate planning is a difficult subject to address. Our experienced team is ready to assist. Call us today at (314) 628-8078 for an initial consultation with a lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. You may also reach our team online.