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REAL ESTATE, PROBATE AND ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS

Legal Resolutions for Your Real Estate Needs
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Finding the right attorney can be a big key to your success. That’s why we won’t charge you to get to know us and explore our ability to meet your needs.

Over 30 Years of Experience

We pride ourselves on providing hands-on service. With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting our clients’ legal interests.

Custom Solutions & Honest Advice

From our first conversation to the conclusion of your case, we will always set clear expectations as we guide you through the legal process.
Client Testimonials
"Always kept me updated and informed throughout the process. Provides big firm expertise at a small firm price. Highly recommend.”

Charles N.
Google Review

"I would highly recommend this practice for anyone who is needing to put a Will/Estate Trust together for themselves, or loved ones."

Sonja W.
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"Thank you Ted Disabato & TDD Attorneys At Law for all of your knowledge, professionalism and understanding."

William H.
Google Review

St. Louis Estate Planning Attorney

At TdD Attorneys at Law LLC in St. Louis, individuals, families, and business owners trust us to fiercely advocate for them and find resolutions to their most complex legal needs.

You deserve representation that can protect your rights and best interests. Let us fight for the outcome you need to move forward.

Our Approach Centers On You

  • Free Consultations: Finding the right attorney can be a big key to your success. That’s why we won’t charge you to get to know us and explore our ability to meet your needs.
  • Custom Solutions: Every client has a unique situation, which is why we set out to tailor a legal strategy aimed at meeting your goals and achieving your desired outcome.
  • Honest Advice: From our first conversation to the conclusion of your case, we will always set clear expectations as we guide you through the legal process.

Missouri Real Estate & Estate Planning Attorney

TED DISABATO

With a background in business and real estate, I have a strong passion for guiding others through these complex areas of law. I became an attorney to have a positive impact on others. I strive to do everything I can to help my clients find a solution for their unique legal challenges.

ERIK ZORUMSKI

I began my legal career at TdD in 2012, and have been dedicated to serving our clients ever since. I’m proud to use my skills as an aggressive litigator to fight for the best possible outcome for my clients, no matter what legal challenges or circumstances they may be facing.

LOUIS TESON

Louis started with TdD Attorneys at Law as a law clerk and is currently an Associate Attorney in our South County office.  A cum laude graduate of St. Louis University School of Law, earning his undergraduate degree from Mizzou.  He specializes in civil litigation, primarily concerning real estate and probate disputes.  He also represents a number of homeowner and condominium associations in drafting, interpreting and enforcing declarations, indentures and restrictions.

 

Practice Areas

REAL ESTATE LAW

When it comes to buying or selling property, there are many factors to consider, many of which depend on the type of real estate matter you’re facing. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to ensure that your investment or the proposed deal is logically sound and works in your favor. Don’t risk getting stuck in a bad deal because you didn’t have an expert on your side to advise you. Our real estate lawyers in St. Louis prepared to help you through the process every step of the way.

ESTATE PLANNING

There are many different tools available for designing a strategic estate plan that works best for both you and your family. It’s never too early or too late to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you in the right direction and help you choose the right options for your unique situation. At TdD Attorneys at Law, our St. Louis estate planning attorneys can help make sure that your end-of-life wishes are clearly documented and respected so that the future for you, your family, and your loved ones is protected.

PROBATE

After the passing of a loved one, too often the people appointed administrator of an estate find themselves stuck between grieving and handling the stressful probate process. Going into the probate process without experienced legal advice can often create situations that leave you personally responsible for missteps. At TdD Attorneys at Law, our goal is to guide you through the complex probate process and create a smooth transition.

Let Our Real Estate Expertise Guide You

When it comes to buying or selling property, there are many factors to consider, many of which depend on the type of real estate matter you’re facing. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to ensure that your investment or the proposed deal is logically sound and works in your favor. Don’t risk getting stuck in a bad deal because you didn’t have an expert on your side to advise you. At TdD Attorneys at Law, we’re prepared to help you through the process every step of the way.

Practice Areas

REAL ESTATE LAW

When it comes to buying or selling property, there are many factors to consider, many of which depend on the type of real estate matter you’re facing. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to ensure that your investment or the proposed deal is logically sound and works in your favor. Don’t risk getting stuck in a bad deal because you didn’t have an expert on your side to advise you. Our real estate lawyers in St. Louis prepared to help you through the process every step of the way.

ESTATE PLANNING

There are many different tools available for designing a strategic estate plan that works best for both you and your family. It’s never too early or too late to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you in the right direction and help you choose the right options for your unique situation. At TdD Attorneys at Law, our St. Louis estate planning attorneys can help make sure that your end-of-life wishes are clearly documented and respected so that the future for you, your family, and your loved ones is protected.

PROBATE

After the passing of a loved one, too often the people appointed administrator of an estate find themselves stuck between grieving and handling the stressful probate process. Going into the probate process without experienced legal advice can often create situations that leave you personally responsible for missteps. At TdD Attorneys at Law, our goal is to guide you through the complex probate process and create a smooth transition.

Let Our Real Estate Expertise Guide You

When it comes to buying or selling property, there are many factors to consider, many of which depend on the type of real estate matter you’re facing. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to ensure that your investment or the proposed deal is logically sound and works in your favor. Don’t risk getting stuck in a bad deal because you didn’t have an expert on your side to advise you. At TdD Attorneys at Law, we’re prepared to help you through the process every step of the way.

Get Help with Estate Planning

Estate planning can help build a solid foundation for the future distribution of your assets and the settling of your debts. With a strong estate plan in place, you can ensure that your final wishes are carried out to your specifications. An attorney from TdD Attorneys at Law LLC can provide valuable guidance during the process, helping you create a plan that is tailored to your unique needs.

Your estate planning lawyer can help you:

  • Draft important documents like your last will and testament, power of attorney, and medical directives
  • Ensure that your important documents are up to date and meet Missouri’s legal requirements
  • Explore different types of trusts, explain how they can protect your assets, and establish financial arrangements as needed
  • Provide informed legal advice to guide your decision-making and ensure that your estate plans meet your needs
  • Act as an important resource for your family after you pass away, helping them navigate probate during a difficult time

Why Choose TdD Attorneys at Law LLC?

  • Our firm has first-hand experience handling all types of estate planning matters. We can walk you through all possible pathways to help you create a comprehensive plan for the future.
  • Our attorneys offer highly skilled services at a reasonable cost. We will work with you to determine an arrangement that works best for your circumstances.
  • We know that estate planning can be complex and stressful. Our firm will take the lead on each stage of the process and take care of mundane tasks so that you can focus on what matters most.

How Does the Estate Planning Process Work in Missouri?

Estate planning does not have to be complicated. At TdD Attorneys at Law LLC, our lawyers can walk you through a series of important decisions to create a comprehensive plan for your assets. The estate planning process typically follows these steps:

  • First, you and your attorney will meet for an initial consultation. We’ll discuss the estate planning process and answer any questions that you may have, such as how to create a will, the different types of trust, and whether you want to establish a power of attorney.
  • When you agree to hire our firm for your estate plan, we will begin to prepare rough drafts of certain components. We will then send you these drafts for review.
  • Then, we will meet as many times as necessary to review the drafts, discuss any changes, and implement additional instruments like revocable trusts or health care directives. You are welcome to contact our office with any questions, changes, concerns, or requests for additional information.
  • Once your estate planning documents are finalized, our lawyers will set up a signing meeting. During this meeting, you will sign the documents in the presence of witnesses as required. If any documents need to be notarized, your lawyer can arrange to have a notary present.

Benefits of Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer

Whether you want to sell or purchase real estate, working with an attorney can be incredibly beneficial. At TdD Attorneys at Law LLC, our firm can provide the support that you need to efficiently close a sale, transfer land ownership, resolve title disputes, and much more.

Below are just some of the benefits of hiring a real estate lawyer:

  • Faster Resolutions: With an attorney on your side, you can go through the real estate process much faster than without legal representation. Your lawyer will know how to navigate the process and can help you avoid common mistakes that would otherwise delay the transaction.
  • Protection for Your Investments: Any type of real estate transaction can be risky. You do not want to accept a lowball offer or lose the title to a fraudulent claim. By hiring a lawyer, you can best protect your investments and ensure that your best interests are protected during these proceedings.
  • Ensure Accuracy and Compliance: You need to comply with complex rules and requirements during a real estate transaction. Your lawyer can take care of these legal matters on your behalf and ensure that all documents and agreements meet federal, state, and local laws.
  • Answer Any Questions or Concerns: Real estate matters can be complicated, and you may have many questions during the process. Your lawyer will be available to address any of your concerns, serving as a repository of legal knowledge during each step of the process.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan?

Not everyone leaves an estate plan behind when they die. When this happens, the deceased’s estate will be distributed according to Missouri’s intestacy laws—and his or her family will lose control over these important decisions. With an estate plan, you can bypass this pre-determined plan for your assets and even help your family avoid the lengthy and complex probate process.

Why Do You Need Estate Planning?

An estate plan allows you to map out the fate of your hard-earned assets after your death or in the event that you become mentally incapacitated. It can give you peace of mind knowing that your affairs will be in order and your wishes will be carried out. Your estate plan can allow you to bequeath items or assets to your beneficiaries, allowing them to grieve in peace and avoid the frustration of administering your estate.

With proper estate planning, you will have control over what happens to your assets. You can remain in control of your health care and medical decisions should you become incapacitated and no longer be able to make these choices yourself. After you pass, having an estate plan can help your family avoid a costly probate court process, minimize taxes and ensure that your estate is distributed according to your desires.

What’s the Difference Between an Heir and a Beneficiary?

While the terms “heir” and “beneficiary” are often used interchangeably, from a legal perspective they have two different meanings. In estate planning law, the definition of an heir is an individual who is legally and entitled to inherit assets from a deceased person under the state’s laws of intestate succession.

A beneficiary, on the other hand, is someone who has been selected by the deceased person prior to death in his or her estate planning documents to receive assets or benefits. A beneficiary can be any individual, organization or entity the testator wishes – not just someone who is in line to inherit under Missouri law.

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.

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