Wills & Estate Planning

Wills
Planning for the future is an act of love for your family. Without a will, state law determines how your property will be divided after your death. Our caring and experienced attorneys will work with you to help you end up with a document that will clearly state your wishes and give your executor instructions to follow those wishes. Your family will not have to make wrenching decisions in the midst of their grieving.

Family Trusts
Family trusts help with the following items:

• Protection for your spouse.
• Remarriage by a surviving spouse.
• Protection for children.
• Avoidance of probate.
• Guardians for your children.

A trust allows you to continue to guide and protect your family after you are gone. We can help you structure a trust that will allow you to manage your affairs as you always have and will continue for as long as you desire. Ask us how we can simplify this process for you and help you create a trust that you understand and that will work for you and your family.

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the power to make decisions and manage your affairs if you are incapacitated. Working with our team, you will be able to name people who can step into your shoes and follow your wishes. And a Durable Power of Attorney can help even if you are not incapacitated–you might be planning an extended trip out of the country and want to leave a trusted person at home who can make decisions quickly if you cannot be reached.

Health Directives / Living Wills (Terminal Illness Instructions)
When tragedy strikes and the unexpected happens, your doctors are legally bound to follow your directions as stated in a Health Directive/Living Will that complies with Missouri state law. You may or may not want your life prolonged with the use of life support machines or artificial hydration or nutrition. A Health Directive/Living Will gives your doctors guidance and allows your family to be free of wrenching decisions that can tear families apart.