St. Louis Estate Planning Lawyers

Considering the prospect of one’s incapacity or death is never a pleasant thought. For this reason, many people never get around to putting together a comprehensive estate plan. Unfortunately, without such a plan in place, your loved ones and the property and assets you worked so hard to acquire throughout your life may not be protected. Without a will or trust, your property will be subject to Missouri “intestacy” laws through probate court. This means your wishes in the matter of how your estate will be distributed will not be known or carried out but decided by the court.

Failure to inform your family what you would have wanted should you become incapacitated or pass away can create a burden on them at a time when they are already under stress. Furthermore, without a plan, your estate remains open to disputes requiring the time, expense, and further stress of litigation. All of this can be avoided with proper estate planning. At The Barclay Law Firm, we have spent decades putting together customized estate plans for our clients; these plans are tailored to your particular circumstances, needs, and objectives. They can be simple or complex and can provide many benefits to you and your heirs and beneficiaries.

Estate Planning in Missouri

Many people believe that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy. However, if you own any property, have bank accounts, a vehicle, own a business or business interests, have other investments, or have minor children, you should seriously consider estate planning. A proper estate plan will ensure that your property and assets are distributed and that your minor children will be cared for according to your wishes in the event of your death. It can also provide instructions for end-of-life medical care you wish to receive or not receive, provide for pets, special needs family members, your favorite charities, and more. 

Estate planning uses various legal instruments to accomplish your needs and goals. These can include but are not limited to: