Missouri Estate Planning for Your Family and Future

A clear estate plan should explain who receives your property, who can act when you cannot, and how those decisions work together. A.H.Steinmetz, Ltd. helps Missouri individuals and families plan around their assets, relationships and priorities.

Virtual appointments are available throughout Missouri. The firm also advises on Illinois matters when your family or property spans both states.

Schedule a free 15-minute introductory call.

Start with the decisions your family would face

Who should handle your affairs if you become unable to manage them? What should happen to your home? Would a beneficiary need help managing an inheritance? Who should make decisions about your business?

Those questions guide the choice of documents. Your plan may include a will, a revocable living trust, powers of attorney and arrangements for particular assets. The objective is a coordinated plan your chosen decision-makers can understand and carry out.

Missouri planning choices to consider

Wills and the people you appoint

A will can address the disposition of probate property and nominations for important roles. Missouri has specific signing and witness requirements. A document that expresses your wishes still needs proper execution. Missouri will execution requirements.

Revocable living trusts

A revocable trust can provide a framework for managing and distributing trust property. Its terms, funding and successor arrangements need to fit the rest of the plan. Missouri law addresses how revocable trusts may be amended or revoked; changes should follow the applicable trust provisions and law. RSMo 456.6-602.

Learn more about our revocable living trust services.

Beneficiary deeds and other asset arrangements

Missouri allows a properly executed beneficiary deed recorded before the owner’s death to transfer the specified real-property interest at death. That tool deserves a separate suitability review: naming a recipient for a home does not answer every question about management, other assets or the recipient’s circumstances. Missouri beneficiary deed statute.

Planning for incapacity

Discuss who should make financial and health care decisions if you cannot, what authority they need and how the documents work with any trust. These choices deserve the same attention as inheritance decisions.

Property and family connections in Illinois

Tell us about any Illinois real estate, business interests or existing documents. Cross-state ownership can require additional title, tax or administration analysis. Illinois has a separate estate-tax system, so a Missouri address should not end the discussion when Illinois property is involved. Illinois Attorney General estate-tax resources.

What to gather before a planning review

• Existing signed wills, trusts, amendments and powers of attorney.
• A general asset list and current ownership information.
• Beneficiary designations for major accounts and policies.
• Deeds and information about real estate in either state.
• Business governing agreements, if you own a company.
• The people you are considering naming and any concerns about their roles.

You do not need every answer before the introductory call. Start with the questions that matter most to you.

Common questions

Do I need a trust if I have a beneficiary deed?

That depends on your broader goals. A deed addresses a particular property interest. A trust may address ongoing management and distributions involving multiple assets or beneficiaries. The choice should follow a review of your entire plan.

Can I work with you virtually from anywhere in Missouri?

Yes. You can complete the entire estate planning process online with a licensed attorney: meetings, drafting, review, signing, notarization and recording when needed. We explain the documents, answer your questions and guide you through each step. Learn about our complete virtual estate planning service.

Should I review documents signed before moving to Missouri?

Yes. A review can examine how the documents fit your current residence, assets and decision-makers. A move does not mean every document must automatically be replaced.

Take the next step

Schedule an introductory estate planning call to discuss your family, your property and the plan you want to put in place.

Learn more about how virtual estate planning works.