ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN ST. LOUIS AND FENTON, MISSOURI
CREATING YOUR ESTATE PLAN
I usually meet with people in their homes when we are planning for the transfer of your wealth following death. The first questions I always get is:
WHY MEET IN MY HOME? | WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS? |
Because it is convenient and time-efficient. That is where you keep all of your paperwork if I have questions. | You have homework to do. I need to know about your assets and wishes for their distribution. |
WHAT ARE MY ASSETS?
Assets have monthly statements, titles, and deeds and also include life insurance policies or anything in your name that has value.
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW: How the asset is titled, who the beneficiaries are and the value.
NEXT: I need to know where (to whom) you want your wealth to go after you, or the last of you and your spouse, die.
A typical estate plan I help clients create include a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Declaration and Beneficiary Deed. Read on to learn more about what these estate planning tools can do for you.
WILL
A document that takes effect after you die, filed in Probate Court, describing were (to whom) you want your assets to go. A well-planned estate tries to avoid transferring your wealth through Probate Court.
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
A document that appoints an individual to act on your behalf should you be physically or mentally unable to do so. This power terminates upon your death.
HEALTHCARE DECLARATION
A document that declares your desire to NOT be kept alive by artificial means if two doctors declare you otherwise dead.
BENEFICIARY DEED
A revocable deed filed with the recorder of deeds transferring ownership of your home to named persons (beneficiaries) upon your death.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR HEIRS WITH A DIFFICULT PROBATE COURT CASE.
OPTIMIZE YOUR ESTATE FOR WHATEVER THE FUTURE MAY HOLD.WHAT IS A TRUST & DO I NEED ONE?
A trust is a document used while you are alive, and after, declaring to whom you want your wealth to pass, and how, after you die. Trusts are very useful to avoid Probate Court. Trusts are useful for complicated transfers of wealth, keeping your assets and beneficiaries private, and are a much more expeditious transfer of wealth than Probate Court.
Once I have knowledge of your assets and to whom and how you want your assets to be transferred, I can advise you on the choices and techniques available to best accomplish your goals in the most cost-efficient manner. Once you have done your homework, call to make an appointment to plan your estate.
WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED ESTATE PLANNING LAWYER SERVING THE FENTON, ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO REGION
Don't leave your estate planning to a less-qualified attorney. Trust your estate plan to Doskocil Law Firm. I will help you draft a will, form a trust, establish guardianship and put your affairs in order. Don't risk everything you've worked so hard to build. Planning ahead could save your heirs a lot of time, money and frustration in the future. Contact me today.