These resources, including publications from The Missouri Bar Association, are here to help you get the assistance you need with your legal concerns.
NOTICE: THESE RESOURCES ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC AND TO PROVIDE SUGGESTIONS ABOUT APPROPRIATE APPROACHES TO ACHIEVE DIFFERENT RESULTS AND GOALS. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE OR SUBSTITUTE THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY FAMILIAR WITH THE SPECIFIC SITUATION, CIRCUMSTANCES, AND OBJECTIVES OF ANY PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS. PROVISION OF THESE MATERIALS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE ATTORNEY CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. THEY ARE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. BY PROVIDING THESE MATERIALS THERE SHALL NOT BE ANY LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ALLEGED AS A RESULT OF RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS INFORMATION.
Probate Law Resource Guide
All about wills, living trusts and the probate system.
Download complete guide (PDF) »
Probate: Navigating probate law requires a qualified lawyer; however, learning a few key points about the process may be helpful as well.
Wills: A will in its simplest form is a legal document stating who is to receive your property when you die. There may be numerous other provisions within a will but they often contain guardianship provisions for dependents and minor children. While anyone 18 years of age or older and of sound mind can make a will, only a lawyer with expertise in this area can assure its enforceability and that everything contained within your will is specific to your needs.
What is a Revocable Living Trust? A living trust is an entity established during an individual’s lifetime to hold or retain assets. A trust is deemed revocable when the individual who creates the trust reserves the right to amend or revoke the document during their lifetime. A qualified attorney can tell you more about appropriate applications of how a trust is used in the estate planning context and how to establish a revocable living trust.
Joint Tenancy: Joint Tenancy is a type of co-ownership and can be designed to mitigate some probate expenses. This type of ownership offers advantages but also has some pitfalls and disadvantages in the estate planning context.
Living Wills and Other Advance Directives: Living wills allow an individual to declare the types of medical care they would like provided or withdrawn in certain circumstances. These and other types of advance directives benefit from qualified legal guidance.
Durable Powers of Attorney: A power of attorney is a document in which an individual designates an agent to act in their interests should they be incapacitated. They can pertain to healthcare as well as financial matters.
Revised Anatomical Gift Act: The Anatomical Gift Act details how individuals can donate individual organs, tissues or entire body for transplantation, therapy, research or education after death. Recommendations for successful donation include discussing your wishes with loved ones or indicating that you would like to be a donor on your driver’s license or through the Missouri Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.
Guardians & Conservators Under Missouri Law: Missouri Law includes provisions for guardians/conservators to be appointed to minors, or to adults that have been declared legally disabled.
Business Law Resource Guide
Covers bankruptcy and other business issues.
Business Organizations: Discusses the four forms of business organization allowed under Missouri law: sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations (Inc.) and limited liability corporations (LLCs). Each category is further subdivided to accommodate various types of businesses. A qualified business lawyer will be able to direct you to the option best for you.
Estate Planning
A carefully considered estate plan is essential for individuals and business owners who want to direct their assets to their heirs and preserve their wealth and estate from unecessary administration, taxes, and probate fees. Entrepreneurs and business owners often want to the business or companies they have created endure and are preserved for their legacy.
Estate Planning Worksheet: Married Couples »
Estate Planning Worksheet: Single Individual »
