Understanding the Probate Process in Missouri from Charlie Amen Probate is the legal process often required following the death of an individual. Learn more about the probate process in Missouri in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Understanding the Probate Process in Missouri
What Is a Supplemental Needs Trust?
If you have a special needs child or adult in your family you undoubtedly worry about being able to provide for them after you are no longer here. Special care must be taken when including a special needs loved one in your estate plan because a beneficiary can actually lose much needed assistance if they receive a direct gift from a well-meaning family member. Often, the answer is to create a supplemental needs trust. Fortunately, many special needs children can grow up to live relatively … [Read more...] about What Is a Supplemental Needs Trust?
The Importance of Designating a Successor Trustee
Like many people, you may decide to include a trust agreement in your overall estate plan. If you do include a trust in your estate plan you will need to make a number of important decisions when you create your trust, including the appointment of a trustee. One common mistake people make, however, is to not include the appointment of one or more successor trustees and/or a provision in the trust that determines how a successor trustee will be appointment should one be necessary. This error is … [Read more...] about The Importance of Designating a Successor Trustee
Are There Other Documents That Should Be Prepared When Preparing a Will?
Everyone over the age of 18 should have at least a basic Last Will and Testament in place. If you are finally considering executing a Will yourself you may also be wondering “ Are there other documents that should be prepared when preparing a Will? ” Because of the individual nature of an estate plan, only an experienced Missouri estate planning attorney can provide you with advice regarding which additional documents you should prepare for your plan; however, in most cases there are additional … [Read more...] about Are There Other Documents That Should Be Prepared When Preparing a Will?
Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is one of the most commonly used legal documents because of the flexibility a POA offers and the variety of functions it can serve. The odds are good, therefore, that you will execute a POA at some point during your lifetime for one reason or another. A power of attorney is based on a fairly simple legal agreement whereby you, as the “Principal”, grant authority to another person, the “Agent”, to act on your behalf in legal matters. Although a POA is a rather simple document … [Read more...] about Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a Power of Attorney
February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month
In the United States you are in the minority if you do not own a pet. Collectively, Americans own over 40 million dogs and almost as many cats. If you own a cat, dog, or other pet you already know how rewarding it can be to be a pet owner. As a pet owner, however, you have a responsibility to care for your pet and look after your pet’s health and well-being. That responsibility is the focus of national “ Responsible Pet Owner’s Month ” which is celebrated every February in the United States. … [Read more...] about February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month
Why Is Incapacity Planning So Important?
A well thought out estate plan typically includes more than just a Last Will and Testament. Incapacity planning, for example, is a common component to an estate plan. If you have yet to incorporate incapacity planning strategies and techniques into your estate plan now is the time to do so. You may, of course, be asking “ Why is incapacity planning so important? ” By considering what could happen without an incapacity plan in place you may be able to answer that question. A traditional estate … [Read more...] about Why Is Incapacity Planning So Important?
What Is Business Succession Planning?
For most people, a comprehensive estate plan includes far more than simply the creation and execution of a Last Will and Testament. A well thought out estate plan should accomplish a variety of additional goals aside from determining who will receive your estate assets when you die. For example, tax and probate avoidance as well as incapacity planning are components that are commonly included in a comprehensive estate plan. If you own a small business, business succession planning should also be … [Read more...] about What Is Business Succession Planning?
Missouri Advanced Directives: What You Need to Know
Missouri Advanced Directives: What You Need To Know from Charlie Amen The term “advanced directive” refers to legal documents which, collectively, allow you to express your wishes with regard to end-of-life decisions. Learn more about missouri advanced directives in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Missouri Advanced Directives: What You Need to Know
Why You Should Include Funeral Planning in Missouri in Your Estate Plan
Why You Should Include Funeral Planning in Missouri in Your Estate Plan from Charlie Amen Consider just a few of the problems that commonly occur when funeral planning is done after death instead of ahead of time. Learn more about funeral planning in Missouri in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Why You Should Include Funeral Planning in Missouri in Your Estate Plan
