Estate planning is highly personal and often sensitive in nature given the purpose of an estate plan and the decisions that go into the creation of a plan. Given the importance of the finished product, choosing the right estate planning attorney to guide you through the process is imperative. At the Clayton, Missouri law firm of Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. we understand the important role your estate plan will play in protecting you, your assets, and your loved ones. Our Clayton, Missouri estate planning attorneys and staff are dedicated to helping you create a customized estate plan that integrates your needs, your wishes, and your legacy into one comprehensive plan.
The History of Clayton, Missouri
Clayton Missouri is a small city that boasts big character despite its humble beginnings. The city of Clayton began life in 1834 as a gift to the state of Missouri from two independently wealthy farmers named Ralph Clayton and Martin Hanley. Ralph and Martin granted a large portion of their land to city officials so that it could become the seat of St. Louis County. Ralph, who had donated a larger portion of land, required in exchange only that the city bear his name. The land they gifted is now the central business district of downtown Clayton. Over the next fifty years the town saw slow growth, but towards the end of the 1800’s the town started coming into its own with the addition of a schoolhouse, electricity, and a volunteer fire department. The city was formally incorporated in February of 1913 and promptly elected William Broadhead as the first mayor of the city. The city’s lack of heavy manufacturing and industry helped the town weather the great depression better than most. Charles Shaw even managed to put together a great public works project that saw wider streets and a public library come to town. Clayton managed so well, in fact, that by the late 1950’s the city had abolished its height restriction on buildings and saw over a dozen high rise buildings pierce the sky over the city. Despite the fact that Clayton has such a developed business district, the town retains the vast majority of its small town feel which is thanks in part to the fact that Clayton only has about 15,000 residents. The small town mindset of Clayton is made apparent by the fact that Martin Hanley’s 129 year old farmhouse still stands near the outskirts of downtown today.
Clayton in the 21st Century
Downtown Clayton reflects the city’s past as well as its present with a varied collection of structures from different time periods. The downtown area is home to many one and two story mid-century modernist buildings as well as a formidable array of sky scrapers. A metrolink light rail system connects two of the prominent sections of the city and helps bring people into and out of the downtown area. Clayton is known for its population of wealthy, educated, dual income citizens. The median income in Clayton has risen over $20,000 since just 2010 to a nationally high ranked average of $87,000.
Clayton has several large employers that call the city home including; Enterprise Rent a Car, Centene, and Washington University. Clayton is a culturally diverse city with a well-developed arts and entertainment sector that includes numerous art museums, lovely European style downtown cafes, and fine dining restaurants. Clayton is home to the Saint Louis Art Fair and Taste of Clayton Food Festival which are both held every year. Today, Clayton is a small town wrapped in a big city landscape that manages to do a great job at being both homely and bustling.
Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. in the Clayton Community
The attorneys and staff at Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. are proud to be part of the Clayton, Missouri community. We understand how difficult it can be to share your personal needs and wishes with a stranger which is why we strive to develop ongoing relationships with our clients. Estate planning is not something that is accomplished in a single meeting. On the contrary, your estate plan should be reviewed and modified as you pass through the various stages of your life and events transpire that should warrant changes to your plan. We want to be there with you for all those important events to be sure your estate plan reflects the changes you experience throughout your lifetime.
When you initially sit down to create your estate plan you will likely focus primarily on protecting yourself and your fledgling assets. When you get married and become a parent for the first time your estate plan will need to be updated to protect your young family from the financial devastation your unexpected incapacity or death could cause.
During your working years, your estate plan may need to be expanded to include components that will help grow and protect your estate, such as retirement planning, business succession planning, and tax avoidance. You may also start to include strategies in your estate plan that will help your estate avoid probate as well as ensure that you can afford long-term care should you need it in the future. As you contemplate the final years of your life, legacy planning may become important to you as may funeral planning. Our law firm would be honored to be with you at each step of your journey through life and help you create an estate plan that protects you, your family, and your assets.
Contact a Missouri Estate Planning Attorney Now
If you have estate planning questions or concerns, or would like to get started creating your estate plan, contact the experienced Clayton, Missouri estate planning attorneys at Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. by calling 314-966-8077 to schedule an appointment.
