Best Estate Planning Lawyers in St Louis

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List of the best lawyers in St Louis, United States

Carmody MacDonald P.C.

St Louis, United States

Founded in 1981

106 people in their team

English

Carmody MacDonald P.C. is a St. Louis-based law firm focused on establishing close relationships with clients, serving as valued counselors, and providing exceptional service. Clients choose us because they are looking for practical, cost-effective solutions for complicated legal situations. The...

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Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, P.C.

St Louis, United States

Founded in 2001

84 people in their team

English

At Capes Sokol, we strive to find the best solutions to our clients’ legal problems and to turn even complex challenges into opportunities.That’s why each member of our St. Louis-based team is committed to looking at every issue from multiple angles. We bring teamwork and collaboration across...

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Lashly & Baer

St Louis, United States

Founded in 1972

86 people in their team

English

We Have A History Of Making HistoryLashly & Baer, P.C., has its roots from Jacob M. Lashly, one of Missouri’s outstanding trial lawyers and a president of the American Bar Association. Another aspect of our legacy is the commitment to the communities in which we live and work. This public...

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Mickes O’Toole

St Louis, United States

Founded in 2008

27 people in their team

English

DEDICATED COUNSEL, TRUSTED ADVICE.At Mickes O’Toole, our focus is on providing comprehensive, expert legal analysis and advice to governmental and private sector entities, including public school districts, colleges, universities, corporations, small businesses and individuals. Our attorneys are...

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United States Estate Planning Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 2 legal questions about Estate Planning in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

My husband passed away five years ago. We have a property in th Philippines and I would like to transfer everything to my child. We are now residing in California, as U.S. citizens and my late husband a Filipino citizen.c: Hello:We are sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, and we extend our deepest condolences.Regarding your concern, since your husband was a Filipino citizen and you are now both U.S. citizens residing in California, the property transfer to your child in the Philippines can be lawfully facilitated under Philippine succession laws.Here are some important legal points and possible remedies:1. Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate (if there is no will)If your husband died intestate (without a will), and there are no other compulsory heirs aside from your child, you may execute an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights in favor of your child. This must be:Signed by you as the surviving spouse,Notarized and registered with the Registry of Deeds,Accompanied by a notarized Affidavit of Self-Adjudication or Waiver, if applicable.If the property is titled in your husband's name, the title must be transferred first to the estate, and then to your child.2. Judicial Settlement (if there is a dispute or complications)If:There are other legal heirs,There is no agreement on the partition,Or if a will exists that needs probate,Then a petition for judicial settlement must be filed before the Philippine court having jurisdiction over the property.3. Tax Clearance & Title TransferTo legally transfer the title, the following must also be secured:BIR Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR),Estate tax clearance,Updated real property tax payments,Transfer of title with the Registry of Deeds.We recommend an initial consultation so we can properly review your husband’s death certificate, property documents, marriage certificate, and your child’s proof of identity. This way, we can assist you in completing all required steps without requiring you to travel to the Philippines.You may directly schedule and automatically get a Google Meet link using the link below:👉 https://calendar.app.google/MuALV3nLqedy9FCx6Our Contact Information:📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: 09175046510📍 Office: 5th Floor, Park Centrale Building, IT Park, Apas, Cebu City, 6000We look forward to helping you secure your child’s rightful inheritance.Best,Atty. Jofre RecososaOwner, Recososa Law Firm
How to protect property from squatters law: After completing probate to establish yourself as the legal heir, you can transfer the property title to your name and then grant them permission to reside there through a formal agreement.It is worthy to note that you can do it through special attorney.

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About Estate Planning Law in St Louis, United States

Estate Planning in St Louis, United States, involves the management and disposal of an individual's estate during life and at death. Its main objective is to maximize estate value by reducing taxes and other expenses. In St Louis, as in the rest of the Missouri state, it encompasses wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and power of attorney designation. An estate plan aims to ensure your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries according to your wishes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Estate Planning can become complex due to myriad legal rules, regulations, and potential tax implications. Navigating these complexities often requires expert legal knowledge. You may need a lawyer to draft your will, set up trusts, or manage property distribution. In scenarios where there may be disputes among heirs, hiring a lawyer can help resolve disputes and prevent probate litigation. A lawyer can also keep you updated on evolving Estate Planning laws and regulations.

Local Laws Overview

Under St Louis, Missouri Estate Planning laws, an individual may create a will if they are at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Missouri does not recognize oral wills, and written wills must be signed by two witnesses in the presence of the testator. The state's laws also favor trust formation to protect and distribute your assets according to your wishes flexibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is probate and how can it be avoided?

Probate is a legal process through which a decedent's estate is administered. It can be time-consuming and expensive. In St Louis, setting up a living trust can help you avoid probate.

2. Can I change my will after it has been drafted?

Yes, there are appropriate legal processes in place that allow for revisions to your will post its drafting.

3. What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will in St Louis, your estate will be distributed according to Missouri's intestate succession laws.

4. Who can be an executor to my will?

Any individual who is at least 18 years old, of sound mind and good character can be an executor to your will in St Louis, Missouri.

5. Does Missouri have an estate or inheritance tax?

No, the state of Missouri does not levy estate taxes or inheritance tax on estates.

Additional Resources

For more information, refer to Missouri laws Chapter 472: Probate Code--General Provisions and the Probate and Estate Planning section of the Missouri Bar's website. You may also find helpful information on the American Bar Association's website and the IRS's guide to Estate and Gift Taxes.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Estate Planning in St Louis, consider reaching out to a local Estate Planning lawyer or law firm with a strong reputation and proven expertise. It may also be beneficial to consult financial advisors who are familiar with Estate Planning in St Louis, Missouri.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in St Louis through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Estate Planning, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in St Louis, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.