St. Louis Estate Planning Lawyer

If you are ready to begin working on your estate plan, you will need to hire an estate planning attorney in St. Louis who can help you navigate this process.

Planning your estate is something that every St. Louis resident needs to do as soon as possible. Everyone needs to have a will, whether you have many assets to pass on or not.

The primary purpose of an estate plan is to get your last wishes in order and provide direction for your loved ones after you have passed away. Many people delay creating an estate plan because they find it overwhelming or they do not know how to get started. That is why finding estate planning services is a crucial component of getting this process started.

Why is Estate Planning Important?

Even though most people are aware that they need to have an estate plan, a large portion of people have yet to take this legal step. An estate plan allows you to document how you want your assets distributed by assigning beneficiaries who will inherit your assets after your death. However, there are many other aspects to an estate plan that can help your loved ones avoid an expensive and time-consuming process when dividing your assets.

An estate plan allows you to make provisions for any dependents in the instance of your death. You may have minor children or grandchildren that you want to gift with your property or finances. Or you may have children with special needs who will need to be taken care of after you have passed away.

A thorough estate plan can take the necessary steps to minimize taxes taken from your estate and any expenses related to distributing your assets. Not only does this ensure that your final wishes are executed in the best way possible, it takes the stress and financial burden off of your loved ones.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

A very common misconception about estate planning is that it is only for the elderly or sick. The reality is that every adult needs to have an estate plan in case of a sudden death or a sudden lapse in health.

An estate plan can help you make provisions for your loved ones and ensure that your assets go to the beneficiaries who need them. Taking this step to prepare for the future will also reduce the responsibility your loved ones have after your death.

Planning For the Unexpected

An aspect of creating your estate plan that many people are unaware of is that it allows you to plan for the unexpected. You can use your estate plan to include your wishes for situations that could come up if you become disabled, incapacitated, or unable to verbalize what you want.

Anything can happen at any time, so you should always take the necessary steps to plan for your future and give your family direction. You can include information and directions related to end-of-life care or medical treatment so that you still maintain control over the healthcare you receive. You can also name someone who will act as your advocate and make healthcare decisions for you that are in line with your final wishes.

How a St. Louis Estate Planning Attorney Can Help

Before you begin the process of working on your estate plan, you need to find a reputable estate planning law firm. A local estate planning attorney in St. Louis will have a firm knowledge of estate and inheritance laws as well as local tax laws.

An estate planning lawyer in your area can help you maximize the benefits for your beneficiaries as well as reduce excessive legal expenses. They will also work with you to ensure your estate plan includes all of the necessary details and is legally binding. All of these things will help to avoid complications and any confusion for your loved ones.

An estate planning lawyer doesn’t stop after they have helped you create your estate plan. They will also help you to update your estate plan as necessary, which is something that you should be doing on a yearly basis. You may have acquired more assets that you need to include in your will or you may have a new grandchild that you want to include as a beneficiary.

Contact a Local Estate Planning Lawyer at Wallach & Associates, P.C.

Are you ready to find a good estate planning lawyer to help you accomplish your estate planning goals in an affordable way? Wallach & Associates, P.C., have helped hundreds of St. Louis clients plan for the future and navigate inheritance laws. Contact us today at 314-308-2900 to speak with one of our top estate planning lawyers in St. Louis, Chesterfield, or Maryland Heights, MO.