If you have not yet taken the time to create an estate plan, you are far from alone. Misconceptions about who needs an estate plan continue to persist, leading many individuals and families to assume that estate planning is not necessary.
St. Louis Wills Lawyer
Helping St. Louis Individuals and Families Create Wills to Ensure a Secure Legacy
However, estate planning is not intended only for those of advanced age or for high-net-worth individuals—anyone can benefit from putting a basic estate plan in place to make their wishes known and respected when the time comes. One of the most important estate planning tools is a will, which serves as a written record of a person’s preferences regarding how their assets should be handled upon their passing. When you take the time to put a will in place, you can trust that your wishes will be honored when the time comes. Moreover, you can rest assured that your loved ones will be able to enjoy a more secure future that you have helped to protect by creating a will. The dedicated team of estate planning attorneys at Wallach & Associates, P.C., is ready to help you and your family plan for a bright and stable future, so give our office a call today to get started.
Recognizing the Importance of Wills in Missouri
When someone passes away without a will in Missouri, this means that there is no legal document that articulates the decedent’s preferences about beneficiary designations or asset division considerations. Instead, the probate court will need to step in to administer the decedent’s estate according to Missouri’s intestate succession laws. Although these laws try to align with how most people would prefer their assets to be distributed among their next of kin, there is no guarantee that they will support your wishes or vision. The best way to ensure that your estate is handled according to your preferences is to create a will detailing these specific instructions. Essentially, a will serves as a roadmap that helps the estate administration process move forward smoothly while supporting your vision.
What Protections Does a Will Provide?
Most people recognize that a will provides instructions regarding how the individual’s assets will be distributed among the designated beneficiaries upon their death. However, a will can address several other considerations that can ease the hardship of the loved one’s passing among their grieving family members. For instance, a will can be used to name a trusted individual who can serve as the executor of the estate, streamlining this process and allowing the estate administration process to move forward more quickly. Additionally, you can use your will to designate a guardian for your children in the event of your passing. Should you pass away before your children reach adulthood, you can rest assured that they will be taken into the care of someone you know and trust. As you work with your estate planning attorney to draft a will that addresses your specific needs and goals, you can customize this document to ensure that it provides you and your loved ones with the comprehensive protections you need to face the future with confidence.
Do You Need an Estate Planning Lawyer to Create a Will?
Although Missouri does not require you to hire an attorney in order to draft a valid will, doing so is highly recommended. Yes, the widely available (and free) online resources for drafting your own will may be enticing, but it’s essential to understand some of the potential risks associated with these DIY tools. Using a generic template to draft a will often fails to sufficiently protect your assets and your loved ones, as the language in these forms is usually overly vague and difficult to enforce.. By investing in an estate plan that’s suited to address your unique needs and goals, you can feel lighter knowing that even life’s unexpected turns can be met with strong protections and thorough planning.
Learn More About Your Estate Planning Options Today
At Wallach & Associates, P.C., we are committed to providing exceptional legal guidance to every client we serve. We invite you to contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you identify and achieve your estate planning goals.
