Estate Planning and Probate Administration

For many people, it may be unpleasant to think of what will happen after they die or if they become mentally or physically incapacitated. For this reason, they may find it easy to put more immediate concerns ahead of estate planning. There can be negative consequences to not having a valid estate plan. Your estate may be subject to higher taxes. Disputes may arise among heirs. Property becomes subject to division based on the interstate laws of the state of Missouri, not the wishes of the decedent.

Knowledgeable Missouri Estate Planning Lawyers
The knowledge and experience to help you make your wishes known

At Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter and Welch, P.C., our Missouri estate planning lawyers and probate administration attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you avoid these problems. We encourage our clients to let their wishes be known for the division of property and potential health care decisions. We do this by drafting documents, such as the following:

• wills
• trusts
• powers of attorney
• health care directives
• living wills
• guardianships
• conservatorships
• probate administration

Upon passing of your loved one, our Missouri probate administration attorneys can assist both personal representatives and/or trustees in administering and distributing estate and trust assets through final distribution to the beneficiaries.

The attorneys at Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter and Welch, P.C. understand that estate planning is not "one size fits all." This is why we take the time to carefully discuss the individual needs of each client. We present options that take into account preferences for funeral arrangements, appointment of a representative, care of children, division of property among heirs, and wishes for medical treatment.

Contact us to set up a consultation. We have evening and weekend appointments available. Our firm is conveniently located by the Camden County courthouse, and we have an open door policy for clients to just stop by to discuss their legal needs.