When Should I Plan My Will?
There is no right time to begin planning your will. However, a team of experienced lawyers can help you set up your will in about one week and give you the peace of mind you deserve. While creating a will may seem like a complex process, knowledgeable St. Louis County probate lawyers can guide you through the process and answer any question you may have.
Why do I need a will?
In your will, you explain how you want your property distributed after you pass away. You can leave your property to one person, multiple people, or even to charity. Your will also allows you to appoint who will handle your affairs when you are gone—usually an executor or possibly a trustee. If you have children, you can use your will to name a guardian to take care of them.
If you do not have a will, Missouri law decides how your property will be distributed, who will handle your affairs, and guardianship of your children. A will ensures that your affairs will be handled the way you want.
What attributes should an estate lawyer possess?
Hiring a trustworthy attorney is important if you need assistance with any aspect of estate planning. Below are the attributes to look for in an estate planning attorney:
- Experience: The most important attribute to look for is experience. The lawyer you hire must have substantial experience handling wills, probate, and other estate matters. Seasoned lawyers have likely handled cases similar to your own.
- Knowledge: Few areas require such a knowledgeable command of the law as estate planning. Your lawyer must be able to assist you with any aspect of estate planning from wills and probate to setting up a Missouri guardianship. The attorney you choose must have an in-depth understanding of local laws and tax law as well.
- Respect: Whether you are planning a will or seeking to have a will probated, you deserve the highest level of respect. The probate lawyers you choose must provide you with personalized and dependable legal service.
Trusted legal services for your family
Since 1975, the Ballwin, Missouri estate planning lawyers of Case, Rajnoha & Boudreau have been helping families resolve their legal issues in St. Louis County and elsewhere—including wills, probate, trusts, guardianship, and more. Call us at (636) 552-4872 or contact us online to schedule your free initial phone consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
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