St. Louis Will and Asset Lawyer
Nobody likes to think about the end of their life. However, it is very important for the health and safety of your loved ones that you do so. Creating a will is an act of love that will protect your loved ones from complicated legal scenarios after you pass.
Many people avoid creating a will because they believe that they are too young or do not have enough assets to warrant one. In reality, you should create a will as soon as possible, regardless of your economic status or the type of assets that you possess.
You do not have to create a will by yourself. Our team of estate planning lawyers at Stange Law Firm is here to help you navigate this important process.
Stange Law Firm: Your St. Louis Will Attorneys
Our firm is passionate about family law and serving families as fully and carefully as we can. Estate planning is one of the most impactful legal processes that you can navigate for your family. Peace of mind and reassurance are common results of creating a will. Our firm is here to provide experienced counsel as you begin the estate planning process.
We know that every family is different, so our will lawyers take the time to develop a unique will for your specific needs. Our estate planning attorneys listen to your questions, concerns, and goals. From there, they can help you create a will that works for your family and your future plans. You should feel confident about your estate plan and the future of your assets when we have completed your will.
If you are looking for a will attorney in St. Louis, look no further than our team at Stange Law Firm.
What Is a Will?
Although many people have a general idea of what a will is, there is a lot of false information about what a will can do. It is important to know the facts before you begin the estate planning and will-creation process.
A will is a document that outlines what will happen to your assets when you pass away. You may include items such as your home, car, and similar big-ticket items. You can also include family heirlooms and sentimental objects.
Your will also dictates what will happen to your dependents when you pass away. This helps to ensure that your children end up with a trusted guardian. Otherwise, they will have to be shuffled around between family members or placed in foster care.
Finally, your will outlines who will be in charge of carrying out your wishes after you pass. This individual, the executor, distributes your assets to your beneficiaries and generally helps to settle your estate. This should be a trusted individual, but not necessarily a close family member. They may be too consumed by grief to carry out their tasks.
Wills and Probate Court
When you pass away, your will moves through probate court. During this process, the court assesses the document to make sure that it is valid. If it is, the will and your assets pass to your executor. After that, they can begin to organize and distribute your assets according to your wishes.
During the probate process, the court will also take funds from your estate to settle certain debts. Property taxes, income taxes, personal loans, and similar debts are included in this process. These debts can reduce your estate by a significant amount. It is important to be prepared for this when you create your will.
Why Do I Need a Wills Attorney?
When you create your will, it is of the utmost importance that you create a document that is legally binding. If you do not, the probate court may label it invalid, and your family will be without a plan for your estate. When there is no will, or the will is invalid, the probate court transfers all your assets to your next of kin. This can cause serious issues within your family.
For example, if you have children from a previous marriage and remarry, all your assets will go to your spouse when you pass away. If your spouse chooses, they can keep all the assets for themselves. They can then leave your assets to their own children when they pass away. This leaves your children without any support or inheritance.
When you hire a professional wills and asset lawyer, you can be sure that the document you create is legally binding and will pass probate standards. An attorney can ensure that you have fulfilled all necessary requirements and are leaving a document that will actually benefit your family. Do not put your family at risk by attempting to write a will on your own. Hiring an attorney adds security and peace of mind for all.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in Missouri?
The average cost to create a will properly with an experienced attorney is between $1,250 and $2,000. Although many attorneys charge a flat rate for services like will creation, some do not. Some attorneys or law firms charge an hourly rate for their services. This means that the ultimate cost will depend on the complexity of your estate and the extent of your wishes. It is important to discuss your budget with potential attorneys. Find someone who can meet your needs while remaining cost-effective for you and your family.
Investing in a proper will can benefit your family for generations. Your beneficiaries can feel confident in the inheritances that they receive, while your loved ones can feel at peace knowing that your wishes have been carried out.
Contact Stange Law Firm of St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of estate planning attorneys is here to help you make a will that works for you. We understand that creating a will is a vulnerable and intimidating process. We are here to help you feel at ease as you create loving plans for your family’s future.
For more information about wills, our services, or to schedule an initial consultation with us, please contact Stange Law Firm today.
Greene County, St. Louis Office : 901 E. St. Louis, Suite 404, Springfield, Missouri 65806
