Your Estate Plan Is Your Family's Safety Net
Without a plan, Missouri courts and state law decide what happens to your property, your children, and your medical care. A well-drafted estate plan ensures your decisions govern, not the default rules.
Bruce Galloway personally handles every estate planning matter, giving each client focused, experienced attention from an attorney with over three decades of practice in Southwest Missouri.
- Practicing family and estate law in Missouri since 1996
- Washington University School of Law graduate
- Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association Member, Christian County Bar Association
- Serving Ozark, Springfield, Nixa, Branson & all of Southwest Missouri
Estate Planning Services
Every family is different. Bruce Galloway offers the full range of estate planning tools so you can choose the documents that fit your goals.
Revocable Living Trusts
A living trust lets your estate avoid probate entirely, keeping asset transfers private and often faster for your beneficiaries after you pass away.
Last Will & Testament
A legally valid will ensures your property passes to the people you choose, names a guardian for minor children, and appoints an executor to carry out your wishes.
Asset Protection Planning
Thoughtful planning can shield your property from unnecessary creditor exposure and ensure more of your estate reaches your heirs rather than being consumed by fees or claims.
Partition Law
When co-owners of property cannot agree on its use or sale, a partition action legally divides or forces the sale of jointly owned real estate. Our team can help protect your share of the asset.
Guardianship Planning
If you have minor children or a dependent adult, we help you legally document who will care for them if you are no longer able to do so, which is one of the most important decisions in any estate plan.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney designates a trusted person to handle your financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated, avoiding a costly guardianship proceeding.
Healthcare Directives
A healthcare directive (living will) and healthcare power of attorney document your end-of-life wishes and authorize someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Why Families Choose Bruce Galloway
More Than 30 Years Serving Southwest Missouri
Estate planning is about relationships and trust. Here is what distinguishes Bruce Galloway Law Offices.
Experienced Attorney
Bruce has practiced law in Missouri since 1991, giving him deep knowledge of Missouri statutes and local court practices.
Personal Attention
Your matter is handled with care and attention.
Committed to Families
Estate planning is about protecting the people you love. Our law practice approaches every plan with that goal.
Local Roots
Located on the historic Ozark Square, we serve families in all of Southwest Missouri.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Schedule a consultation at our Ozark office and take the first step toward a complete estate plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an estate planning attorney in Missouri?
While Missouri law does not require an attorney to draft a will, working with an experienced estate planning attorney helps ensure your documents are legally valid, properly executed, and truly reflect your wishes. An attorney can also identify planning opportunities, such as strategies to avoid probate or protect assets.
What is the difference between a will and a trust in Missouri?
A will takes effect at death and must pass through probate court before your assets are distributed. A trust can be structured to transfer assets outside of probate, offering greater privacy and often a faster distribution process. Bruce Galloway will review your family and financial situation to recommend the right approach for your goals.
What happens if I die without a will in Missouri?
Dying without a will in Missouri means the state's intestacy laws determine who inherits your property. This distribution may not align with your wishes, and it can create significant hardship for loved ones who depend on you. A minor child's care and your property distribution are decided by default rules. Having a valid will ensures your estate goes to the people you choose.
How much does estate planning cost at Bruce Galloway Law Offices?
In most instances, we develop a comprehensive plan involving a trust, durable power of attorney, "pour-over" will and healthcare directives for a single, affordable fee. Contact our Ozark office at 417-582-2690 to schedule a free consultation. At the free consultation, we will discuss your specific needs and provide transparent pricing for more complex estate planning.
Do I need to update my estate plan after major life events?
Yes. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named beneficiary or executor are all reasons to review your plan. An outdated estate plan can be nearly as problematic as no plan at all. Bruce Galloway can review your existing documents and recommend updates when your life circumstances change.