A Will Puts Your Decisions in Writing
Without a will, Missouri law decides who inherits your property and who raises your minor children. A last will and testament puts those choices in your hands. You decide who receives what, who carries out your wishes, and who cares for your kids.
Experienced Missouri Estate Planning Counsel
If you own property in Missouri, you need a will. Attorney Bruce Galloway brings nearly three decades of legal experience, including probate court matters dating back to 1996, to help families create effective estate plans.
What a Last Will & Testament Does for Your Family
A will is the foundation of an estate plan. It speaks for you when you can no longer speak for yourself.
Choose Who Receives Your Property
You name the people or organizations who inherit your property, and you decide how much each one receives.
Name an Executor
You appoint someone you trust to carry out your wishes, pay your final bills, and distribute your property. Missouri calls this person a personal representative.
Nominate a Guardian for Your Children
If you have minor children, your will lets you name the person you want to raise them if both parents are gone.
Leave Specific Gifts
Family heirlooms, a vehicle, or a favorite piece of jewelry can go to the exact person you have in mind.
Plan for Blended Families
If you have a second spouse or children from a prior relationship, your will spells out how you want each person provided for.
Back Up Your Trust
If you have a revocable living trust, a pour-over will directs any asset you forgot to retitle into the trust.
Who Should Have a Will
If you own property in Missouri, you need a will. It matters most in these situations.
Parents of Minor Children
Your will is where you nominate a guardian. Without one, a court makes that choice for you.
Homeowners
Your home likely makes up much of your estate. A will makes sure it passes to the people you choose.
Married Couples
Many couples assume everything goes to the surviving spouse automatically. Missouri's default rules do not always work that way, especially when children from a prior relationship are involved.
Unmarried Partners
Missouri law does not give an unmarried partner an automatic right to inherit. A will puts your partner in your plan.
Anyone With a Trust
A pour-over will works alongside your trust as a safety net for anything left outside it.
Will or Trust? How They Work Together
A will takes effect at death and generally passes through probate court before your property reaches your beneficiaries. A revocable living trust can help your family avoid probate for the assets you title in it.
Many clients use both. The trust holds your home, accounts, and vehicles. The will names a guardian for your children and catches anything outside the trust. Retirement accounts and life insurance usually pass by beneficiary designation, not through your will, so we review those with you as well.
Bruce looks at your family and your property in your free consultation and recommends the right mix.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Schedule a free consultation at our Southwest Missouri office and take the first step toward a will that carries out your wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a last will and testament?
A last will and testament is a legal document that states who receives your property after you die, who manages your estate, and who cares for your minor children. It takes effect at your death, and you can change it at any time while you are alive and mentally competent.
Does a will avoid probate in Missouri?
No. A will generally goes through probate court before your property reaches your beneficiaries. A properly funded revocable living trust can help your family avoid probate for the assets it holds. Many clients pair a will with a trust so the two work together.
What happens if I die without a will in Missouri?
Missouri's intestacy laws decide who inherits your property, and that result may not match what you wanted. If you have minor children, a court decides who raises them. A will keeps those decisions in your hands.
Who should I name as executor of my will?
Choose someone you trust who is organized, honest, and willing to take on the work. Missouri calls this person a personal representative. Many people name a spouse or an adult child and add a backup in case the first choice cannot serve. We talk through your options during your consultation.
Can I name a guardian for my children in my will?
Yes. If you have minor children, your will lets you nominate the person you want to raise them. Without a nomination, a court decides. We also help you name a backup guardian.
Can I change my will after I sign it?
Yes. You can update your will whenever your life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family, or a major purchase are all good reasons to review it. We help you update your will so your wishes stay current.
How much does a will cost?
The cost depends on whether you need a will alone or a full plan that includes a trust, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directives. Your first estate planning consultation is free, so you can learn what your plan involves and what it would cost before you commit.