Life gets busy, and estate planning is easy to put off. Many people assume they’ll “get around to it someday,” while others believe they don’t own enough assets to justify creating a will.
Unfortunately, waiting can leave your loved ones facing unnecessary legal complications and emotional stress.
If you’re searching for an estate planning attorney in Missouri, now is the right time to put a plan in place that protects both you and your family.
Quick Answer
An estate plan does much more than determine who receives your property after you die. It also protects you during your lifetime by allowing trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so. Working with an experienced Missouri estate planning attorney ensures your documents comply with Missouri law and reflect your wishes.
Why Estate Planning Is About More Than a Will
Many people think estate planning begins and ends with writing a will.
While a will is an essential part of your plan, a comprehensive estate plan also includes legal documents that protect you if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury.
A complete estate plan may include:
- Last Will and Testament
- Revocable Living Trust (when appropriate)
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Advance Healthcare Directive or Living Will
- Beneficiary Designation Review
Together, these documents provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
A Will Protects Your Family After You’re Gone
A will allows you to decide:
- Who inherits your property
- Who serves as the personal representative (executor) of your estate
- Who cares for your minor children
- How your final wishes should be carried out
Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to Missouri intestacy laws, not necessarily according to your wishes. This can delay the probate process and increase stress for your family.
Estate Planning Also Protects You While You’re Alive
Many of the most important estate planning documents are designed to help if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to communicate with your doctors.
You may also include instructions about:
- End-of-life care
- Life-support decisions
- Organ donation
- Other medical treatment preferences
Without these documents, your loved ones may be forced to make difficult decisions without knowing what you would have wanted.
Financial Power of Attorney
A Financial Power of Attorney authorizes someone you trust to manage financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated.
Your agent may be able to:
- Pay bills
- Manage bank accounts
- Handle investments
- Oversee real estate
- File taxes
- Conduct other financial transactions on your behalf
Without a properly drafted Power of Attorney, your family may need to ask the court to appoint a guardian or conservator before they can act on your behalf.
Why Do People Delay Estate Planning?
One of the biggest obstacles isn’t money—it’s discomfort.
Many people avoid estate planning because thinking about illness, incapacity, or death is emotionally difficult.
Others assume:
- They’re too young.
- They don’t own enough assets.
- Estate planning can wait until retirement.
- Everything will automatically go to their spouse or children.
In reality, unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. Having an estate plan in place protects your family regardless of your net worth.
Joint Wills Are Rarely the Best Choice
Some married couples believe a joint will simplifies estate planning.
In most cases, however, joint wills create unnecessary complications.
Once one spouse dies, a joint will may significantly limit the surviving spouse’s ability to adjust the estate plan if circumstances change.
Life changes frequently.
You may experience:
- Remarriage
- New grandchildren
- Changes in financial circumstances
- Death of a beneficiary
- Changes in tax laws
Most Missouri couples benefit from individual wills or coordinated estate planning documents that provide greater flexibility.
Blended Families Need Customized Estate Planning
Blended families often require additional planning.
Missouri law does not automatically treat stepchildren the same as biological or legally adopted children for inheritance purposes.
If you want stepchildren to receive part of your estate, your estate planning documents should clearly state your intentions.
An experienced estate planning attorney in Missouri can help ensure your wishes are legally documented and reduce the risk of future family disputes.
Every Estate Plan Should Reflect Missouri Law
Estate planning laws vary from state to state.
That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney who understands:
- Missouri probate laws
- Missouri powers of attorney
- Missouri healthcare directives
- Trust planning
- Asset protection strategies
- Estate administration procedures
Documents prepared for another state—or downloaded from the internet—may not fully address Missouri’s legal requirements or your family’s specific needs.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Estate planning isn’t only about preparing for death.
It’s about protecting yourself, reducing stress for your loved ones, and making sure your wishes are honored if life takes an unexpected turn.
Whether you’re creating your first estate plan or updating documents drafted years ago, the attorneys at Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning and Elder Law, LLC can help you create a personalized plan that reflects your goals and complies with Missouri law.
If you’re looking for an experienced estate planning attorney in Missouri, contact Beck, Lenox & Stolzer today to schedule a consultation.
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Reference: AARP Magazine (Nov. 12, 2020) “How to Stop Stalling On Getting a Will and Estate Plan”