Estates and Trusts
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney
Whether you are a new parent with young children or an older person, planning for your loved ones is not a responsibility to take lightly. There are different levels of estate planning for various individuals. Some people need complex estate planning due to tax issues, business ownership issues, or if they have a large amount of assets. Others have simpler needs that may be met with a simple Trust, a Will, or Power of Attorney. Under Missouri law, Revocable Trusts are a great vehicle to avoid probate and pass property to your heirs in a straightforward manner. For younger parents, making guardianship plans for your children to ensure they are taken care of if something happens to you or your spouse is also important.
In addition to planning for a person's death, Estate Planning also plans for disability. Many people are unable to care for themselves at certain times in their lives. Part of good Estate Planning is making sure that there are adequate protections in the form of a Revocable Trust, a Power of Attorney, or appropriate guardianship. All of these matters are much easier to do while a person is of sound mind and able to carefully consider their own wishes. Further, Missouri law recognizes every person's right to declare a Healthcare Directive, or what is commonly known as a "Living Will". These Living Wills are an integral part of making sure that you are able to instruct what healthcare procedures are acceptable to you, and to name a person to make decisions for you if you are unable to make important healthcare decisions. We at The Law Firm of O'Reilly & Jensen, L.L.C. have experience in assisting our clients with Estate Planning, Revocable Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives.
One important aspect of Estate Planning involves small business owners. If you own a business or have an interest in a business, it can be very important to coordinate your business succession plans with your estate plans.
Estate Litigation
Sometimes family or other heirs fundamentally disagree about a Will or Trust. Sometimes these disagreements result in litigation. It's important to have an experienced attorney to assist you if you have issues arise under a Trust or Will, or there is a question about the validity of a Trust or Will. At The Law Firm of O'Reilly & Jensen, L.L.C. we are able to assist you in your estate litigation needs.