Committed To Our Clients

Estate Planning Services In Hillsboro, Missouri

It is normal to feel worried about the future. You might be asking: Who will care for my children? Will my money and property go to the right people? You know you need a plan, but the laws can seem complicated and confusing.

We are here to help you get the peace of mind you deserve. At Roberts Wooten & Zimmer LLC, we focus on streamlining the process. Our experienced estate planning attorneys will sit down with you to create a solid estate plan that is tailored with your priorities in mind. We will help you keep your private matters out of court and guide your loved ones through a straightforward process later on.

The Importance Of Estate Planning In Missouri

Wills and trusts are crucial components of an estate plan. A will tells the court who gets your property, but it must go through probate. Meanwhile, a trust holds your assets for your chosen beneficiaries and usually helps in avoiding probate for your heirs, saving them time and money.

That said, creating a comprehensive estate plan is not just about deciding what happens to your assets. It also includes planning for your care in case you need it in the future. This is where a durable power of attorney and health care directives come in.

Through a power of attorney, you can name a person to manage your finances if you become unable to do it yourself. Meanwhile, a health care directive gives specific instructions for medical decisions in the future.

Proactive estate planning reduces the stress and cost of the probate court process for your loved ones. It also ensures that your property and care will be managed by the people you trust most, under the guidelines you set.

How Roberts Wooten & Zimmer LLC Can Help

We deliver representation backed by more than 100 years of combined legal experience to clients throughout Missouri. That experience means we know the law, and we have the seasoned legal judgment to apply it intelligently in unique situations, even in those situations where the law may be unclear. We will help in a wide variety of situations, from standard to sophisticated, including:

Simple wills
Guardianship matters
Nonprobate transfers
Trusts
Handling the confusing probate process after a loved one has died

Our years of experience provide us with the judgment you can rely upon confidently when choosing how to proceed.

We make it our goal to build a relationship with you that you can depend on for the long term. As your life goals and legal needs change, we are here to make sure your estate planning and probate needs stay up to date with developments in the law.

Questions Clients Are Asking About Estate Planning In Hillsboro, Missouri

The following questions cover some of the most common issues people face. Getting the answers to these queries can help you decide what is right for you.

Do I need an estate plan if I already have a will?

A will is a good start, but it is only one part of a good estate plan. A full plan also includes instructions for health care and fund management. You can also set up a trust to avoid probate.

How often should I update my will or estate plan?

You should look at your plan every three to five years or when major life events happen. This includes marriage, divorce, a new child or if you buy a house.

Do I need both a will and a trust?

Most people benefit from having both. You can include most of your property in a trust and put up a will for your other assets.

What happens if I don’t make a will in Missouri?

If you pass away without a will, your property may not go to the people you would have chosen through the intestate process. This proceeding will also involve the probate court.