Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament memorializes your decision regarding how your assets will be distributed at your death. Appoints a personal representative to manage your estate and can advise the probate court of who you want designated as the guardian for your minor children.
This document establishes your intentions and provides direction for how your affairs should be handled after your death. Merely having a will does not avoid probate. We generally recommend that our clients utilize Missouri’s non probate transfer laws with the appropriate documents and to consider a Last Will and Testament as just a back-up document which requires probate court intervention and delays. In theory, every Last Will and Testament must go through probate court to be enforced. A Will allows you to:
• Direct your assets to anyone you choose, including a trust
• Name a personal representative; this person will be responsible for carrying out your wishes pursuant to your will
• Designate a guardian for minor children