Trusted Estate Planning Attorneys in St. Louis
Dowd & Dowd has decades of experience helping individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area protect what matters most – their loved ones, their assets and their legacy. Our years of experience allow us to handle all aspects of estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and probate matters. We even handle legal malpractice claims stemming from underlying estate planning cases that attorneys mishandled.
Estate Planning Practice Areas
- Wills & Trusts
- Probates
- Estate Planning for Business Owners
- Inheritance Law
- Elder Law
- Power of Attorney
- Special Needs Trust, Planning, and Guardianship
- Asset Protection & Planning
Don't see the area of law or similar circumstances that apply to your particular case? Contact us anyway. We may still be able to provide you with the legal representation you need in Missouri and Illinois.
Why Trust Dowd & Dowd for the Estate Planning Process?
Dowd & Dowd is the law firm that has been serving St. Louis families since 1957. We know how complex and overwhelming estate law and estate tax planning can be, especially during times of high emotions. Our compassionate estate planning lawyers are always ready to help you navigate the intricacies of the law and various legal documents with unmatched zeal and legal acumen.
Estate Planning FAQs
1.What is the difference between an estate planner and an estate attorney?
What is the difference between an estate planner and an estate attorney?
An estate planner is a professional who assists with the process of managing an estate, such as filing estate planning documents, to ensure the best possible outcome for beneficiaries and survivors; importantly planners participate in the process before someone passes away. An estate attorney is someone who is involved in the process after someone passes away, such as the probate process.
2.What type of attorney do I need for estate planning?
What type of attorney do I need for estate planning?
Estate planning is a complex process that can entail everything from estate probate to designating healthcare proxies. Law firms with attorneys specializing in estate law, probate law, elder law, tax law, and more are ideal for estate planning purposes.
3.What is the 5 by 5 rule in estate planning?
What is the 5 by 5 rule in estate planning?
A 5 by 5 rule allows beneficiaries of a trust to access up to 5% ($5,000) of the trust's total assets on an annual basis.
4.What is the difference between will and estate planning?
What is the difference between will and estate planning?
A will is a specific legal document, outlining someone's wishes for how they want minor children to be cared for and assets to be distributed after passing away. Estate planning is a process that can include creating wills along with other documents, as well as managing other aspects of end-of-life care and probate planning.
5.What is probate administration?
What is probate administration?
Probate administration is a legal process by which a court-appointed official will manage a deceased person's estate to pay off any outstanding debt or taxes before distributing the remaining parts of the estate to beneficiaries.
6.What happens if I die without a will in Missouri?
What happens if I die without a will in Missouri?
If you pass away without a will, Missouri law determines how your property is distributed. Having a properly drafted will or trust ensures that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes and that your family is taken care of.
To get a personal estimate of your estate planning needs, contact the legal team at Dowd & Dowd.
7.How often should I update my estate plan?
How often should I update my estate plan?
You should review and update your estate plan whenever major life events take place – such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child or relocation to another state. Even without major life events, it is best practice to revisit your estate plan every 3-5 years to ensure it remains current with Missouri and federal estate laws.
8.How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Missouri?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Missouri?
Dowd & Dowd provides estate planning services at a flat fee or by the hour depending on the complexity of your situation. During your consultation, we will provide transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
9.How do I choose the right estate planning attorney for my needs?
How do I choose the right estate planning attorney for my needs?
When you need an estate planning lawyer, choose a law firm that has decades of experience giving families peace of mind that their hopes for long-term care will be protected and that their loved ones will have their financial futures secured: Dowd & Dowd.
Dowd & Dowd, Your Trusted Elder Law & Estate Planning Partner
No one likes to think about getting sick or leaving our loved ones behind. But planning for the future is how we can protect our family members, ensure we ourselves get the best long-term care possible, and provide peace of mind that the probate process for surviving loved ones is as easy as possible.
Dowd & Dowd has been helping St. Louisans with the complexities of estate planning for decades. When you need a team of dedicated estate planning attorneys, turn to your St. Louis neighbors who can help you turn the tables: Dowd & Dowd.
Our law office is here to listen and help by answering your questions and taking the action necessary to protect your rights.
Call us at 314-621-2500, or Contact Us online and Get The Benefit of a Dowd.