Personalized Estate Planning for Families and Individuals in Missouri & Illinois
Protecting your future starts with smart planning today. Lake Munro, LLC offers personalized estate planning services to help Missouri and Illinois families secure their assets, honor their wishes, and ease the burden on loved ones. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and probate guidance, we simplify the legal process and deliver peace of mind.
ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE
Planning for the future is essential to protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Our estate planning attorneys provide comprehensive services to help you establish wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We also guide families through the probate process, making sure everything is handled efficiently and in accordance with the law.
FAQs
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning is the process of preparing legal documents and strategies that direct how your real estate, assets, and personal wishes are handled during life and after death. Good planning includes beneficiary designations, medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, and plans for minor children. It helps ensure your legacy is protected, your loved ones are cared for, and unnecessary taxes or disputes are avoided.
What legal tools are used in an estate plan?
Core estate plan documents include:
- Wills & Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Medical Care Directives
- Probate
These tools help safeguard your estate, maximize tax exemption, and distribute wealth according to your wishes.
Who needs an estate plan?
Everyone can benefit from estate planning—not just the wealthy. Whether you own a business, real estate, or simply want to designate a guardian for your children, having a plan ensures that state-specific estate planning laws don’t determine your legacy for you. Estate planning for wealthy individuals also often involves more complex tax and trust strategies.
How much does estate planning cost?
The cost of an estate planning lawyer varies depending on the complexity of your needs. Simple wills may cost less, while trust-based plans or international estate planning can be more expensive. We offer transparent estate planning fees based on the level of service required. Wondering how much estate planning costs? Schedule a consultation to get a clear quote.
What’s the difference between a will and estate planning?
A will is just one piece of an estate plan. Estate planning vs will comes down to scope—estate planning includes tax strategies, trusts, powers of attorney, and plans for incapacity. It ensures you're covered during life, not just after death.
What if I own property in multiple states or countries?
We provide state-specific estate planning laws guidance and can help with international estate planning for assets held abroad. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating multi-jurisdictional issues to protect your entire portfolio.
How does estate planning work with life insurance and retirement assets?
Survivorship life insurance policies can be instrumental in estate planning for tax-free wealth transfer. Proper titling of retirement accounts, beneficiary designations, and life insurance proceeds ensures assets go where they’re intended—without going through probate.
Are there special considerations for seniors?
Yes. Our services also cover elder law and estate planning, including Medicaid planning, asset protection, and long-term care needs. We understand how elder law estate planning must adapt to each stage of life.
Can you explain estate taxes and exemptions?
The federal estate tax only applies to estates above a certain threshold, but many families still benefit from strategic planning to avoid unnecessary tax. We help reduce or eliminate estate taxes through gifting, trusts, and financial planner coordination.
Why choose Lake Munro for estate planning?
Our attorneys combine legal precision with personal attention. We’re not a one-size-fits-all firm. Whether you need a comprehensive binder of estate plan documents, or are building a family trust, we take your future seriously. We work with the Family Estate Planning Law Group, Estate Planning Law Group networks, and adhere to guidance from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils to deliver trusted, up-to-date planning strategies
