Estate Planning Attorney for Families in St Louis County, Missouri
Preserve What You’ve Built
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney in St Louis County can spare heirs from probate delays and steep tax bills. From Clayton’s historic neighborhoods to communities bordering Madison County and St Clair County, Lake Munro crafts strategies that protect businesses, real estate, and retirement savings while honoring every client’s unique legacy.
Our Estate Planning Services
Personalized documents that protect assets and honor your wishes
Financial and healthcare directives that keep decisions in trusted hands
Step-by-step support for executors in Madison County courts
Ensuring your healthcare wishes are honored while protecting assets from long-term care costs
Why St Louis County Families Choose Lake Munro
Missouri-Specific Insight
Our attorneys appear in Clayton probate court weekly and understand state-only nuances like spousal elective-share rules.
Cross-River Coverage
Dual licensure lets us coordinate estates that include property or beneficiaries in Madison County or St Clair County.
Anytime Access
Meet in person, by phone, or convenient virtual meeting—whatever fits your schedule.
St Louis County Probate & Recording Basics
Estates valued above $40,000 must open formal probate at the Circuit Court in Clayton. We draft petitions, publish notices, and navigate the creditor-claim period, ensuring assets transfer efficiently and in compliance with Missouri statutes.
FAQs
Does Missouri charge an estate tax?
No. Missouri has no state estate tax, but federal estate tax may apply to larger estates. We use gifting and trust strategies to minimise federal liability. We can discuss the specifics of your case during your free case review.
What is the probate threshold in St Louis County?
Estates under $40,000 may qualify for a simplified small-estate procedure; larger estates require full probate. We’ll confirm eligibility during your consultation.
Assets titled to a living trust bypass probate, keep distribution private, and speed up access for beneficiaries.
You should review and update your powers of attorney anytime you experience a major life change—such as marriage, divorce, a new child, relocation, or changes in your trusted decision-makers. Regular updates help ensure your wishes are still clearly represented and legally enforceable under Illinois law.
Can Medicaid planning protect my home in Missouri?
Yes. Properly structured irrevocable trusts and spend-down techniques can preserve your residence while qualifying for long-term care benefits.
What documents should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring a list of assets, beneficiary names, prior estate documents, and deeds for any property in St Clair County or Madison County. We’ll handle the rest.
SCHEDULE WITH US
Schedule Your Free Case Review
Protect what you’ve built. Request a complimentary consultation—online, by phone, or in person—and see why families across Madison, St Clair, and St Louis Counties and beyond trust Lake Munro to safeguard their legacies.
