Trusts and Wills

Wills and trusts are essential estate planning instruments. Both instruments can be used to ensure distribution of assets according to the wishes of the owner. Trusts often offer additional opportunities for the reduction of probate fees and related expenses, as well as the preservation and distribution of wealth and for tax reduction. In addition, trusts can protect assets given to minor or disabled beneficiaries. A will or trust is only effective, however, if it is skillfully designed for the specific situation.

From offices in Kansas City, St. Louis and Collinsville, Doster Guin attorneys serve individuals and companies crafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning instruments as unique as the clients themselves. Only after thoroughly considering a client's individual needs and goals will the lawyers recommend a specific solution. Instruments they prepare for estates of varying sizes and complexity include:

• Wills, instructing the courts on how assets should be distributed after death. A will also names a personal representative to administer the estate and a guardian for any minor or disabled children
• Living wills (advance health care directives) and durable powers of attorney for health care
• Family limited partnerships (FLPs) and limited liability companies (LLCs)
• Asset protection trusts
• Medicaid qualifying trusts
• A business succession plan
• Conservation easements
• Irrevocable and revocable living trusts
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts ( ILITs)
• Family trusts to preserve your heritage from estate taxes and protect family-owned assets
• A testamentary trust, including a marital trust to provide for spousal succession
• Cross-border, offshore accounts
• Charitable remainder trusts

Our services also include trust administration and probate and estate administration.

If you would like to speak with one of our lawyers about business or personal estate planning, or have any other question about our practice, please e-mail us or call our St. Louis/Chesterfield office (636.532.0042), our Collinsville, Illinois office (618.301.4060) or our Kansas City, Missouri, office 816.531.1888, to arrange a consultation with an attorney with the appropriate experience.