Building a family is an incredible achievement, but protecting that family requires proactive strategy.
For families built through adoption, surrogacy, or assisted reproduction, traditional estate planning often fails to account for the unique nuances of your journey. At Foster + Bloom, we are more than just trust and will attorneys; we are specialized guides who ensure your legacy is secure and your wishes are honored.
We bring clarity to the estate planning process, giving you the confidence that your loved ones will always be protected.
What Do Trusts and Wills Attorneys in Missouri Do?
Trusts and wills allow families to protect their future by creating a long-term financial and logistical plan that is legally protected. An estate planning attorney does more than just draft documents; they serve as a strategic partner in safeguarding your assets and your children’s future.
In Missouri, our role involves creating a comprehensive roadmap for your life and legacy. This includes will drafting and preparation, establishing trusts to manage assets, and ensuring your medical and financial wishes are documented through legal power of attorney forms.
Whether you are looking for a lawyer to write a will or a revocable living trust lawyer, we provide the specialized oversight needed to navigate Missouri’s specific probate and inheritance laws.
Do I Need a Will, a Trust, or Both?
The answer depends on your goals. Here are the basics of each:
- Wills: A will attorney helps you designate guardians for minor children and outline how your assets should be distributed. Without a will and testament, the state decides who raises your children.
- Trusts: A trust lawyer can help you avoid the lengthy and public probate process. A revocable living trust allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries, providing privacy and faster access to funds. For many families, estate planning involves a combination of both to ensure total protection.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Will When You Pass?
If you pass away without a will in Missouri, your estate is subject to “intestacy” laws. This means the state uses a rigid formula to distribute your assets, which often overlooks the realities of modern families.
- Unmarried Partners: Without a will, an unmarried partner may have no legal right to inherit assets or remain in the family home.
- LGBTQ+ Couples: If parentage isn’t fully secured, a lack of a will can create devastating disputes over custody and inheritance.
- Minor Children: A judge—who doesn’t know your family—will decide who becomes the guardian of your children. Working with will and trust attorneys ensures you make these choices, not the state.
Power of Attorney and Health Directives in Missouri
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone; it’s about protection while you’re here.
- Power of Attorney: A power of attorney helps you appoint a trusted person to handle your finances if you become incapacitated.
- Healthcare Directives: A living will lawyer drafts documents that outline your medical wishes. Many families ask about the difference between living will and power of attorney—a living will states what medical care you want, while a medical power of attorney identifies who makes those decisions for you.
How Estate Planning Supports Non-Traditional Families
At Foster + Bloom, we understand that “family” is a broad and beautiful term. For families formed through ART or surrogacy, an estate planning attorney must understand the technicalities of your parentage. We ensure your documents explicitly recognize all children, regardless of biological connection, and protect non-biological parents’ rights to make medical and financial decisions. We are will and trust lawyers who champion the security of every modern family structure.
Estate Planning FAQs for Missouri Families
How much does a lawyer cost to make a will?
The cost of creating a will with a lawyer question depends on complexity. We offer transparent pricing for will planning lawyer services, ensuring you receive a high-quality, professional document without hidden fees.
How do I update my will later?
We recommend reviewing your plan with an estate lawyer every 3–5 years or after major life events, like an adoption or the birth of a child.
What is Missouri’s estate tax?
As of 2025, Missouri does not have a state estate tax, but federal thresholds still apply. A trust and estate planning lawyer can help you minimize your tax exposure.
How to Choose the Right Estate Planning Attorney in Missouri
Choosing the best trust attorney means finding a firm that understands your specific family dynamic. You need a will and trust lawyer Missouri who is experienced yet empathetic.
If you are ready to secure your family’s future, Foster + Bloom is here to serve as your guide.