Missouri Estate Planning Lawyer Protects Family Assets

Serving clients from offices in Springfield, Branson and Joplin

Establishing a comprehensive estate plan can raise legal, financial and even emotional issues. To deal with these matters correctly, it’s important to obtain strong counsel from a qualified attorney. Jennifer Triplett, a partner at Thomas Walters, PLLC, along with staff, delivers this type of assistance to clients throughout southwest Missouri. Whether you need a simple will, a specific health care directive or some other help with an estate planning matter, we provide exceptional support and service. From offices in Springfield, Branson and Joplin, we focus on easing the burden on clients and their families across the area so that their wishes are upheld and their loved ones protected.

Enforceable wills and trusts

Effective estate planning doesn’t just make things easier for your loved ones, but also gives you the peace of mind you deserve. The law firm of Thomas Walters Estate Planning draws on extensive knowledge, skill and experience to handle each aspect of a comprehensive asset protection program, including:

• Will drafting — Creating a will that satisfies Missouri legal requirements is only the first step to establishing a proper legacy. Attention to detail and personalized guidance means that all concerns including any relevant tax consequences, potential executors, charitable bequests and other issues are accounted for that would not be addressed by a kit or form. At the end, you’ll have a will that not only preserves what you’ve earned and distributes your assets efficiently, but is also a fitting final message to your loved ones.
• Creating living trusts and other legal instruments — Many people have heard of trusts but are not aware of the advantages that they offer to individuals at every income level. For example, a living trust can help your intended beneficiaries avoid probate while also allowing you access to your assets for the remainder of your life and controlling a distribution at death. By working closely with clients, we develop trusts that are tailored to client values and priorities.
• Revising existing estate plans — An estate plan isn’t meant to be locked away forever. It needs to change and grow as finances and relationships evolve. If you haven’t reviewed your will or other arrangements for a few years, we can conduct a thorough evaluation and help you make any revisions that may be needed.

For clients in Jasper, Greene and Taney counties and throughout Southwest Missouri, we offer free initial consultations so that you are fully informed before taking any action.

Proven advocates establish guardianships and conservatorships

Parents have an obligation to take care of their children’s needs no matter what happens. Though it can be tough to think about the circumstances that require such action, it’s important to leave reliable instructions regarding your child’s care in the event of your death or an incapacitating medical condition. Otherwise you will leave it up to a court to decide. We assist clients who are seeking to make guardianship arrangements as part of an estate plan, as well as people looking to assume legal authority for a young person or disabled adult who needs their protection. We also handle adult and minor conservatorships so that someone trustworthy can legally manage a ward’s financial matters.

Responsive lawyer drafts living wills and other medical directives

You have the right to control your own medical treatment decisions, and a debilitating condition should not change that. Unfortunately, if you were to become incapacitated by injury or illness, family members could be put in an extremely difficult position regarding extraordinary measures to prolong your life. Through a living will, we can leave clear directions regarding medical care so that no one has to guess about end-of-life decisions or weigh questions of cost. With an estate plan, we will also draft a durable power of attorney form that gives a person you appoint the legal ability to enforce your wishes.

Contact a Southwest Missouri estate planning lawyer for a free consultation

Attorney Jennifer Triplett of Thomas Walters, PLLC assists Southwest Missouri clients on all types of estate planning issues, including the creation of wills, trusts and advance medical directives. Please call 417-986-0893 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Branson and Joplin.