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A St. Louis Estate Planning Law Firm

Protect the people and things you care about.

  1. Keep your assets out of Probate Court;
  2. Nominate guardians for minor children;
  3. Manage financial decisions;
  4. Manage health care decisions;
  5. Control the distribution of your property.
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Our Practice Areas

The right tool for the job.
No two clients are alike. Therefore, we build a custom Estate Plan in keeping with your unique needs and priorities. During client consultations, we advise which legal instruments may be suitable for you. Below you can read about some of our most frequently recommended documents.

About Us

We are an Estate Planning Law Firm serving clients throughout the greater St. Louis area.

We provide exceptional legal service, every step of the way.

Learn more about the legal documents and tools used in Estate Planning, including Wills, Trusts, & Power of Attorney documents.

Contact Us Now

Have questions? Tell us how we can help! We are always happy to answer questions, schedule appointments, or just point you in the right direction. Call, text, or email!

Estate Planning

No two clients are alike. Therefore, we build a custom Estate Plan in keeping with your unique needs and priorities. During client consultations, we advise which legal instruments may be suitable for you.

Read about some of our most frequently recommended documents, including Wills, Trusts, Beneficiary Deeds, and more.

Wills

A Will is a legal document that provides instructions for the distribution of your assets upon death.

Some primary functions of a Will include nominating someone to act as your Personal Representative, providing instructions for your final remains, and nominating a Guardian for any minor children or dependants.

Trusts

Of the most popular elements of estate planning is setting up Trusts. Having a Trust in place can help you maintain control over your assets and property while determining how to distribute them after your passing.

However, Trusts can be notoriously complex. Having an experienced Trust attorney helping you develop your Estate Plans can go a long way in ensuring your wishes are fulfilled as you intend after your death. 

Health Care Power of Attorney

A Health Care Power of Attorney allows you to appoint an individual as your “Health Care Attorney-in-Fact”. If you are ever incapacitated, this person will act as your proxy in health care decisions.

However, your Health Care Attorney-in-Fact must abide by the choices you express in your Advance Health Care Directive.

Transfer Deeds & Beneficiary Deeds

Two ways for real estate to avoid Probate are by transferring property to your Trust or using a Beneficiary Deed.

A Beneficiary Deed is a type of deed that allows you to give real property to another individual upon death. A few characteristics:

  1. Property transferred by Beneficiary Deed avoids Probate.
  2. You can have a single beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries.
  3. The title does not transfer upon creating your Beneficiary Deed. Instead, the transfer of title would only occur upon your passing.
  4. You can revoke or amend your Beneficiary Deed at any time during your lifetime.

Business Entity Formation

Creating a new business is one of the most exciting times in your life. However, it can also be stressful and create anxiety when you do not understand how the Business Formation process works or how to set your business up for success from the start.

Get the legal guidance you need to create your Missouri business and remain in compliance with local, state, or federal laws.

Financial Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney (also called a Financial Power of Attorney) is a legal document that gives an individual (your “Attorney-in-Fact”) the authority to act on your behalf in various legal and financial scenarios.

The timing, circumstances, and specific powers associated with this authority are all choices covered in your Power of Attorney document. Depending on your preference, this authority can be quite broad or extremely limited.

Our Process

Approachable Estate Planning. From start to finish, we are here to shoulder the load and make Estate Planning easy!

STEP 1

Make an appointment

Call, text, or email and we will find a time that works with your schedule.

STEP 2

Initial appointment

We discuss your life, family, financial situation, & Estate Planning goals. You do not need to bring anything.

STEP 3

Drafting

You do nothing. Relax and we will prepare drafts of your documents in approximately 2 weeks.

STEP 4

Review & approval

You look over your documents. We answer questions and make any changes as needed.

STEP 5

Signing appointment

Once your documents have met your satisfaction, you will sign the final drafts at our office. (In front of 2 witnesses and a notary–provided by us, of course).

Latest Articles

Informative articles on topics related to Estate Planning. Updated regularly, so check back often!

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Trust
February 06, 2024 | Estate Planning

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Trust

Estate planning can be like a puzzle. You know the ultimate picture you’re trying to create, but you might not know how […]

Heir vs. Beneficiary
February 05, 2024 | Estate Planning

What’s The Difference Between an Heir and a Beneficiary?

Do you need help planning your estate in the St. Louis area? The Law Office of David S. Schleiffarth, LLC can help you understand […]

Estate Planning
January 30, 2024 | Estate Planning

Why Do You Need Estate Planning?

Many people view estate planning as a task for the later stages of life without realizing that life can be quite unpredictable. […]

Contact Us

Call, text, or email to speak to an attorney!

Contact Information

Tel: 314-448-0527

Email: dave@lawofficedss.com

Location

75 W Lockwood Ave #1, Webster Groves, MO, 63119, US