Before creditors get paid, a Missouri surviving spouse can claim the homestead, exempt property, and family allowances. Here's what each one covers.

You can't contest a Missouri trust just because you feel left out. Adair County courts want standing and speed. Here's who qualifies and how it plays out.

In Missouri, the name on your life insurance form gets paid, not whoever's in your will. Forget to update it after a divorce and the wrong person collects.

MOSERS pensions, intellectual property, a farm outside Kirksville; a Truman faculty estate plan handles what a basic will can't. Here's what to cover.

A pour-over will sweeps the assets you forgot to put in your trust back where they belong. Here's how to line up the documents so it holds in Missouri.

Own property in more than one state and your heirs face a second probate case in Missouri. Here's how to plan around ancillary probate before it costs them.

Missouri needs two competent adults to witness your will and sign while you watch. Miss a step and a probate judge can toss it. Here are the real rules.

Missouri recognizes your marriage, but recognition isn't protection. Without tight paperwork, an LGBTQ couple's wishes can get argued away. Here's the plan.

Take on an executor or trustee role in Missouri and you answer for every dollar. Slip up and the liability is yours. Here's what the job really demands.

Missouri probate only honors your original signed will, not a copy. If your executor can't find it in Kirksville, your plan is gone. Here's where to keep it.