Wills & Trusts Attorneys in Branson, Missouri

Missouri Trust and Estate Attorneys

For more than 60 years, Cantwell, Smith & Trokey, LLP has been helping clients with all aspects of trust and estate issues, including:

• Estate planning

• Executorship duties

• Guardianship

• Living wills

• Probate

• Probate and will disputes

• Will drafting and execution

• Estate planning

The experienced trust and estate attorneys at Branson’s Cantwell, Smith & Trokey, LLP can advise you on the best approach to your estate planning. They thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, supporting personal philanthropic causes, and protecting your loved ones. They can draft a will that reflects your desires and establish living trusts if they would be beneficial to your estate.

Draft Your Living Will &
Last Will and Testament

A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your living will sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored. Your last will and testament provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children, and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, a friend, or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children, and even what happens to your pet — making decisions that might not reflect your desires.

Changing Your Will

As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. The firm’s attorneys draft valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests, and general lifestyle decisions.

Probate

The attorneys at Cantwell, Smith & Trokey, LLP apply their extensive knowledge about Missouri probate court to guide you through the complex process of probating a will. They assist executors in all steps of the process, including:

• Creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously

• Filing the will with the probate court in Missouri

• Closing and opening bank accounts

• Valuating the estate

• Paying taxes and other debts

• Locating beneficiaries

• Hiring professionals and experts when necessary

• Probate disputes

When disputes occur between beneficiaries, the firm successfully represents your interests. The firm’s attorneys have extensive knowledge to challenge invalid wills or to defend valid wills against the improper assertions of dissatisfied beneficiaries. Skillful mediators and litigators can negotiate between beneficiaries to preserve relationships or fastidiously pursue your rights in court when necessary.

Estate Planning Lawyers in Branson, Missouri

Call Cantwell, Smith & Trokey, LLP, or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation.