Wills and Simple Trusts

What Wills Can Do

A written Will is the cornerstone of most Estate Plans. A written Will prepared by an experienced attorney, allows you to do the following among other things:

• Name the person(s) you want to be in charge of your Estate
• Direct the payment of debts and taxes
• Make specific bequests or gifts of tangible property like family heirlooms
• Control the distribution of the remainder of your property
• Name a Guardian for your minor children
• Specify your preferred burial arrangements

What Durable Powers of Attorney Do

A Durable Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the ability to act for you when you are incapacitated. While that person does not have to be an attorney, he/she will be known as your "attorney-in-fact". A special Power of Attorney can be created to empower a person to make health care decisions for you and is generally called a Healthcare Power of Attorney which can be combined with a Healthcare Directive. (see below)

What Healthcare Directives Do

In a Healthcare Directive you make decisions about what kinds of healthcare you do or do not want should you become incapacitated. States recognize a patient's right to make fundamental choices about their medical care at or near the end of life. Healthcare providers must generally honor the terms of Healthcare Directives.

CONCLUSION:

Wills and other estate planning documents allow you to exercise control over you and your property in the future. Through the careful creation of these documents you can choose how your incapacity and death will be managed and you determine how your assets and the people you care for most will be treated when you are gone. The advice and assistance of an experienced estate-planning attorney is essential to making sure that the measures you choose comply with Missouri law and carry out your wishes as much as possible.