Probate Law

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 Probate in Missouri is the legal court process of winding down affairs of a deceased, or the transferring of assets of the estate of a decedent after they have passed away. 

Simply, it is the legal procedure your estate goes through after you pass away to distribute your assets to the proper individuals. 

 It depends. A Will does not avoid probate, rather it is a guide to provide wishes for the assets of an individual after they pass away. 

When you have a Will, a probate proceeding may authenticate your Will and appoint the executor of your estate. Your executor will locate, assess, and distribute your property according to your Will and guidance of the probate court. 

Unless you plan properly, your estate may go through the probate process. 

 If your loved one’s assets were not titled to a living beneficiary, the assets were solely in their name, or partner-owned, the assets may need to go through probate to be distributed to the rightful individual. 

Assets may include real property like a house or land, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and more. If the deceased person was married before they passed away and owned assets jointly, the spouse may not be required to go through probate. 

Probate may be a complicated legal process, however with competent and compassionate legal representation you can have an attorney walk you through the probate process.