Wills and Trusts

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all documents. Every family has unique dynamics, concerns, and goals. Our estate planning services are designed to address your specific situation, whether you’re worried about long-term care costs, want to avoid family disputes, or need to protect a loved one with special needs.

What is a Will? What is Trust?

A will outlines how your estate will be distributed after your death, while a trust allows for the management of your assets during your lifetime and ensures they are transferred to your beneficiaries without the need for probate. 

Both are essential parts of your estate plan, and understanding the difference can help you decide which option is best for your family.

Contact us at (636) 493-3333 or click here to get started today.

4 Legal Tools for Estate Planning & Asset Protection

A complete estate plan isn’t just a will—it’s a strategic approach to protect your loved ones and everything you’ve worked hard for.

Below are the key tools we use:

Wills

Last Will and Testament Preparation

Your will is the foundation of your estate plan. We ensure that your will is properly drafted and executed according to Missouri law, helping to avoid common mistakes that can result in family disputes or delays.

What You Get:

  • Complete asset inventory and beneficiary planning
  • Guardian designations for minor children
  • Executor appointments with clear instructions
  • Proper witnessing and execution under Missouri law
  • Protection against will contests and disputes
  • Coordination with other estate planning documents

Benefits:

  • Peace of mind knowing your wishes will be followed
  • Protection for your children’s future
  • Clear instructions that prevent family conflict

Legally enforceable documents that hold up in court

Trust

Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts

A revocable living trust helps you transfer your assets while retaining control during your lifetime and ensures your estate avoids probate. 

What You Get:

  • Customized trust documents tailored to your goals
  • Asset transfer guidance and support
  • Trustee selection and succession planning
  • Incapacity provisions for seamless management
  • Privacy protection for your family

Benefits:

  • Your family avoids 6-18 months of probate delays
  • Assets transfer immediately to beneficiaries
  • Save up to 5% of estate value in probate costs

Keep your financial affairs completely private

Trusts

Irrevocable Trusts for Asset Protection

An irrevocable trust removes assets from your estate, offering stronger protection from creditors and Medicaid planning benefits.

What You Get:

  • Strategic Medicaid planning to preserve assets
  • Protection from creditors and lawsuits
  • Estate tax minimization strategies
  • Professional trustee recommendations
  • Compliance with five-year Medicaid look-back rules

Benefits:

  • Protect your home and savings for your spouse
  • Qualify for Medicaid without spending down assets
  • Preserve inheritance for your children

Shield wealth from potential creditors

Special Needs Trusts

Secure Your Loved One’s Future

A special needs trust ensures that your loved one with disabilities will continue to receive government benefits like SSI or Medicaid while also having access to additional financial support, safeguarding their future.

What You Get:

  • Benefit-compliant trust structures
  • Quality of life enhancements for your loved one
  • Professional trustee guidance
  • Distribution guidelines for permissible expenses

Benefits:

  • Your loved one maintains SSI and Medicaid eligibility
  • Enhanced quality of life without benefit loss
  • Professional management of funds

Peace of mind about their future care

Why Wills and Trusts Are Important

Why You Need Wills and Trusts to Protect Your Family’s Future

Without a properly prepared will or trust, your family may face unnecessary delays, probate costs, and disputes. Proper estate planning ensures your assets are protected, your loved ones are provided for, and your legacy is honoured. Whether you’re concerned about long-term care costs, want to avoid family disputes, or need to provide for a special needs child, wills and trusts are essential tools for securing your family’s future.

At Jones Elder Law, we ensure that families avoid these painful situations. Estate planning isn’t just about who inherits what, it’s about making sure your family isn’t left with a legal mess. 

We help you create a plan that keeps your estate out of probate, maximizes asset protection, and ensures your legacy is passed on smoothly.

Your Future. Your Family. Your Peace of Mind.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your estate. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Call (636) 493-3333 or click here to schedule your Vision Meeting today.

The Wills and Trusts Process in Five Simple Steps

Step 1
Complimentary Consultation

We start by listening. During your free consultation, we discuss your family situation, assets, concerns, and goals. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your options, no pressure, no obligations.

Step 2
Detailed Family & Asset Review

We analyze your complete financial picture: real estate, retirement accounts, life insurance, business interests, and personal property. This ensures nothing is overlooked in your plan.

Step 3
Customized Wills and Trust Strategy Development

Based on your specific needs, we create a custom strategy, whether it’s a Will, a Revocable Trust, or an Irrevocable Trust. We will explain how each document works and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4
Document Preparation and Drafting

Our experienced legal team prepares all the necessary documents, ensuring they meet Missouri law and reflect your wishes.

Step 5
Review, Execution, and Funding

Once the documents are prepared, we walk you through them, ensure they are executed properly with witnesses and notarization, and help fund your Trust with asset transfers.

Start Protecting Your Family’s Future Today

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Take the first step in creating your Will and Trust today. Contact us for a free consultation and ensure that your legacy is protected, your assets are safeguarded, and your loved ones are provided for.

What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?

A Will outlines how your estate will be distributed after death, while a Trust allows for the management of assets during your lifetime and avoids probate

A Revocable Trust allows your assets to bypass probate, ensuring a faster and more private distribution to your beneficiaries. It also offers privacy and control, even if you become incapacitated.

Yes, both Revocable Trusts and Wills can be changed at any time during your lifetime. If you need to make updates, we’ll help you adjust your documents as your circumstances change.

 A Special Needs Trust ensures that a loved one with disabilities can receive the financial support they need without losing access to government benefits like SSI or Medicaid.