If you have not created a will, an unpleasant scenario awaits your heirs when you die. Your property will have to go through the expensive and inconvenient probate process — and those assets could end up going to people you may not have chosen. At the Watkins Law Firm, we will help you draft a will that ensures your wishes are clearly expressed and carried out in the event of your death.

Even if you have a modest estate, a last will and testament provides peace of mind for you now and for your loved ones later. Estate planning attorney Mike Watkins brings 30 years of experience in creating wills and all the companion documents.

The Importance of a Properly Drafted Will

Each and every asset you own will go through probate unless: (a) it is held outside of the estate in a trust or (b) you put a "transfer on death" designation on it in your will. We work with clients to identify all assets and plan accordingly so that they pass to the intended heirs without the costs and hassles of probate. If you die without a will, your estate not only goes through probate, but is distributed according to the Missouri laws of intestacy.

In today's technology driven world, you may be considering a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Will. However, there are many risks with a Do-It-Yourself Will that will greatly impact how your estate is handled after your death. The results could be devastating to your beneficiaries.

Your unwritten intentions about who should and should not inherit go out the window. In addition to property inheritance, we incorporate important elements that address either death or incapacity:

• Powers of attorney for finances and personal affairs
• Healthcare directives regarding your medical care or life support wishes
• Appointment of a guardian/conservator
• Appointment of a personal representative ("executor") to settle your estate
• Revocable trusts to avoid probate

We will sit down with you to address your desires about the bequest of your assets and considerations for the family members left behind or left to make decisions on your behalf.

If you do not have a will, or have not updated your will in years, call our knowledgeable lawyer to schedule a FREE Consultation or contact us online.