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Estate planning is more than just drafting documents; it is about ensuring your assets and wishes are handled exactly as you envision, safeguarding your loved ones after you're gone. Choosing the right estate planning attorney in St. Louis, MO, can make all the difference. From crafting personalized plans to offering ongoing guidance, these top estate planning attorneys provide essential services for the residents of St. Louis. In this guide, we compare the services of several local firms with Oath Law's client-focused approach, helping you decide which one best meets your needs.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
Estate planning attorneys help families and individuals create legal strategies to manage their assets, minimize taxes, and ensure smooth wealth transfer after passing. Their services include:
- Wills and Trusts: Drafting legal documents that determine how assets should be distributed among beneficiaries.
- Navigating Probate: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure estates are settled per Missouri law, avoiding delays and expenses where possible.
- Tax Planning: Helping clients minimize estate and inheritance taxes to preserve their wealth for future generations.
- Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney: Setting up directives to empower trusted individuals to make medical or financial decisions if the client becomes incapacitated.
These key services ensure that your estate is handled with care, and that your family is protected for the future.
How to Evaluate Your Estate Planning Options
When choosing an estate planning attorney, consider their experience, communication skills, and personalized approach. Look for:
- Specialized Expertise: Attorneys focused on estate planning typically have deeper insights into the nuances of tax law, trust management, and probate procedures.
- Communication and Transparency: It’s vital to have an attorney who listens, explains options clearly, and offers upfront pricing.
- Tailored Solutions: Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches; your estate plan should align specifically with your family's needs and your financial objectives.
Below, we review several St. Louis estate planning firms, comparing their services to Oath Law's client-centered approach.
The Law Office of David S. Schleiffarth, LLC
Firm Profile
The Law Office of David S. Schleiffarth, LLC, serves the St. Louis area with personalized estate planning services tailored to each client's unique needs. Their services include:
- Wills and Trusts: Helping clients draft wills and set up trusts to minimize legal complications.
- Probate Services: Assisting families in navigating the probate process, ensuring compliance with Missouri law.
- Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives: Setting up powers of attorney to make sure decisions can be made on behalf of the client if they become incapacitated.
Comparison with Oath Law
While The Law Office of David S. Schleiffarth offers estate planning as part of a broader range of services, Oath Law focuses exclusively on estate planning, providing a more specialized and streamlined approach. Oath Law helps clients avoid probate entirely whenever possible, ensuring their loved ones can bypass the lengthy and costly probate process. With Oath Law, you'll also know exactly what you’re paying before you begin—unlike attorneys that bill hourly. Free educational resources empower clients to make informed decisions, adding further value to their services.
Danna McKitrick, P.C.
Firm Profile
Danna McKitrick, P.C., offers estate planning as part of its comprehensive legal services in St. Louis. They assist individuals and families by creating customized estate plans, including:
- Wills and Trusts: Drafting wills and setting up trusts to manage assets effectively.
- Probate and Estate Administration: Guiding clients through the probate process in compliance with Missouri law.
- Business Succession Planning: Helping business owners protect their companies for future generations.
- Tax Planning: Strategies to minimize estate taxes, preserving wealth for beneficiaries.
Comparison with Oath Law
While Danna McKitrick provides estate planning as part of a broader legal practice, Oath Law’s exclusive focus on estate planning allows for a more tailored and efficient client experience. Oath Law also offers a proven, simplified process to create wills and trusts, emphasizing transparency and a client-first approach. By focusing solely on estate planning, Oath Law delivers a specialized experience that helps clients avoid the lengthy probate process and ensures a smooth transfer of assets.
Mickes O'Toole, LLC
Firm Profile
Mickes O'Toole, LLC, provides estate planning as part of a broad range of legal services. Their estate planning offerings include:
- Wills and Trusts: Preparing essential documents to manage and distribute assets.
- Probate and Estate Administration: Guiding families through probate, ensuring estates are settled according to Missouri law.
- Business Succession Planning: Assisting business owners in creating plans for smooth transitions in leadership.
- Tax Planning: Advising clients on strategies to reduce estate and inheritance taxes.
Comparison with Oath Law
Mickes O'Toole offers estate planning within the context of a larger legal practice, while Oath Law is dedicated solely to estate planning. This exclusive focus ensures Oath Law provides a more efficient, transparent process. With flat-fee pricing, clients can plan their budgets with confidence, avoiding the uncertainty of hourly billing. Oath Law's educational workshops also empower clients to understand every aspect of their estate plan, ensuring they feel confident and informed.
What Sets Oath Law Apart
Oath Law is dedicated to providing a client-centered approach to estate planning, focusing on education, transparency, and tailored solutions that meet individual client needs.
- Specialized Expertise: With a focus solely on estate planning, Oath Law provides customized solutions that reflect each client’s goals and circumstances.
- Education and Empowerment: Oath Law’s free estate planning workshops empower clients with knowledge, helping them feel more informed and confident in their choices.
- Transparent Pricing: You'll know exactly what you're paying before you begin working with us, unlike attorneys that bill hourly.
- Nationwide Reach with Local Expertise: Serving clients nationwide, Oath Law combines a strong understanding of local laws with a commitment to personalized care.
Selecting an estate planning attorney is a significant decision that impacts your legacy and your loved ones’ future. Oath Law’s dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering expertise, transparency, and support. Contact our St. Louis office today to learn how we can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that protects your legacy and ensures your wishes are honored for generations to come.
