A last will and testament is a document you create to instruct how you want your property distributed upon your death. Who gets the house? Who gets which antiques? Who gets a bank account? Who takes care of the pets? These are just some of the questions upon which a will answers and instructs, and just some of the information we will obtain to draft a solid last will and testament that can stand up in probate and prevent challenges to its validity.
What is the Purpose of a Will in Missouri?
The person creating a Will is known as a testator. Females creating a will are called a testatrix. The testator devises property and assets to named beneficiaries in a Will. This gives testators far more control over assets – both while they are alive and after they pass away.
As such, the Will serves four general but important purposes:
- They allow property owners to control what happens to their belongings, even after they die.
- They incentivize productivity by allowing people to control what happens to their property after death.
- They protect the decedent's heirs, including minor children by appointing a guardian.
- They allow you to appoint who you want to oversee the estate.
In order for the Will to work as intended, it must adhere to proper procedures in accordance with state law.
General Requirements of a Will in Missouri
Each state's requirements of a Will and what makes it valid may differ somewhat, but all states have four requirements that are true no matter what.
- The testator must have testamentary intent, meaning the testator subjectively intended to create the Will.
- The testator must have testamentary capacity, meaning that they understood they were creating the Will at the time of its execution.
- The Will must have been executed without the interference of fraud, duress, undue influence, or mistake.
- The Will must have been duly executed through a proper ceremony––for example, signing the Will and having witnesses per your state's law were completed properly.
“Only put off until tomorrow
what you are willing to die having left undone.” — Pablo Picasso.
The Risks of “Do-It-Yourself” Wills in Missouri
The expense and lack of control that comes from dying intestate, coupled with the perceived costs of hiring a lawyer to write a will, has led to a huge increase in the use of “do-it-yourself” wills. These forms, often found online for a fee, claim to be just as good as a traditional will prepared by an experienced attorney.
These "one size fits all" documents, however, are not tailored to your unique circumstances. The process to create a DIY will is often accompanied by mistakes that open the door for challenges to the validity of a Will upon your death. In fact, a court may dismiss the Will completely.
If you decide to try a DIY Will first, keep the following five tips in mind:
- Define who your family members are. For example, if you brought children into a second marriage, make sure who constitutes “family” in your Will.
- Assign and direct the executor to pay debts and expenses, including anything from credit cards to personal loans to funeral expenses.
- Make specific bequests or gifts so that there is no confusion about who gets what.
- Provide a catch-all clause for assets that you do not specifically give away.
- Finally, be specific about people and property as much as you can. Wherever there is any ambiguity there is also room for a challenge.
That said, in the least, it is a good idea to have an attorney review your last will and testament to make sure it's in compliance with state and federal laws.
The estate planning attorney in Missouri will review your assets and discuss with you what you want with regard to your estate. Making sure your goals for today and tomorrow are met is our personal goal at Tucker Legal dba Your Estate Ally. Contact the attorney online or at 314-332-0011 to learn more about wills specifically and estate planning generally so that you and your heirs do not get surprised in a way that is to your detriment.
Intestacy: The "Default" Method if You Die Without a Will
If someone dies without a Will, this is known as dying "intestate." Should a person die intestate, the state will step in and distribute any property. There are two key reasons to create a Will, rather than relying on intestacy laws to devise your property, and the reasons relate to family and probate matters.
Family
Intestacy laws aim to pass property in a way that most people would want it to pass, which basically means any property is passed to immediate family members first, like children, then parents, siblings, grandparents, and so on. Intestacy laws only benefit you if you are happy about your hard-earned property going to your immediate family member.
The problem here is that if you have stopped a relationship with a family member, that may not be taken into consideration when the State steps in to disburse your assets. This could result in property, (or even the custody of a minor child) passing to a relative whom you would not wish to be a beneficiary and/or guardian.
Probate
Property governed by intestacy law must pass through probate court, first, which can be expensive and time-consuming, leaving fewer benefits and more burdens for your loved ones. That said, a valid Will also goes through probate to implement its provisions. The only difference is a well-crafted last will and testament will go through probate rather quickly and without incident because it's harder for someone to challenge it.
Further, there are other ways to distribute property according to your wishes while also avoiding probate completely. Speaking with an estate planning lawyer will help you determine what will work best in your specific situation and with your specific assets.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wills in Missouri
What is a last will and testament in Missouri?
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are distributed at death and allows you to name a personal representative (executor) and guardians for minor children. In Missouri, the will becomes effective only after death and must be admitted to probate.
Does a will avoid probate in Missouri?
No. A will does not avoid probate. Instead, it provides instructions for the probate court to follow during estate administration. Probate is the legal process through which the court oversees distribution of a decedent's assets.
What happens if I die without a will in Missouri?
If you die without a will, Missouri's intestate succession laws determine who inherits your assets. This may not align with your wishes, especially in blended families or second marriages.
Can I use a simple will instead of a living trust?
In some circumstances, a will‑based plan may be appropriate. However, wills do not provide planning for incapacity and do not avoid probate. Choosing between a will and a trust depends on your assets, family dynamics, and long‑term goals.
Who can serve as a personal representative in Missouri?
A personal representative must generally be at least 18 years old and legally competent. Missouri law allows both residents and non‑residents to serve, though additional requirements may apply to non‑residents.
Can a Missouri will name guardians for minor children?
Yes. A will is the primary legal document used to nominate a guardian for minor children. While the court makes the final determination, your nomination is given significant weight.
Can a will be challenged in Missouri?
Yes. Wills may be contested under certain circumstances, such as lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Proper drafting and execution reduce the risk of disputes.
Should I have a will even if I have a living trust?
Yes. Individuals with a living trust typically still have a pour‑over will to address any assets not titled in the trust and to nominate guardians for minor children.
Get Guidance from Your Estate Ally®
If you are considering making a last will and testament, don't risk your family's peace of mind by doing it yourself. Your Estate Ally, is your "ally for peace of mind." The firm helps clients in Greater St. Louis County and St. Charles County area create strong Wills that comply with state laws so you don't have to worry about it. Sheri Tucker also prepared the firm for the new Digital Wills and Trust Act in Missouri that makes creating wills accessible to families. We know how hard you worked for your assets and understand why it is so important to distribute your assets in the way you see fit to do it. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward protecting what matters most. Contact us by filling out the online form or calling 314-332-0011