Catholic Estate Planning in Missouri

Many families want an estate plan that reflects more than finances. They want a plan that reflects faith, family, and dignity.

Catholic estate planning uses standard legal tools—wills, trusts, and powers of attorney—while also addressing:

  • end‑of‑life decision making
  • spiritual care requests
  • stewardship and charitable giving
  • family protections for children and loved ones

We serve individuals and families across St. Louis County and nearby counties, including St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin.

 What We Help With

Your Estate Ally "Guiding for Peace of Mind"

Wills and Minor Guardianship Planning

Trust Planning (When Appropriate)

  • revocable living trusts
  • protection for young beneficiaries
  • planning for special circumstances
  • privacy and probate reduction options

Catholic‑Informed Advance Health Care Directives

A hospital template is often too general. We help clients create directives that clearly communicate:

  • who will make medical decisions
  • comfort care goals
  • guidance on burdensome treatment
  • spiritual care requests (priest, sacraments, prayer)

Financial Powers of Attorney

  • trusted decision makers
  • clear authority to handle finances
  • practical planning for incapacity

Faith‑Aligned Charitable Giving (Optional)

  • gifts to parish or Catholic charities
  • beneficiary planning
  • legacy giving options

Why Families Choose a Catholic‑Informed Plan

Clients often want:

  • less confusion for family during illness
  • clearer guidance for a health care agent
  • reduced conflict among relatives
  • a plan that supports dignity and conscience
  • a way to include charitable giving intentionally

What to Expect (Simple Process)

  1. Meet to discuss your goals and faith priorities
  2. Choose the right plan (simple or more detailed)
  3. Draft documents in plain language tailored to your goals
  4. Sign correctly with clear instructions
  5. Receive guidance on storage and updates
  6. Funding instructions

Catholic‑Focused Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Missouri advance directive reflect Catholic teaching on end‑of‑life care?

Yes. A Missouri advance health care directive can be drafted to reflect Catholic moral principles, including the distinction between ordinary (proportionate) care and extraordinary (disproportionate) care, plus preferences around palliative care and spiritual support.

Can I include Catholic guidance on feeding tubes and IV hydration in a Missouri living will?

Yes. Many Catholic clients want specific language addressing artificial nutrition and hydration. A customized directive can document your values and circumstances under which you would want such measures continued or discontinued, consistent with Catholic teaching and your conscience.

Can I request a priest, Anointing of the Sick, or last rites in my advance directive?

Yes. Your directive can include a clear request for Catholic spiritual care—such as contacting a priest, receiving the Anointing of the Sick, prayer, and other end‑of‑life religious support—so your faith needs are not overlooked during hospitalization.

Does Catholic estate planning in Missouri include more than a will and trust?

Often, yes. Catholic estate planning commonly includes advance health care planning that respects dignity, conscience, and spiritual care—especially because medical decisions can arise before death and outside the scope of traditional estate documents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Advance Health Care Directives 

Do I need an advance health care directive in Missouri if I already have a living will?

Many Missouri residents have a basic living will but not a fully customized advance health care directive. A more complete directive can clarify medical preferences, name and empower a health care agent, and document faith‑based instructions that standard forms often don't address.

Is the Missouri Bar (MOBar) living will form valid in Missouri hospitals?

Yes—Missouri hospitals commonly accept the MOBar health care directive form. However, it is a standardized template and may not include the detailed guidance families and health care agents need in real‑life situations, especially when religious beliefs matter.

What's the difference between a living will and a Missouri health care power of attorney?

A living will typically expresses end‑of‑life treatment preferences. A health care power of attorney appoints a person (your health care agent) to make medical decisions when you cannot. Many clients benefit from having both, coordinated into one clear plan.

How does a customized advance directive help my health care agent in St. Louis‑area hospitals?

In a crisis, agents may face fast decisions, differing medical opinions, or family disagreement. A customized directive provides clarity your agent can rely on when speaking with physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators—especially when decisions are time‑sensitive.

Create a Missouri Estate Plan That Reflects Your Faith

For individuals and families in St. Louis County and surrounding areas—including St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County—advance health care planning is about more than completing a form.

A properly drafted Missouri estate plan helps ensure:

  • Your wishes for religious education for your children is followed
  • Your funeral wishes are followed
  • medical wishes are clearly known
  • Your health care agent can advocate with confidence
  • Catholic end‑of‑life beliefs and spiritual care requests are respected

If you are looking for Catholic estate planning in Missouri, a customized plan and health care directive can be an essential part of protecting your dignity and your faith.

👉 Request a consultation. Call   Sheri Tucker  314-332-0011 to discuss your estate planning goals tailored to your values and beliefs.