The Estep Law Firm, LLC

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The Estep Law Firm, LLC Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection, Trust Administration and Probate

When an elder care crisis happens, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.A sudden fall, hospitalization, o...
10/15/2026

When an elder care crisis happens, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

A sudden fall, hospitalization, or unexpected health change can leave families facing difficult decisions with little time to prepare.

Join The Estep Law Firm for our upcoming Elder Care Crisis Response Training Webinar and learn how to navigate those critical first days, avoid common mistakes, and make more informed decisions for your loved ones.

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 5:30 PM CST

Be prepared for the unexpected. Register today!

https://luma.com/p7kpquia

Your mom can't manage her bills anymore. She never signed a power of attorney. Can you just step in and handle it?Not in...
10/15/2026

Your mom can't manage her bills anymore. She never signed a power of attorney. Can you just step in and handle it?

Not in Missouri. A power of attorney only works if the person signing still understands what they are signing. Once that ability is gone, the family's only path is a court proceeding, and it usually starts when a bank or a hospital refuses to talk to you.

Here is what surprises most families. The court appoints a separate attorney for your parent, that attorney visits before the hearing, and your parent can request a jury trial. Missouri also splits the job in two, with a guardian handling medical and living decisions and a conservator handling the money. A signed power of attorney avoids all of it.

In our latest guide, The Estep Law Firm explains what Des Peres families should expect from the process.

Read the full guide: https://esteplawfirm.com/dad-never-signed-a-power-of-attorney-how-does-guardianship-work-in-missouri/

You don’t need significant wealth for estate planning to matter.An estate plan can address who makes financial and healt...
10/14/2026

You don’t need significant wealth for estate planning to matter.

An estate plan can address who makes financial and healthcare decisions for you, who will care for your minor children, and how your belongings are distributed.

It’s about more than what you own. It’s about planning for the decisions that matter.

Explore your estate planning options:
esteplawfirm.com/estate-planning/

Planning for an aging loved one often means thinking ahead about care, finances, and who can help with important decisio...
10/12/2026

Planning for an aging loved one often means thinking ahead about care, finances, and who can help with important decisions.

Starting these conversations early can give your family time to understand your options and prepare before a crisis makes decisions more urgent.

Learn more about elder law planning in Missouri:
esteplawfirm.com/elder-law/

🍂 October is full of opportunities to learn and prepare!Join The Estep Law Firm for two upcoming FREE webinars designed ...
10/09/2026

🍂 October is full of opportunities to learn and prepare!

Join The Estep Law Firm for two upcoming FREE webinars designed to help you protect your loved ones and plan for the future.

📅 October 22 – Successor Trustee Training Webinar

📅 October 29 – Elder Care Crisis Response Webinar

Whether you're preparing to serve as a successor trustee or navigating the challenges of caring for an aging loved one, we're here to help you feel informed and confident.

💻 Visit www.esteplawfirm.com to learn more and register!

Your name and your spouse's name are both on the house. So the survivor inherits it, right? In Missouri, not always.It c...
10/08/2026

Your name and your spouse's name are both on the house. So the survivor inherits it, right? In Missouri, not always.

It comes down to the words printed after the names. Missouri assumes two owners hold property as tenants in common, which has no survivorship, unless the deed specifically says otherwise. Families find this out during probate, when it is too late to fix.

A deed with survivorship language passes the home directly to the surviving owner, no court involved. Your will does not override it either way. And if you are thinking about adding an adult child to the deed to skip probate, a Missouri beneficiary deed usually does the same job without exposing your home to that child's creditors or divorce.

In our latest guide, The Estep Law Firm explains what Kirkwood homeowners should look for on their own deed.

Read the full guide: https://esteplawfirm.com/joint-tenancy-with-right-of-survivorship-in-missouri-who-gets-the-house-when-an-owner-dies/

10/08/2026

Being married does not automatically mean your spouse can make every healthcare decision for you in Missouri.

A healthcare power of attorney allows you to name someone you trust to make healthcare decisions if you cannot make or communicate them yourself. You can also name alternates in case your first choice is unavailable.

Take a moment to review your healthcare power of attorney and make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Learn more: esteplawfirm.com/does-your-spouse-really-have-the-final-say-healthcare-power-of-attorney-in-missouri/

Losing someone you love is difficult. Being responsible for their estate can bring added paperwork, court requirements, ...
10/06/2026

Losing someone you love is difficult. Being responsible for their estate can bring added paperwork, court requirements, and decisions during an already emotional time.

If you’ve been named a personal representative, knowing what comes next can help you approach the probate process with greater clarity.

Learn more about probate: esteplawfirm.com/des-peres-probate/

“Per stirpes” may be just a few words on a beneficiary form, but they can affect who receives an account if a beneficiar...
10/02/2026

“Per stirpes” may be just a few words on a beneficiary form, but they can affect who receives an account if a beneficiary dies before you.

Review your beneficiary designations and make sure the wording still reflects how you want your assets distributed.

Learn more about what “per stirpes” means here:
esteplawfirm.com/what-per-stirpes-actually-means-on-your-missouri-beneficiary-form-2/

Most people pick a trustee in about a minute. It is often the decision that causes the most trouble later.The instinct i...
10/01/2026

Most people pick a trustee in about a minute. It is often the decision that causes the most trouble later.

The instinct is to name the oldest child, or whoever seems most responsible. But this is a job with real legal duties attached, not an honor you hand out. The person you name may not find out until you are gone.

Missouri law asks a trustee to manage money carefully, treat every beneficiary fairly, and send beneficiaries a written report each year that includes what the trust holds and what the trustee is paid. There are notice deadlines too. Ask your candidate before you name them, tell them the role can be paid, and name a backup. Replacing a trustee later usually means going to court.

In our latest guide, The Estep Law Firm walks Chesterfield families through five questions to answer first.

Read the full guide: https://esteplawfirm.com/before-you-name-a-trustee-answer-these-5-questions/

Address

16020 Swingley Ridge Drive , Ste. 360
Chesterfield, MO
63017

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(636) 233-2017

Website

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