Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorneys in St. Louis, MO

At Gilkerson Bowman, we help families protect the people and possessions that matter most through thoughtful estate planning. Every household has unique needs, whether you’re settling into a new home, managing a blended family, or preserving a generational legacy.

With over 70 years of combined experience, our attorneys guide families through decisions that support long-term goals. We focus on affordable, flexible payment options, relationship-driven planning, virtual consultations, and bi-annual check-ins to keep your plan aligned with life as it evolves.

Take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind. Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online to schedule a virtual consultation.

What Is Estate Planning?

It is a process of organizing your financial and personal affairs to provide clarity, reduce confusion, and protect loved ones. It is not just for the wealthy; it applies to hardworking families of all backgrounds who want to stay in control of their future.

Importance of Planning Ahead

Avoiding family conflicts. Without clear guidance, disagreements can arise over property, guardianship, or inheritance.
Preparing for unexpected events. Life can change suddenly, and planning helps keep your family supported if you cannot make decisions.
Coordinating assets across jurisdictions. If you own property or have family in multiple states, planning helps your assets be managed cohesively.

Estate planning gives families a structured approach to managing these concerns while reflecting their priorities and values.

Building a Comprehensive Estate Plan

An effective estate plan combines wills, trusts, and directives into a single framework that supports your wishes. While details vary for each family, the plan provides structure for handling property, guardianship, and decision-making during unexpected events.

Preparing for Life’s Uncertainties

Designating trusted individuals to act on your behalf for finances, property, or healthcare can reduce stress on loved ones. Planning for incapacity, whether temporary or long-term, helps your family manage critical affairs smoothly without court intervention.

Addressing Probate & Inheritance Considerations

Missouri probate can be time-consuming and public. Planning ahead helps families navigate these rules, minimize delays, and provide clarity for heirs. Thoughtful estate planning can structure assets to reduce the probate burden and maintain privacy.

Coordinating Across States

Many families own property or have interests in other states like Illinois, Tennessee, or Texas. Our multi-state licensing allows us to coordinate a single, cohesive plan, simplifying management, and reducing the need for separate legal guidance in each jurisdiction.

Common Estate Planning Questions

How to Choose Guardians for Your Children

Selecting a guardian is one of the most personal and important decisions in an estate plan. Families often worry about who will raise their children if something happens unexpectedly. While wills can name guardians, discussing preferences with potential guardians and understanding their willingness is critical.

I Have Digital Assets, Are They Included?

Social media accounts, online banking, cryptocurrency, and cloud storage all count as digital assets that should be addressed in your estate plan. Missouri law allows you to provide instructions for passing digital property to trusted individuals, helping prevent confusion or complications for your heirs.

Can My Estate Plan Change Over Time?

Life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can affect your plan. Revocable trusts, periodic reviews, and updates to powers of attorney or health directives allow your estate plan to remain aligned with current circumstances.

Are There Tax Considerations I Should Know About?

While Missouri has no state estate tax and most middle-class families do not face federal estate taxes, other factors can impact your legacy. If you own property in neighboring states (like Illinois) or have specific gifting goals, tax planning ensures your assets aren't unnecessarily reduced before reaching your heirs. We can integrate this guidance into your plan without overly complex strategies.

Virtual Convenience for Modern Families

Finding time for in-person meetings can be challenging. Our fully remote services let families receive detailed estate planning guidance from home. Whether you’re in Chesterfield, St. Charles County, or anywhere across St. Louis County, scheduling a virtual consultation is easy and flexible to fit your routine.

Don’t leave important decisions to chance. Start a conversation with us today and create a plan that reflects your values and priorities. Call (314) 866-7781 to schedule a free consultation.

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We Make It Easy

Virtual Consultations

We offer transparent pricing and the option of fully remote virtual consultations so you can plan from the comfort of your home if you’d prefer to avoid the drive to one of our Missouri offices.
Extensive Experience

Our team brings more than 70 years of combined experience and operates as a boutique firm to help with even the most complicated estates.
Free Bi-Annual Check-Ins

Your legal fee pays for ALL updates to your estate plan for 3 years!! We check in with you every 6 months (or as often as you need) to see if your life has materially changed, updating your estate at no charge.

Contact Us Today

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow

Long-term guidance is at the heart of our work. As children grow, careers shift, or homes change, estate plans may need updates. To ensure your plan never becomes outdated, we offer bi-annual check-ins as a structured way to revisit documents and confirm they still reflect your wishes. This ongoing relationship helps families maintain planning continuity without restarting the process from scratch.

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Address

13321 North Outer 40 Road
Suite 500
Town and Country, 63017

Map & Directions

Start Building Your Plan With Us 314-866-7781