Inheritance Law

St. Louis Inheritance Law Attorneys

Navigating inheritance law can feel overwhelming, especially when family dynamics, multi-state property, or business interests are involved. At Gilkerson Bowman, we help families in St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Springfield, and Kansas City plan and manage inheritances with clarity and confidence.

Our attorneys bring over 70 years of combined experience, using in-depth knowledge and a relationship-focused approach. We provide virtual consultations and bi-annual reviews to keep your plans aligned with life changes and your family’s evolving circumstances.

Start protecting your family’s inheritance today. Call (314) 866-7781 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Inheritance Law

Inheritance law determines how assets are distributed after someone passes away, whether through a will, trust, or by state law when no plan exists. Missouri law provides protections for spouses, children, and other close relatives, but complexities can arise with blended families, multi-state assets, or high-value estates.

Understanding these rules helps families clarify intentions, reduce disputes, and create a clear path for heirs.

Key components of inheritance planning include:

Wills and digital assets. Outlines who receives physical assets and designates guardians for minor children. We also ensure digital assets (cryptocurrency, online accounts, cloud storage) are accessible and distributed according to your wishes.
Trusts. Provide ongoing management, protect assets from creditors, and simplify transfers. These are especially helpful for blended families or properties across multiple states.
Succession planning. Supports small business continuity and real estate management, including buy-sell agreements and designated heirs for business interests.
Multi-state coordination. For families with property in Illinois, Tennessee, or Texas, planning must align with each state’s laws. Our multi-state licensing ensures a cohesive approach.

How We Guide Your Inheritance Planning

The right combination of wills, trusts, and other planning tools depends on your family structure and long-term goals. At Gilkerson Bowman, we help families review existing estate documents, identify potential conflicts, and discuss inheritance preferences with key family members. Taking a thoughtful approach to inheritance planning gives families clarity, reduces stress, and helps create a legacy that truly reflects their values.

Settling Inheritance Disputes

Inheritance disputes can be emotionally and financially challenging. Conflicts may arise when beneficiaries disagree over asset distribution; unclear instructions exist, or when family dynamics shift.

Our team provides guidance that encourages amicable resolutions, respects the decedent’s intentions, and preserves family relationships. When court involvement is necessary, we represent your interests with thorough knowledge of inheritance law.

Steps to Claim Your Inheritance

If you are a beneficiary, claiming an inheritance involves legal and practical steps.

We guide you through the process to reduce uncertainty:

Understanding rights. Review the will or estate plan to confirm your entitlements.
Probate process. Navigate the court process efficiently while managing assets and obligations.
Debt and tax resolution. Address outstanding debts and taxes before distributing assets.

Tax Implications of Inheritance

Missouri does not impose an inheritance tax, but federal estate taxes may apply to high-value estates. We provide guidance on federal estate tax considerations and strategies to preserve more of your estate for beneficiaries within legal boundaries.

Understanding Intestate Succession

When someone dies without a valid will, Missouri’s intestate succession laws determine asset distribution. This process follows a statutory hierarchy, which may not reflect personal wishes. We help families plan to avoid intestacy and ensure their assets pass according to their intentions.

The Role of the Executor

The executor manages the estate as outlined in the will, including inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing property. We support executors throughout this process, helping them fulfill their responsibilities efficiently and in compliance with Missouri law.

Inheritance planning doesn’t have to be confusing. Our attorneys will help you create a strategy that guides you in addressing potential challenges. Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online to schedule a 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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13321 North Outer 40 Road
Suite 500
Town and Country, 63017

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Start Building Your Plan With Us 314-866-7781