Succession Planning

Succession Planning Attorney in St. Louis

Plan for the future with a firm that understands the needs of everyday families and business owners. At Gilkerson Bowman, we help individuals throughout St. Louis create clear, practical succession plans that guide the next generation and reflect the unique dynamics of each household. Our support extends across St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Springfield, and Kansas City.

Families trust us for our:

70+ years of combined estate planning experience
Boutique focus on wills, trusts, and succession planning
Bi-annual check-ins and ongoing updates
Accessible pricing and flexible payment options
Multi-state licensing
Virtual, collaborative planning process
Thousands of families served

We work with clients to build plans that are personal, thoughtful, and easy to maintain over time.

Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online to get started with a virtual consultation.

Why Succession Planning Matters

Succession planning creates a roadmap for how your assets, whether personal property or business interests, are managed and passed on. Without a plan, families must rely on the state’s default rules, which rarely align with your intentions or reflect the people you trust to make decisions.

A well-structured plan helps:

Reduce confusion. Clarifies exactly who is in charge, preventing disputes among family members.
Minimize delays. Helps your loved ones avoid the long, public, and expensive process of probate court.
Protect operations. Ensure businesses and households continue running smoothly if you become unable to manage them.

Family Succession & Legacy Planning

Wills & Trusts

Wills outline where property goes and who handles your estate. Revocable Living Trusts take this as a step further, allowing assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without the delays of probate court. We explain how each tool functions and which fits your goals best.

Family Dynamics & Guardianship Considerations

For parents with minor children, naming guardians is one of the most important elements of a plan. We guide families through selecting guardians, structuring financial support for dependents, and balancing the needs of all family members.

Planning for Incapacity

Planning for life is just as important as planning for death. Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives guide decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. We assist in designating a trusted agent, so your medical and financial wishes remain central.

Blended Families

Blended families face unique challenges when balancing the needs of biological children, stepchildren, and former spouses. Thoughtful planning is the only way to minimize conflict.

We help you:

Clarify ownership of separate versus shared property.
Structure trusts to provide for a surviving spouse while protecting the inheritance of biological children.
Outline exactly how sentimental items and heirlooms are distributed.

Business Succession Planning

For clients who own small businesses in St. Louis and surrounding areas, your company is likely your most valuable asset. Succession planning protects both the business and the people who rely on it.

We help business owners:

Identify successors. Clarify who will step into operational roles.
Structure transfers. Draft buy-sell agreements and ownership transfers that align with your personal estate plan.
Ensure continuity. Address potential tax implications to prevent the business from being sold just to pay debts.

These steps maintain operational stability and reduce the risk of disputes among partners or family members.

How Can Succession Planning Reduce Probate?

While probate is sometimes necessary, many families seek ways to keep matters private. Strategies such as funding a trust, titling property correctly, and updating beneficiary designations help assets pass efficiently to heirs outside of the court system.

What About Taxes?

While Missouri does not have a state estate tax, owning property in multiple states or having a high-value estate can trigger federal tax implications. We use strategic planning to reduce complications and ensure you preserve the maximum value for your beneficiaries.

Start Planning with Confidence

Succession planning provides families with a clear path forward. Whether you are creating your first plan or updating an existing one, Gilkerson Bowman offers guidance that reflects your values.

Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.

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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