St. Louis Living Trusts Attorney

By placing property and investments in a trust, families simplify transfers and reduce administrative burdens, allowing beneficiaries to focus on what matters without navigating public and costly court procedures.

Types of Trusts We Build

• Revocable Trusts: Allow you to retain full control and make updates as life changes (marriage, new children, buying a home).
• Irrevocable Trusts: Provide strong legal protection against creditors and specific tax liabilities. These are often used for high-net-worth families or advanced asset protection strategies.

How It Works

Setting up a trust begins with defining your goals and understanding your assets. Our team helps you draft a trust document that clearly outlines asset distribution, selects beneficiaries, and names a trustee to manage the trust. By structuring it thoughtfully, we help families avoid unnecessary court involvement and create smoother transitions for heirs.

Protecting Heirs & Controlling Distributions

A family trust safeguards assets and provides clear instructions for how they are used after your passing. Rather than handing a large sum of money to an heir immediately, you can set conditions for distributions, such as covering education or tuition costs, paying for healthcare or medical needs, or releasing funds at specific ages or milestones. This reduces disputes among heirs, preserves family wealth across generations, and gives parents confidence that their children’s future is secure.

Choosing the Right Trustee

Selecting the trustee is a critical step. A trustee manages the assets, distributes property to beneficiaries, and follows the terms of the trust. Families can choose a trusted relative or appoint a professional. At Gilkerson Bowman, we provide guidance on selecting a trustee who can handle responsibilities impartially and reliably.

Can Trusts Help Reduce Taxes?

Certain types of trusts can help minimize estate taxes and preserve wealth. While Missouri no longer imposes a state estate tax, families with multi-state holdings or high-value estates may still face federal tax considerations. We help structure trusts with these factors in mind to protect your family’s financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What assets should I place in a trust? 

Trusts can hold real estate, investment accounts, business interests, and personal property. Placing these assets in the trust ensures they bypass probate for a smoother transfer.

Do I need a trust if I already have a will? 

Yes, they work together. A will acts as a catch-all for any assets not funded into the trust (often called a "pour-over will"), but the trust is the primary vehicle for avoiding probate and maintaining privacy.

How long does it take to set up a trust? 

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your estate, but our team works to make the process straightforward, guiding families from initial consultation to execution efficiently.

Whether you are planning your first trust or updating an existing one, our firm is here to guide you with personalized support. Call (314) 866-7781 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.