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Specialized guidance for St. Louis families during life's most challenging transitions

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Get valuable insights on probate, real estate, and estate planning from our experienced team. We share practical guidance to help St. Louis families make informed decisions during important life transitions.

End of Life Journey - A Chronological Guide

From preparation through final estate settlement - a complete step-by-step resource

Blog 1: Before Death - Preparation Planning

Essential steps to prepare before a loved one passes away. Learn what documents to gather and conversations to have that will make the process smoother for your family.

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Blog 2: First Week After Death

Critical tasks that must be completed in the immediate aftermath of a loved one's passing. Time-sensitive actions that protect the estate and family's interests.

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Blog 3: First Month After Death

Important steps to take within the first 30 days of loss. Understanding your responsibilities and beginning the formal probate process in Missouri.

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Blog 3.1: Taking Inventory of the Estate

A comprehensive guide to cataloging all estate assets and liabilities. Learn the systematic approach to ensure nothing is overlooked during this crucial process.

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Blog 3.2: Finding Estate Assets

Strategies for locating all assets that belonged to the deceased. From bank accounts to hidden valuables, ensure you've found everything that belongs to the estate.

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Blog 3.3: Obtaining Past Tax Returns

How to request and obtain the deceased's tax returns from the IRS. Essential information for estate planning and understanding the financial picture.

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Blog 3.4: Determining Assets Value

Professional appraisal methods and guidelines for valuing estate assets. Understanding fair market value and when professional appraisals are required.

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Blog 3.5: Property Ownership Types

Understanding different types of property ownership and how they affect estate distribution. Joint tenancy, tenants in common, and other ownership structures explained.

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Blog 4: First Three Months After Death

Key milestones and requirements during the first 90 days of estate administration. Court filings, notifications, and other essential tasks with specific deadlines.

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Blog 4.1: Fiduciary Duty

Understanding your legal responsibilities as an executor or administrator. The serious obligations you have to beneficiaries and the estate under Missouri law.

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Blog 5: Calendar Year Considerations

Important tax deadlines and annual requirements for estate administration. Planning for year-end tax filings and other time-sensitive obligations.

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Blog 6: General Tasks Beyond 90 Days

Ongoing responsibilities after the initial three-month period. Managing the estate through the longer-term probate process and preparing for distribution.

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Blog 6.1: Resolving Estate Debts

Proper procedures for handling creditor claims and paying estate debts. Understanding priority of payments and protecting the estate from invalid claims.

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Blog 6.2: Making Estate Distributions

Guidelines for distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state law. Timing, documentation, and legal requirements for proper distribution.

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Blog 7: Final Estate Settlement Tasks

The final steps to close the estate and complete the probate process. Court filings, final accountings, and obtaining the order of complete settlement.

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Blog 7.1: Missouri Compensation Rules

Understanding executor and administrator compensation under Missouri law. How fees are calculated and when payment is appropriate for estate representatives.

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Serving the St. Louis Metropolitan Area

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Important Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or CPA for such matters. If you need help finding providers for these or other related services, I can help with recommendations and references.