What Is Probate?

Other Missouri Estate Planning FAQs

• Q: What Is A Power Of Attorney?
  A: A power of attorney is a document by which you appoint a person to act as your agent. An agent is one who has authorization to act for another person. The person who … More
• Q: What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney?
  A: Many people are unaware that an ordinary power of attorney is revoked, and the agent`s power to act for the principal automatically stops, if the principal becomes … More
• Q: What About The Revocation Of A Durable Power Of Attorney?
  A: The death of the principal revokes even a durable power of attorney, except for a third person relying on the power of attorney who does not know of the death. Also, … More
• Q: What Powers Are Granted By General Powers Of Attorney?
  A: Under Missouri law before August 1989, a valid power of attorney had to spell out in detail all of the authorizations granted to the agent. Under a new Missouri law … More
• Q: Must I Sign A Power, And If I Do, Will It Be Followed?
  A: No person can be forced to sign a power of attorney, especially one for health care decisions, which cannot be required for admission to a hospital. Once created, … More
• Q: What Specific Cautions Must Be Made In Preparing And Granting Powers Of Attorney?
  A: An effective durable power of attorney, and especially a springing durable power of attorney, needs to be very carefully worded and you should seek the assistance of … More
• Q: How Is Property Transferred At Death?
  A: The probate division has been established primarily to protect the rights of one`s heirs, beneficiaries under a will and creditors, and to assure the orderly transfer … More
• Q: What About The Rights Of Creditors And Collection Of Debts?
  A: The probate division serves as a forum through which creditors of the deceased can protect their claims and seek payment. Also, the Personal Representative of the … More
• Q: What About Payment Of Death Taxes?
  A: Another important function of the probate division is to provide for the collection of any taxes which might have been due by reason of the deceased`s death or on the … More
• Q: What About Establishing Title To Real Estate?
  A: The administration of an estate in the probate division also serves to establish clear title to any real estate that the deceased may have owned at the time of death. … More