Zick, Voss & Politte, P.C., lawyers in Washington, MO, Missouri

Healthcare Power of Attorney Formalities

There are a few technical requirements with which you must comply before a healthcare power of attorney will be considered legally valid and binding. More...

Trust Elements - A Settlor With Intent

A trust has five main elements. First, a settlor transfers some or all of his or her property. Second, the property transferred by the settlor is designated trust property. Third, the trust property designated by the settlor is transferred with the settlor's intent that it be managed by another. Fourth, the trust property designated by the settlor is transferred for management by a trustee. Fifth, the trust property designated by the settlor is managed by a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary. More...

Inheritance Issues -- Children

Most people are under the impression that they must leave their children something in their estates, since if they don't, an omitted child has the right to contest the will and take a share of the estate. In fact, in every state, with the limited exception of Louisiana, a parent has the power to disinherit a child simply by leaving his estate to someone else. And whether the child is left one dollar or nothing at all, she may contest the will.More...

Inheritance Without Planning Means No Adding to the Default Plan

When a person dies intestate (without making and leaving a will), each state provides a default plan (usually known as the statute of descent and distribution) under with his or her net estate is disposed. When a person dies intestate, there is no adding to the default plan. The default plan is the only plan. This article discusses the disadvantages of descent and distribution related to the inability to add to the default plan.More...

Gift Requirements

This article discusses the legal requirements for an ordinary gift: donor competence, donor intent, donor delivery, donee acceptance, and appropriate documentation, if necessary.More...