My Suite of Legal Services

I specialize in guiding you through probate, estate planning, and real estate matters in the St. Louis, Missouri area.

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Probate and Trusts

My experience guides clients through the probate process in efficiently administering probate assets. Acting as the Personal Representative in the Estate is like managing a small, and sometimes larger, business. I have many years of experience in acting as the neutral party in accumulating a person’s assets, making investment decisions, managing banking transactions and accountings, and acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries. 

Estate Planning

Plan for the future with my comprehensive estate planning services. I help protect your assets and ensure they are disbursed as you intend. Whether it's personal or business succession planning, my expertise ensures your estate assets are entrusted to the responsible hands of your choosing. My estate planning services cover various issues, including tax planning and savings, irrevocable and revocable trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, wills, living wills, and durable medical power of attorney. Rest easy knowing your assets are safeguarded even in the event of disability.

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Business Planning

Please don’t try to create your own organization by merely going online to the Missouri Secretary of State to “become” a corporation or limited liability company. Most people do not understand that merely getting a certificate of incorporation or a certificate of limited liability company does not protect you from individual liability. There are back-up organizational documents you will need:  shareholder agreements to prevent competition or a shareholder from selling to a stranger, and operating agreements for limited liability companies to set out the rights and obligations of members. Even if you are a one-person operation, you still need all the document formalities in addition to the Certificate of organization.

And once your operation is created, I can help you avoid personal liability by showing you how to manage your operations. I will prepare employment agreements to prevent employees from “walking off” with your customers, and license agreements to prevent your customers and vendors from stealing your valuable trade secrets.

Most importantly, I am always available by phone and email to answer those little nagging business questions before they become really big headaches.

Real Estate Services

When dealing with real estate matters, my legal guidance can make all the difference. Whether you're involved in property transactions or facing disputes, I provide reliable advice to protect your interests. Please don’t sign that contract without calling me first.

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Judgment Collections and Asset Investigation

The two questions always to ask:

(1) If I sue, what are my chances of winning? And (2) If I win, can I collect? The answer to the second question “drives the bus” and tells you whether to even sue at all.

I have often been retained by not only businesses but even by their own attorneys to pursue collection of their claims.

The fees for these services can be on an hourly basis, or on a contingent percentage basis. Depending upon the risks of collection, fees can range from 15% to 33% of the amount collected and you merely advance the costs.

For the details on my methods of success please navigate to my Specific Legal Topics section here.

Questions About Your Own Attorney’s Fees

I can help you as an independent auditor to keep your legal fees manageable at another firm. Whether my own fees are on an hourly basis or as a percentage of your savings, I can review those billings and negotiate sufficient reductions beyond those costs or at least teach you how to approach your current attorney to discuss the reductions.

In spite of all the bad lawyer jokes, honest mistakes are made in sending clients bills.  Try to be a “good client” by helping your lawyer catch them.

Do not sign a retainer agreement without carefully reading exactly what services will be charged to you.

Here is what to watch for:

Why Choose Me

Decades of Experience:

With over 45 years of legal expertise, I offer trustworthy counsel tailored to your needs.

Certified Mediator:

I am a certified Mediator in the State of Missouri, ensuring skillful negotiation and conflict resolution.

Community Involvement:

My commitment extends beyond legal services, as I actively engage in charitable and educational services within the community.

Complete Peace of Mind:

Rest assured that your estate planning and legal matters are in capable hands, avoiding the pitfalls of "do it yourself" approaches.

If you're seeking trusted probate, estate planning, real estate, business, or judgment collection services, don't hesitate to contact me.