Wills

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that spells out exactly who gets your stuff after you die. It lets you name beneficiaries for your assets, appoint a guardian for minor children, and designate someone you trust — called a personal representative (or executor) — to carry out your wishes.

Without a will, Missouri's intestacy laws decide who inherits your property through descent and distribution rules. That might not line up with what you actually want. For example, if you're unmarried and want your partner to inherit, or if you want to leave specific items of tangible personal property to specific people, you need a will to make that happen.

Will vs. Trust — What's the Difference?

The biggest difference is probate. A will has to go through Missouri's probate court before your beneficiaries receive anything. The personal representative you named in the will manages the process, but it still involves court oversight, legal fees, and public filings. A trust, on the other hand, bypasses probate entirely.

That said, a will is still a great option for many people — especially if you have a smaller estate or straightforward wishes. It's also significantly more affordable than a full trust plan. And even if you do have a trust, you'll still want a pour-over will as a safety net to catch any assets that weren't transferred into the trust during your lifetime.

In many cases, Vince recommends pairing a will with a power of attorney and health care directive to create a well-rounded plan.

Why Work With The Taormina Firm?

Vince takes the time to understand your situation and draft a will that reflects your actual wishes — not a generic template. Every will from The Taormina Firm is reviewed and prepared by a licensed Missouri attorney, so you can be confident it will hold up when it matters most. He'll also help you think through important decisions like who should serve as your personal representative, who should be named as guardian for your children, and how your probate property should be distributed.

And if you're looking for a more affordable option, our virtual estate planning service lets you complete the process from home at a lower cost — without sacrificing the quality of having a real attorney behind your plan.