Missouri Last Will and Testament Package
Overview of this form package
The Missouri Last Will and Testament Package includes essential legal documents designed to help you express your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after your death. This package is specifically tailored for Missouri residents and stands out by including not only a Last Will and Testament but also supporting documents that facilitate thorough estate planning. Unlike other generic packages, this one is designed by licensed attorneys to meet Missouri's legal standards and requirements.
Forms you’ll find in this package
Situations where these forms applies
This package is beneficial in several scenarios, including:
- If you wish to ensure your assets are distributed according to your preferences after your passing.
- When you want to provide clear instructions for your medical care if you become incapacitated.
- If you are preparing for major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or having children.
- To maintain peace among family members by clearly outlining your wishes.
Who can use this document
- Individuals residing in Missouri who want to create a comprehensive Last Will and Testament.
- Those looking for a structured approach to estate planning.
- People who have specific preferences regarding healthcare and asset distribution.
- Families or individuals in transitional life stages seeking to ensure their decisions are legally recognized.
Steps to complete these forms
- Begin by reviewing all included documents carefully, including the Last Will and Testament, Estate Planning Questionnaire, and Personal Planning Information Worksheets.
- Complete the Estate Planning Questionnaire to assist you in organizing your assets and determining your estate distribution preferences.
- Fill out the Personal Planning Information and Document Inventory Worksheets to keep track of important legal information and contacts.
- Select the appropriate Last Will and Testament form based on your personal circumstances (e.g., married, single, with or without children) during the checkout process.
- Print the forms, ensuring that you sign them according to Missouri's requirements, such as having witnesses present if needed.
Notarization requirements for forms in this package
Some included forms must be notarized to ensure validity. US Legal Forms provides secure online notarization powered by Notarize, allowing you to complete the process through a verified video call anytime.
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If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Failing to have the Last Will and Testament properly witnessed as required by Missouri law.
- Not updating the will after major life changes, such as marriage or the birth of a child.
- Leaving out significant details in the Estate Planning Questionnaire that could affect estate management.
- Ignoring the importance of clear and specific language in the will regarding asset distribution.
Why use this package online
- Convenience of downloading documents immediately after purchase.
- Editability to customize forms according to your specific needs.
- Access to forms created by licensed attorneys, ensuring legal compliance.
- Peace of mind knowing all necessary forms are included for comprehensive estate planning.
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FAQ
While some states recognize handwritten wills, also known as holographic wills, Missouri does not recognize holographic wills as valid unless all of the statutory requirements are met, or the will is considered valid in the state where it was prepared and executed.552, 447 (Mo. 1920).
Capacity: The testator must be of sound mind. Signature: The will must be signed by the testator or by someone else in the testator's name in his presence, by his direction. Witnesses: A Missouri will must be signed by at least two witnesses who should not be beneficiaries, in the presence of the testator.
To make a will self-proved in Missouri, the testator and witnesses must sign a self proving affidavit before a notary public. An affidavit is a sworn statement, and a notary public is an officer of the court. Therefore, an affidavit before a notary public is like making a statement in court.
A person's last will and testament outlines what to do with possessions, whether the deceased will leave them to another person, a group or donate them to charity, and what happens to other things that they are responsible for, such as custody of dependents and management of accounts and financial interests.
While some states recognize handwritten wills, also known as holographic wills, Missouri does not recognize holographic wills as valid unless all of the statutory requirements are met, or the will is considered valid in the state where it was prepared and executed.552, 447 (Mo. 1920).
Although Missouri does not require a will to be notarized, most Missouri practitioners use two witnesses and a notary to make the will self-proving (see Drafting Note, Self-Proving Affidavit).
Dying Without a Will in Missouri Most importantly, if you die without a will in Missouri, your entire estate must pass through probate (with the above-noted exceptions, of course). This isn't ideal, as probate can often be an expensive and lengthy process.
The law says: Every will shall be in writing, signed by the testator, or by some person, by his direction, in his presence; and shall be attested by two or more competent witnesses subscribing their names to the will in the presence of the testator.
