We believe everyone should have five basic documents as a part of their planning.
1. An Advanced Medical Health Care Directive
2. A HIPPA Authorization
3. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
4. Durable Power of Attorney for Financial
5. A Will
*Many families may also benefit from creating a “Trust” as it can avoid probate.
As the Missouri Baptist Foundation is not a law firm, the linked documents you can click on below are “samples” and fill-in-the-blank “self-help” forms that provide a starting point to help individuals like you prepare the necessary documents to present to legal counsel or an experienced estate planning attorney. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
This form from Missouri Bar provides the first three essential documents if properly completed. They also offer an online fillable form on their website. Please follow the directions carefully, as failure to do so could render the documents inadmissible.
This form from eForms includes detailed instructions on their website. It can serve some clients’ needs, but if you are unsure, we encourage a consultation with an attorney.
This valuable resource helps organize your information and thoughts before meeting with an attorney. There are many qualified estate planning attorneys across our state, and we recommend that you explore your network of contacts for one that will best suit your needs. While we cannot recommend a particular attorney, we have heard from many clients who have been satisfied with the results provided to them by Chris Gaughan and Casey Connealy.
This guide provided by the Missouri Bar explains the Probate system with legal definitions and provides other helpful on how courts deal with estates. When meeting with an attorney, discuss the costs for any attorney services at the beginning of the conversation and fully understand what you are getting in exchange. If you have any concerns or doubts, voice them early and never hesitate to break off the relationship with the attorney if you become uncomfortable. You can always reach out to us if you have questions along the way.
We encourage you to complete a plan that provides for both your family and consider ways to Advance the Gospel by giving through your estate plan. Whether a direct gift of assets from your estate or a certain percentage of your estate, every small gift can make a big difference to your church or the ministries you love. Some clients add an additional child beneficiary they name “Charity” via their estate planning documents, which allows them to bless ministries by increasing the number of their heirs. Others recognize the power of time and decide to “give it twice” by creating a mechanism where their children and ministries are given the same amount over time. We know this journey can be difficult and overwhelming. You can do this! We are here to cheer you on and help along the way. Completing an estate plan is vital in providing for your family, church, and ministries; you will feel blessed, and others will be blessed. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call (573.761.0717) or email (info@mbfn.org).