St. Louis · St. Louis County · Missouri
St. Louis estate planning attorney.
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Hunsinger Law Group helps St. Louis individuals and couples build clear Missouri estate plans: who makes decisions if you cannot, who cares for your children, and how your home and property pass.
Complimentary through November 30, 2026. Meet with an attorney for up to 25 minutes to discuss your goals and next steps. View fee terms.
Who we help
Planning for St. Louis families.
Our St. Louis clients include young parents, homeowners, business owners, and families with ties on both sides of the river. Some are starting from scratch. Others have an old plan that no longer fits. We start with your priorities and recommend the right next step.
Common reasons people call us
- You have young children and no named guardian
- You own a home in St. Louis City or County
- You want your house to pass without probate
- You need a durable power of attorney or health care directive
- You have family or property in Illinois as well as Missouri
What makes Missouri different
Missouri estate planning basics.
Missouri has its own signing rules and some useful planning tools. Here are a few that shape St. Louis plans.
Wills need two witnesses
A Missouri will must be in writing, signed by you, and attested by two or more competent witnesses who sign in your presence (RSMo 474.320). A will can also nominate a guardian for minor children. Wills, guardians, and your family: our guide.
Durable powers of attorney must be notarized
To survive incapacity, a Missouri power of attorney must be labeled a Durable Power of Attorney, include durability language, and be signed, dated, and acknowledged like a real estate deed (RSMo 404.705). Powers of attorney and health care: our guide.
Beneficiary deeds for your home
Missouri lets you name who receives your real estate at death through a beneficiary deed. The deed must be signed and recorded with the recorder of deeds before the owner’s death (RSMo 461.025).
No Missouri estate tax, but probate still matters
Missouri no longer requires state estate tax filings (Missouri Department of Revenue). Probate can still apply. The small estate affidavit is limited to estates of $40,000 or less (Missouri Courts), so many families use trusts and beneficiary designations instead. Living trusts and funding: our guide.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Statutes change; we confirm the current requirements for your documents during your engagement.
Know the cost before you commit
Flat-fee estate planning in St. Louis.
Choose whether you are planning for one person, a couple, or a more complex estate. You do not need to pick documents first. We recommend the approach and confirm scope with you.
Standard Estate Plan
For one person
$2,000
$1,000 to start + $1,000 at signing
Attorney-guided planning tailored to your family, property, and goals, whether your plan is will-centered or trust-centered.
Standard Estate Plan
For a couple
$3,000
$1,000 to start + $1,000 during planning + $1,000 at signing
Coordinated planning for two people. We assess whether joint representation is appropriate and recommend the approach that fits.
Complex Estate Plan
For advanced estates
$5,000
$2,000 to start + $1,500 during planning + $1,500 at signing
In-depth planning for scenarios like special needs trusts, blended families, and business succession.
Prices and payment schedules reflect our published estate-planning fee schedule. The engagement agreement controls the services included and final fees. Confirm any deed preparation, recording costs, trust funding, tax work, or later revisions before proceeding.
How it works
A clear path from the first conversation.
Most of the process can happen in person in the Central West End or by video, with signing arranged to meet Missouri witness and notary requirements.
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Talk through your goals
Discuss your family, property, existing documents, and priorities. We help identify an appropriate planning approach.
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Confirm the scope & engagement
We complete conflict and fit review, confirm the fee, and provide the engagement agreement and payment instructions.
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Provide information & review your plan
After engagement, complete the intake and provide requested records through the channel we designate. We prepare the agreed documents and review the key choices with you.
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Sign under Missouri requirements
We coordinate witnesses and notarization where Missouri law requires them, and explain recording, beneficiary updates, and any trust funding steps.
Local office
Estate planning from our Central West End office.
Our St. Louis office is on Lindell Boulevard. We serve clients in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and the surrounding area, and meet virtually with clients elsewhere in Missouri.
Living in Missouri but working in Illinois, or own property in the Metro East or Chicago? We are licensed in both states and can plan around property on both sides of the river.
Virtual planning meetings are available. We discuss the appropriate signing arrangements for your documents.
Before you get started
St. Louis estate planning questions.
Do I need a will or a trust in Missouri?
It depends on your property, family, and goals. A will controls property in your name alone and can name a guardian. A funded living trust, beneficiary deed, and beneficiary designations can help avoid probate. We recommend an approach after hearing about your situation.
What is a beneficiary deed?
A Missouri beneficiary deed names who receives your real estate when you die, while you keep full ownership during life. It must be recorded before death to work.
Will my estate go through probate in St. Louis?
If you die owning assets in your name alone without beneficiary designations, a trust, or a beneficiary deed, a probate case may be needed in the St. Louis City or St. Louis County probate court, depending on where you lived.
Does Missouri have an estate or inheritance tax?
Missouri does not currently require state estate tax filings. Very large estates may still face federal estate tax, which we can discuss.
Can we meet virtually?
Yes. Planning meetings can happen in person or by video. We arrange signing so your documents meet Missouri witness and notary requirements.
What does it cost?
Our published flat fees are $2,000 for one person, $3,000 for a couple, and $5,000 for complex estates. The engagement agreement confirms scope before work begins.
Take the next step
You do not need every answer to get started.
Begin with a short attorney-guided planning session. You do not need to select documents before you book.
Book Your Complimentary Estate Planning Start Session
Complimentary through November 30, 2026. Meet with an attorney for up to 25 minutes to discuss your goals and next steps. Published terms.
Already ready to move forward?
Request an estate-planning engagement agreement. Tell us your name, city or county, best contact number, and the package you are considering.
Request an Engagement Agreement
Opens your email app to info@hlawgrp.com. No email app? Call (833) 256-6644. Do not attach financial records, account numbers, or other sensitive documents to the initial request.
This is a request to begin the intake process, not an online purchase or confirmation of representation. Firm acceptance and an executed engagement agreement are required.
Looking for the other office? See Chicago estate planning or our Illinois & Missouri estate planning overview.