Answers Before You Call — On Estate Planning, Trusts, Business Law, and Cost.

Yes — a free 30-minute call with no obligation, so you can ask questions and get a clear cost estimate before committing to anything.

Yes. Your call is answered by our team first, and Deborah personally handles your matter from the consultation through closing the file.

Deborah is licensed in Missouri and serves clients across the state, with virtual consultations available.

Deborah is both an attorney and a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), so your legal documents are checked against your actual finances, not drafted in isolation.

Usually yes — a "pour-over" will catches anything not already titled in your trust, so nothing falls through a gap.

A will goes through probate before assets are distributed. A properly funded living trust generally avoids probate entirely.

Someone you trust completely to act in your best interest — not necessarily your oldest child or closest relative by default.

Yes. A special needs trust lets you leave money to a disabled child without disqualifying them from government benefits.

Yes. Missouri recognizes pet trusts, which name a caretaker and set aside funds for your pet's care after you're gone.

It varies with the size and complexity of the estate, but a straightforward probate typically takes six months to a year.

No. Assets held in a properly funded trust, or titled with a valid beneficiary designation, generally bypass probate.

Guides the trustee through notifying beneficiaries, valuing and retitling assets, paying debts and taxes, and making distributions correctly.

Locate the will and any trust documents, then talk to a probate attorney before taking any action on the estate's assets.

It depends on liability, taxes, and how you plan to grow. Deborah reviews the options and recommends one based on your actual situation.

It's not required, but a contract that looks fine on the surface can carry real risk. A quick review is usually far cheaper than fixing a bad one later.

An agreement that decides what happens if a business partner leaves, becomes disabled, or passes away. Any business with more than one owner needs one.

Deciding who takes over a business, and how, when the owner retires, becomes unable to run it, or passes away.

Yes. Lease terms are negotiable more often than tenants realize, and problems are far easier to fix before signing than after.

It depends on what you need. Most matters are quoted as a flat fee or a clear hourly rate, agreed to before any work begins — never a surprise invoice.

A 30-minute call to understand your situation, explain your options, and give you a clear cost estimate — no obligation to move forward.

It depends on the matter — simple documents can be ready in a couple of weeks, while more complex plans or transactions take longer.

For some matters, yes. Ask about payment options during your free consultation.