An estate plan is a practical way to record your choices, provide direction to people you trust, and prepare for the unexpected. You do not need to own significant assets to benefit from a plan. It can be straightforward or more detailed, depending on your family, property, business interests, and wishes.
Elizabeth Tharpe works directly with individuals and families to create or update Missouri estate plans, including wills, revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and health care directives. For business owners, planning may also address who can manage or transition business interests if you become unable to act.
Your plan begins with a conversation about your goals. Elizabeth guides you through the available choices, prepares documents tailored to your circumstances, and explains how to sign, store, and revisit them as life changes.
Estate Planning for St. Louis Families and Business Owners
Estate Planning FAQs
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A plan may include a will, a revocable trust when appropriate, durable powers of attorney for financial matters, and health care directives. The right documents depend on your family, assets, business interests, and wishes.
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The fee depends on the documents and planning involved. A straightforward plan may require less work than one involving a trust, business interests, or more complex family arrangements. I discuss the scope and fee with you before beginning.
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Review your plan after major changes such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a move, a change in business ownership, or a significant change in your wishes. Periodic review can also help confirm that your documents and chosen decision makers are still appropriate.
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Yes. Elizabeth works directly with clients through the planning process, from discussing your goals and choices to preparing and explaining your documents. She does not pass the client relationship to a paralegal or assistant.
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Yes. Planning can include instructions for who may manage, transfer, or make decisions about business interests if you become unable to act, as well as how those interests fit with your broader estate plan. The details depend on your business structure and goals.
Other Practice Areas
Our law office specializes in handling both business transactions and litigation, as well as trust and estate administration.
Business Law
Comprehensive legal support for small and medium-sized business owners—from formation to growth, contracts, real estate & complex transactions.
Trust & Estate Administration
Guidance for executors & trustees to ensure estates are administered smoothly, efficiently & in accordance with Missouri law.
Real Estate
Experienced counsel for property transactions—purchases, sales, leases, and development—delivered with clarity and precision.
Civil Litigation
Strategic advocacy for individuals and businesses in disputes, from contract matters to complex civil cases.