A document authorized by Missouri law that allows for the transfer of real estate to a beneficiary without probate administration.

Also known as an agent. Someone specifically named as an agent for another person (the principal) through a written power of attorney document.

A type of written contract between two people who are about to marry, setting out the rights of each party in the event of divorce or the death of either party. These are especially important for couples with children from a prior marriage or if one or both spouses are entering the marriage with significant assets. These are also known as prenuptial agreements, prenupts, and premarital agreements.

A legal document that allows you to set out written wishes for your medical care, name a person to make sure those wishes are carried out, or both.

A person or institution who is in charge of and takes care of the assets of a trust. A trustees owes fiduciary duties to the beneficiaries and must treat all classes of beneficiaries, either current or future, equally and fairly.

A type of non-probate transfer usually used on motor vehicles, stocks or brokerage accounts, etc.

Having left a valid will at one’s death, as opposed to “intestate,” having died without leaving a will.

A report indicating the account status of an agreement between creditor and debtor. The statement is usually issued by the creditor indicating details such as the unpaid balance due and payment history.

An estate that contains property with a value small enough to be eligible, under state law, for simplified probate procedures or out-of-court transfers of the deceased person’s property.

That part of an estate which remains after the payment of charges, debts, legacies, and devises. The person(s) who receive this portion of an estate are known as remaindermen.