- Traffic ViolationsMUNICIPAL CRIMINAL – Our judicial system has numerous layers. The layer applicable to local governments is called the Municipal Division of the Circuit Court. Most cities and towns have municipal divisions with their own judges and prosecutors. These courts typically handle matters such as speeding, municipal ordinance and zoning violations and certain misdemeanors. Because municipal systems are often governed by local ordinances and procedures that differ from city to city, the navigation of these systems can be difficult.
- Misdemeanors
- Limited Liability CompaniesBUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION – Businesses come in all shapes and sizes and the trend nationally has been to use the various entity designations in numerous ways in order to best protect assets and ensure smooth day-to-day operation. Corporations, limited liability companies, non-profit corporations, partnerships, etc. all require organizing documentation to establish their existence and to set forth the parameters of their operation. Business entities also often require assistance in drafting documents related to the operation of their affairs going forward such as agreements, applications, negotiations, sales, purchases, etc.
- Land Use and Zoning
- Condominium LawREAL ESTATE – The ownership of real estate is something to which most aspire and many accomplish. Real estate has its own legal identity in many respects and requires special documentation to memorialize transfers, liens, ownership, subdivision, etc. The preparation and execution of documents such as quit-claim deeds, general warranty deeds, affidavits, deeds of trust, condominium conversion documents and durable powers of attorney are examples of documents that can be used with respect to real estate.
- Estate PlanningESTATE PLANNING – Life is not perpetual and individuals owning any assets should plan for their passing in such a way to circumvent otherwise unnecessary costs and expenses. An estate plan can serve a number of functions, from making sure a particular item finds its way to a specific loved one, to avoiding the necessity of a probate estate and the costs associated with it. Often times, tax considerations must also be drafted into estate plans in order to best take advantage of certain allowances included in the law. We have over 40 years experience in drafting, executing and funding estate plans in the State of Missouri. The most important step in achieving the piece of mind an estate plan will provide is contacting a lawyer to tell them what you want so they can begin drafting the plan for you.
- TrustsTRUST ADMINISTRATION AND LITIGATION – As with Probate Administration, a trustee is a fiduciary who stands in the place of the grantor of the trust and represents the interests of those who are in line to benefit from the trust. Trustees often require the assistance of a lawyer to ensure that they act consistent with the trust language. Trusts, much like probate estates, often are implicated in disputes that result in litigation. Much of the law as it pertains to trusts (including litigation) can be found in the Missouri Uniform Trust Code (Chapter 456 RSMo 2006).
- Power of Attorney
- Probate
- Tax LawINCOME TAX PLANNING AND PREPARATION – Most of us are familiar with income taxes and their returns. Whether certain amounts should be included as taxable income and the definition of what constitutes a deductible expense are often times difficult questions to answer. The assistance of lawyers and/or accountants is often advisable when someone gets into a situation where their situation may place certain assets or expenses between definitions and therefore make it difficult to determine taxability or deductibility.