Articles
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How to Create a Will in Missouri (2026)
Written by: Marcus Tecarro At Polaris, we build a will as one part of a complete estate plan, not as a single document to check off a list. Missouri law sets specific requirements for what a will has to include and how… Read “How to Create a Will in Missouri (2026)”
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Six Mistakes That Can Undermine a Missouri Will
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork TL;DR Signing a document called a will doesn’t guarantee that a will is valid or that it will work as you intend.. In Missouri, a will has to meet specific requirements, and six common… Read “Six Mistakes That Can Undermine a Missouri Will”
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Independent vs. Supervised Probate in Missouri: Which One Applies to Your Estate?
Written by: Anne Harris TL;DR Missouri probate law offers two paths: independent administration, which runs with light court oversight and is faster and cheaper, and supervised administration, where the court signs off… Read “Independent vs. Supervised Probate in Missouri: Which One Applies to Your Estate?”
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What Slows Missouri Probate Down? 6 Common Delays and How Families Avoid Them
Written by: Marcus Tecarro TL;DR Missouri probate usually takes six months to a year, and a big part of that is simply built into the law: creditors get a set window to come forward before an estate can close. What… Read “What Slows Missouri Probate Down? 6 Common Delays and How Families Avoid Them”
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Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will in Missouri?
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork TL;DR A living trust and a will each play an important role in estate planning, but they serve different purposes. A living trust can help properly funded assets avoid probate, provide… Read “Is a Living Trust Better Than a Will in Missouri?”
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5 Reasons High-Earners in St. Louis Keep Putting Off Their Estate Plan
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork You are good at this. You built a career that most people would envy. You manage complexity at work every single day. You make hard decisions, meet deadlines, and provide for your family… Read “5 Reasons High-Earners in St. Louis Keep Putting Off Their Estate Plan”
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What Happens If Your Beneficiary Dies Before You? How to Protect Your Estate Plan
Written by: Attorney Marcus Tecarro You spent decades building something worth protecting. The retirement accounts, the house, the investments — you did the work, made the sacrifices, and got the plan in place. But… Read “What Happens If Your Beneficiary Dies Before You? How to Protect Your Estate Plan”
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The Life Events That Quietly Break an Estate Plan
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork You did the right thing. At some point, you sat down with an attorney, worked through the hard questions, and put a plan in place. You have a will, maybe a trust, probably some… Read “The Life Events That Quietly Break an Estate Plan”
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Where Are My Parents’ Important Documents, and What Should You Have Access To?
Written by: Attorney Scott Stork You’re already managing more than most people realize. Doctor’s appointments, prescription pickups, insurance calls, your own household, your own kids, and somewhere in the middle of all… Read “Where Are My Parents’ Important Documents, and What Should You Have Access To?”
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Why Updating Your Will and Beneficiaries After Divorce Is Critical
Written by: Attorney Marcus Tecarro Updating your will and beneficiaries after divorce is critical because your divorce decree does not do it for you. In Missouri, finalizing a divorce automatically revokes will… Read “Why Updating Your Will and Beneficiaries After Divorce Is Critical”