Skip Walther · Estate planning
Wills, trusts, living wills and powers of attorney, with Skip Walther
Skip Walther handles estate planning and probate for families in Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard and Randolph Counties.
Chapter 01
No will, old beneficiaries, no power of attorney
Estate problems tend to come from three gaps. The first is no will at all: when someone dies without one, state law decides who receives what, and the result may not be what the person would have chosen. The second is a stale beneficiary form. Retirement accounts and life insurance often pass by the name on the form, not by the will, so a form that was never updated after a marriage, a divorce or a death can send money somewhere unintended.
The third gap is incapacity. If an illness or an accident leaves someone unable to manage their affairs and no power of attorney is in place, the family may have to ask a court to appoint someone to act, which takes time and puts the question of who is chosen in a judge's hands.
Each of these is easier to address on a calm day than in a hospital hallway. How they apply to your family is a question for a conversation with the office.
Open walnut keepsake box holding a pocket watch, reading glasses and old keys, on a quilt
Wills and trusts, living wills, powers of attorney
Skip Walther handles wills and trusts, estate planning, living wills and powers of attorney. A will says who receives what and who is named to carry out the instructions. A trust can hold property under terms the person sets. A living will records wishes about medical treatment, and a power of attorney names someone to act on a person's behalf. Which of these a family needs, and in what order, depends on the family.
Skip was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1979 and holds his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He is a former Boone County assistant prosecuting attorney, and in 2009-2010 he served as President of The Missouri Bar. He is a member of the Boone County Bar Association, The Missouri Bar and the American Bar Association.
Chapter 03
Probate, guardianship and conservatorship in five counties
When a death has already happened, the work is probate, the court process that settles an estate. Skip Walther's practice also covers guardianships and conservatorships, the court arrangements used when a person can no longer make decisions or manage property for themselves.
The firm's estate work is listed for Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard and Randolph Counties, the same area the office serves from Columbia.
If a family member has died or is no longer able to manage their own affairs, call the office and explain the situation in a sentence or two.
Skip Walther: admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1979; University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law; President of The Missouri Bar, 2009-2010.
A client on working with Skip
“Skip is easy to work with.”
Matters handled: Probate · Wills & Trusts · Estate Planning · Guardianships · Conservatorships · Living Wills · Power of Attorney
Bring the documents you already have
An existing will, a beneficiary form or a power of attorney is a useful place to start. To set up a meeting, request a consultation or call the office on (573) 442-2454. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with after-hour appointments arranged. Divorce and custody questions go to Gary Stamper.
The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Using this website or contacting the firm through it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and one is not established until the firm agrees to represent you. Please do not send details of your matter by email.