Will Attorney in Springfield, MO

Plan for Tomorrow With a Local Team Who Puts You First

Planning your will is one of the most practical ways to protect your family and your wishes. At Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, LLC, our Springfield team drafts clear, enforceable wills tailored to your goals and aligned with Missouri law, so your loved ones are not left guessing.

Whether you are creating your first will, updating an older document, or coordinating beneficiary designations, we help you make confident decisions. From choosing personal representatives to planning for minor children, we guide you through each step with straightforward advice grounded in Springfield, MO realities.

Call (417) 557-3407 or send us a message to schedule your Springfield will consultation.

What a Will Does Under Missouri Law

A will is the foundation of many estate planning strategies. It directs how your property should pass, names a personal representative to manage your estate, and can nominate guardians for minor children. It can also coordinate with beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death deeds, and trusts to help reduce delays and keep administration smooth.

A properly structured will can:

• Distribute specific assets and personal items
• Establish trusts for minors or loved ones who need management support
• Coordinate with non-probate transfers
• Name backup choices for key roles to avoid court delays
• Clarify your final wishes regarding tangible items and digital accounts

Who needs a will in Springfield, MO

If you own a home, have children, are recently married or divorced, or have particular wishes about who should inherit, a will is essential. Without one, Missouri intestacy rules decide who receives your assets, which may not match your priorities.

Our Springfield Will Drafting Process

We pair careful legal drafting with a predictable client experience.

Discovery and goal setting

We begin with a focused conversation about your assets, family, and concerns. We identify beneficiaries, guardians, and the right person to serve as your personal representative.

Strategy and document design

Your plan may involve a stand-alone will or a will coordinated with other estate planning tools. We explain options in plain language so you can make informed choices.

Draft review and revisions

You receive a clear draft for review. We refine language, add contingencies, and confirm beneficiary details so nothing is overlooked.

Proper signing formalities

Missouri law requires specific execution steps. We arrange a signing that satisfies witness and acknowledgment requirements and discuss a self-proving affidavit to streamline probate.

Storage and ongoing updates

We provide guidance on safe storage and when to update your documents after life changes such as marriage, a new child, a move, or the sale of major assets.

Coordination with other documents

Many clients pair their will with powers of attorney, a health care directive, and, when appropriate, a revocable trust. Coordinating these documents helps avoid conflicts and gaps.

Key Missouri Requirements For Wills

While every situation is unique, the following points commonly apply in Missouri:

• The will must be in writing and signed by the person making it.
• Two witnesses are typically required and should meet Missouri’s competency rules.
• A self-proving affidavit can make probate more efficient.
• Handwritten wills may be valid only if they meet the same formal signing requirements.
  These rules are precise, so careful execution is essential to avoid later challenges.

Choosing your personal representative

Select someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to serve. We help you name alternates and define powers so your chosen representative can act without unnecessary court intervention.

Will vs. Trust: Which Fits Your Goals

A will works well for many families, but a revocable trust may offer advantages in certain cases.

When a simple will works

If your estate is straightforward and you are comfortable with a standard probate process, a properly drafted will may be enough. We can also layer in transfer-on-death and payable-on-death tools to reduce what passes through probate.

When to consider a revocable trust

If you own property in multiple states, desire greater privacy, want built-in disability management, or hope to minimize delays for beneficiaries, a revocable trust coordinated with a will might be the better fit.

Protecting Children and Vulnerable Beneficiaries

Your will can do more than pass assets. It can provide structure.

Naming guardians for minors

You can nominate who should care for your children if needed. Thoughtful backup nominations and clear guidance reduce uncertainty and conflict.

Creating trusts for management and protection

You can delay outright distributions until a beneficiary reaches a target age, finishes school, or meets other milestones. You can also include spendthrift provisions to protect inheritances from creditors or poor money habits.

Special needs considerations

If a loved one receives means-tested benefits, we can design special needs provisions to support them without disrupting eligibility.

Coordinating Your Will With Probate in Greene County

Most estates in Springfield are administered through the Greene County courts. Good planning can make that process predictable.

What to expect

Your personal representative will gather assets, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute the remainder according to your will. With a well-prepared file and self-proving documents, administration is typically more efficient.

Ways to streamline

We help you align beneficiary designations on bank and retirement accounts, consider transfer-on-death titling for real estate and vehicles, and keep an updated asset list so your representative can get to work quickly.

Clear Fees and Timeline

We offer practical, scope-based pricing for will drafting and related estate planning. After your consultation, we provide a written proposal that outlines documents, meetings, and support so you know what to expect. Simple matters can be completed promptly, while more complex plans may require added coordination with financial and tax advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both witnesses need to be present at the same time when I sign my will?

Missouri execution rules are specific. We schedule signings so formalities are met, including witness presence, to support a smooth probate process later.

What is a self-proving affidavit, and why include one?

A self-proving affidavit is an additional document signed with your will that helps the court accept the will without needing witness testimony. It often saves time and reduces hassle.

Can I write my own will and have it notarized?

A do-it-yourself will can create ambiguity or miss required formalities. Notarization is not a substitute for proper witnessing. Attorney-drafted documents reduce the risk of challenges.

How often should I update my will?

Review your plan every three to five years and after life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, a move, or major purchases or sales. We offer an efficient update process.

What happens if I die without a will in Missouri?

State law controls who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes. A will lets you choose your beneficiaries, your personal representative, and guardians for minor children.

Do beneficiary designations override a will?

Yes. Assets with valid beneficiary designations generally pass outside the will. We help you align designations with your overall plan.

Can my will address digital assets and online accounts?

Yes. Your will can grant authority to access digital assets and specify how to handle photos, documents, and social media under applicable law and platform rules.

Start Your Springfield Will The Right Way

A clear, properly executed will gives your family direction and reduces stress. If you live in Springfield, Missouri, our team will help you design a practical plan that fits your life and coordinates with your accounts and property.

Ready to talk? Call (417) 557-3407 to set up your appointment with our will attorney in Springfield.