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Practices
Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process by which an individual plans for the distribution and management of his or her estate to minimize administrative costs and tax liability upon incapacity and death.

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An elderly man sits pensively with his hand under his chin, his gaze directed off-camera, while a woman sits behind him, arms crossed, looking slightly away, suggesting tension. They are in a cozy home setting.

Estate Planning

Key Takeaways

  • Assets of any kind—a home, investments, life insurance, or other possessions—can be protected by an estate plan.
  • If you have children or loved ones, an estate plan ensures that they will be taken care of in accordance with your wishes.
  • A dedicated attorney will coordinate with your CPA, financial advisor and other professionals so that you receive the most comprehensive representation possible.
Two people are holding hands across a table with a marriage dissolution document between them, suggesting a couple going through a divorce.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the general process by which an individual plans for the distribution and management of his or her estate—through the use of wills, trusts, life insurance and other arrangements to minimize administrative costs and tax liability upon incapacity and death. An estate plan also provides the guidance needed to manage your healthcare during incapacity, or who will care for your minor children.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

If you own assets of any kind—a home, investments, life insurance, or other possessions—then you have an “estate” and need an estate plan. Your estate plan designates who will inherit your property and ensures that your children and loved ones are protected in accordance with your wishes. If you have minor children or are planning to have children, an estate plan is essential. Having a quality estate plan is one of the best things you can do for the ones you love.

Everyone Needs an Estate Plan.

At Cordell & Cordell we minimize the complexity of estate planning. We listen, explain and clearly answer your every question. Only then, do we offer our legal advice.

The estate plan created for you will be specifically prepared by our estate planning attorneys to meet your personalized needs and best reflect your future wishes.

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

During your initial consultation, your Cordell attorney will explain the differences and help you decide which may be right for you. The image below may also help guide your decisions. For pricing information on our will and trust packages.

The Cordell & Cordell Estate Planning Process is Simple

STEP 1: Attend Your Initial Consultation

Meet with one of our estate planning attorneys. We will discuss what is right for your personal situation—in order to tailor a plan to meet your goals. All of your questions will be answered by our experienced attorneys.

STEP 2: Review Your Draft Documents

We will create a complete, personalized estate plan and send it to you via mail or email for review. Simply provide us with any questions or requested changes.

STEP 3: Implement Your Plan

When you are satisfied with your drafts, schedule a time for us to execute them, together. Our estate planning attorneys will also provide you with instructions on how to retitle your assets. You will leave with copies of your estate plan in hand and complete peace of mind.

Our Estate Planning Fees are Fixed. No Surprises. We make affordable estate planning even more accessible.  

Estate Planning Services

ServicePricing
Will Package
If you only have a few assets and no minor children, the Will Package could be right for you. This package includes: Last Will & Testament, Healthcare Directive (Living Will), Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Release, Financial Power of Attorney, and Deed.

Individuals: $1,649
Couples: $2,499

Trust Package
Revocable Living Trust, Pour-Over Will, Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directive (Living Will), HIPAA Release, Financial Power of Attorney, Deed for Real Estate, Certificate of Trust, Personal Property Memorandum, Digital Assets Inventory, Remembrance & Services Memorandum, Complimentary Successor Fiduciary Meeting* and Trust Funding Instructions.

Individuals: $2,795
Couples: $3,995

Power of Attorney Package
Financial Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney, HIPAA Waiver, and Healthcare Directive (Living Will).

Individuals:$650
Couples: $1,000

Last Will and Testament
A simple, stand-alone Last Will and Testament which complies with state law.

Individuals:$1,000
Couples: $1,650

Trust Restatement
All new trust language, ideally suited to address significant updates or changes in the law.

New Clients: $2,400
Former Clients: $1,500

Trust Amendment
Substitutes or removes provisions in an existing trust to make a few minor changes or deletions. Cost depends on type and quantity of changes.

Agents or Shares Only – Former Client: $800
Dispositive Provision – Former Client: $1,000

Additional Deeds
(when inc. with a package. Includes filing fee in Missouri, Illinois varies)

Stand-Alone: $200

Single Document
(inc. deeds when not with a package)

$400

Affidavit of Death
(includes filing fee)

$250

What is Included in your Estate Planning Packages

Will PackageTrust Package
LAST WILL & TESTAMENT
A Last Will & Testament provides instructions to the probate court indicating your exact wishes about who will care for your children, who is in charge of implementing your wishes (your executor) and how your property will be distributed. Your will and all other documents filed with the probate court will be public record.
REVOCABLE TRUST
A Revocable Trust accomplishes everything that a will does, but with the distinct advantage of avoiding the probate court process. “Revocable” means that you retain control over your finances, possessions, and wishes during your lifetime. At any time, you can change your mind by amending or even revoking your Revocable Trust.
WILL
A Pour-Over Will is used in conjunction with a revocable trust. It acts as a safety net to ensure that any property not transferred into your trust during your lifetime “pours into” it upon your death.
FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Financial Power Of Attorney gives the person you designate the power to handle your financial decisions, such as paying your bills or filing your taxes.
HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE (LIVING WILL)
A Healthcare Directive tells your physician and family the extent of medical care you wish to receive if you are unable to communicate these things yourself.
MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Medical Power of Attorney gives the person you designate the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
HIPAA RELEASE
A HIPAA Release gives your physician permission to discuss your personal medical information with the person you have granted your medical power of attorney, as well as any others whom you may choose to designate.
DEED
Filed with the Recorder of Deeds, a deed avoids the probate court process and transfers title to your property to your designated beneficiary (including your revocable trust) either immediately or upon your death. Your real estate remains titled in your name during your lifetime, and you’re always free to change or revoke your beneficiary deed.
Joseph E. Cordell, founder of Cordell & Cordell family law offices

Written By Joseph E. Cordell

Co-Founder, Principal Partner

Joseph E. Cordell is the Principal Partner at Cordell and Cordell, P.C., which he founded in 1990 with his wife, Yvonne. Over the past 25 years, the firm has grown to include more than 100 offices in 30 states, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom. Mr. Cordell is licensed to practice in the states of Illinois and Missouri and received his LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph E. Cordell was named one of the Top 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Missouri.