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Using a Living Trust to Avoid Probate

Using a Living Trust to Avoid Probate

The administration of one’s estate is rarely an easy process. There are ways to make it easier, though, and using a living trust to avoid probate may help you and your loved ones avoid several common headaches. Why Avoid the Probate Process? Probate is the court-led review of a decedent’s will or wishes to determine how assets should be divided amongst heirs. In addition, probate typically involves an accounting of assets, payment of debts, and other matters. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid probate as much as possible because: Probate can add additional costs to the estate administration process Probate...

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How to Make Sure Your Will and Trust Are in Order During this Uncertain Time

How to Make Sure Your Will and Trust Are in Order During this Uncertain Time

Like you, we at Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. are concerned about Coronavirus and the interruption to our lives it has created.   We are concerned for our families, our neighbors and our friends, which includes you.  We are still working very hard from home to meet our clients’ needs. Taking advantage of the many people at home watching TV, there are many ads from car dealers insinuating that now is the time to buy a car.  Instead, it might be smarter to create or update your Will. This is protection for your family and much of it can be done through virtual...

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The Injury Risks Associated with Labor Day

The Injury Risks Associated with Labor Day

With Labor Day around the corner, many of us are planning our annual unofficial end-of-summer festivities. Whether you are planning on heading down to the lake for one last weekend on the water or plan to spend your holiday in the backyard with friends and family, it's important to keep in mind that, like every other holiday, Labor Day exposes our loved ones and us to an increased risk of injury. Some of the most common causes of Labor Day injuries are discussed in the material below. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case with a St....

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4 Auto Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For

4 Auto Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For

As a car accident victim, it’s important that you are aware that most car accident cases never see the inside of a courtroom, but rather are resolved through the insurance settlement process. This process involves the victims and the at-fault driver’s insurance company reaching an agreement where the insurance company pays the victim in return for a release from any further liability. It's critical to understand that insurance companies are for-profit entities, and they make their money by paying out as little as possible on every claim they receive. For this reason, it is highly advisable for every car accident victim...

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What Happens if I Violate My Probation?

What Happens if I Violate My Probation?

In some situations, a judge may choose to sentence a person who has been convicted of a crime to probation instead of jail time. Probation allows a person to live in the community, work, and engage in other "normal" activities, albeit with certain conditions. In the event that a person who is on probation violates the terms of his or her probation, it can result in serious legal consequences. Fortunately, allegations of violating your probation are just that – allegations – and the state is required to prove probation violations by a preponderance of the evidence, and you have the...

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What is an SIS in Missouri?

What is an SIS in Missouri?

In Missouri criminal courts, you may hear several different legal terms that you may not understand. One common term that might be the source of confusion is “SIS,” which stands for “suspended imposition of sentence.” In short, a SIS is a common type of probation and disposition of criminal cases in Missouri, generally after a guilty plea. A SIS is different from a suspended execution of sentence (SES), which is a type of probation for more serious felony offenses. The Basics of an SIS When a judge agrees to a SIS, they are suspending the issuance of a specific sentence for an...

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4 Insurance Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Settlement Payments

4 Insurance Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Settlement Payments

When a driver causes a car accident or you fall in a store, the responsible party’s insurance company should pay for all of your losses, right? Unfortunately, it is not always that easy, since insurance companies regularly challenge injury claims. These companies are businesses first, and to maximize profits, they try to minimize settlement payments as much as possible. The following are four tricks that insurers may use to reduce your settlement. 1. Challenge Liability If an injured accident victim was also partially at fault for a collision, their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Therefore, insurance companies will...

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