Strong Advocacy And Compassionate Support When You Need It Most

Saint Charles Trusts Attorneys: A Personalized Approach To Asset Protection

Last updated on October 14, 2025

When you are preparing an estate plan, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Your goal is to secure your family’s future, but knowing whether to use a trust, a will, or both can be confusing.

At The Law Office of Baerveldt & Boedefeld, LLC, our experienced attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience. We help people throughout Saint Charles and the surrounding Missouri communities evaluate these exact choices. Providing customized and straightforward guidance, we design every estate plan ourselves, based on your legal goals. Your estate plan should match your wishes and protect your assets exactly as you intend, so that’s what we deliver.

What Are The Different Types Of Trusts?

A trust is a legal agreement. It allows you, as the grantor, to give property to another person or entity, the trustee. The trustee holds the property for the benefit of a third party, the beneficiary. There are many different types of trusts in Missouri. Some of the most common types of trusts you could consider include:

  • Revocable living trust: You can change or cancel this type of trust at any time during your life, giving you maximum flexibility and control over your assets.
  • Irrevocable trust: You cannot change or cancel this type of trust once you create it. However, its rigidity offers stronger asset protection from creditors and can provide tax benefits.
  • Testamentary trust: This trust does not exist while you are alive but instead is created through instructions within your will after you pass away.
  • Special needs trust: This trust holds funds for a disabled beneficiary without negatively affecting their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Social Security.

Choosing the right trust for your estate plan will depend on your financial situation and goals. For example, a trust can help some of your assets avoid the probate process. It is also important to consider your need for asset protection as well as the tax implications for your heirs. Our trusts attorneys will help you assess your goals and evaluate your options.

How Do Wills And Trusts Work Together As Part Of A Comprehensive Estate Plan?

Many people believe they must choose between a will or a trust. However, the best plans often include both. A will handles several things a trust cannot, primarily naming a guardian for minor children. A trust, on the other hand, allows assets placed inside it to avoid probate court, saving your family significant time, money and stress.

Consult A Saint Charles Trusts Lawyer For Free

We want to help you explore your options and develop a strategy designed to protect your future and your family. We offer flexible evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. For your convenience, we also accept credit cards. If necessary, we can provide a Spanish interpreter.

At The Law Office of Baerveldt & Boedefeld, LLC, we offer free half-hour consultations to answer your questions and provide you with clear next steps. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 636-260-2515 or by sending us a message through our website.