1. What documents are included in a comprehensive estate plan?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
A comprehensive estate plan should be tailored to the client’s goals, family, and financial circumstances. Blended families, business owners, families with young children, and other unique situations often require additional planning. For many clients, a comprehensive estate plan includes a Revocable Living Trust, a Pour-Over Will, a General Durable Power of Attorney, and a Health Care Power of Attorney with an Advance Directive. It also includes properly funding the trust, which may involve transferring a home and other appropriate assets into the trust. The documents themselves are important, but the goal is to make sure they work together so that the client’s wishes can be carried out both during their lifetime and after their death.
2. How do you help minimize estate taxes?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
For many families, estate taxes may not be the primary concern, while clients with larger or more complex estates may benefit from additional planning. When estate taxes are a potential concern, we can explore strategies designed to reduce the taxable estate and preserve more wealth for the client’s family or other beneficiaries. Depending on the circumstances, this may include lifetime gifting, charitable planning, irrevocable trusts, life insurance planning, and other advanced estate planning strategies. The goal is not simply to minimize taxes, but to develop a plan that balances tax efficiency with the client’s need for control, flexibility, and financial security.
3. What is the cost range for your services in St Louis, MO?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
Most estate planning services range from approximately $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the type and complexity of the plan. More complex matters, including advanced trust planning, business succession planning, or unique family circumstances, may require additional planning and fees. We generally use flat fees for estate planning, so clients know the cost before deciding to move forward. After learning about your family, assets, and goals, we can recommend the appropriate level of planning and provide a clear fee quote.
4. What qualifications and licenses do you have in St Louis, MO?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
I am a licensed attorney in the State of Missouri and serve clients throughout the St. Louis area. My practice focuses on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and planning for families with more complex circumstances. I regularly work with clients to create personalized estate plans designed around their family, assets, and long-term goals. I also stay current on developments and planning strategies that affect estate planning so that I can provide clients with practical, thoughtful guidance.
5. Do you offer virtual consultations?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
Yes, we offer virtual consultations for clients who prefer the convenience of meeting remotely. During the consultation, we discuss your family, assets, concerns, and estate planning goals, just as we would in an in-person meeting. Virtual consultations are conducted by secure video conference and are designed to be convenient, private, and thorough. They are a great option for busy professionals, clients with mobility or scheduling challenges, or anyone who simply prefers to meet from home. If you decide to move forward, we can guide you through the estate planning process step by step and coordinate any required document signing in a way that is convenient and appropriate for your plan.
6. How many years of experience do you have and what did you learn from that?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
I have been practicing law for over 7 years, with much of my work focused on helping individuals and families with estate planning. Over the years, I have learned that a good estate plan is about much more than preparing documents. It starts with listening carefully, understanding a client’s family dynamics and priorities, and then creating a plan that is both legally sound and practical. I have also learned that simplicity and clarity matter. Clients should understand what their plan does, why it is structured the way it is, and what steps need to be taken after the documents are signed. My experience has reinforced the importance of creating plans that are not only well designed, but that actually work when a family needs them.
7. How do you ensure a client's estate plan complies with state laws?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
I ensure each estate plan is prepared specifically for the client and in accordance with current Missouri law. That includes reviewing the client’s circumstances, using Missouri-specific estate planning documents, and making sure the documents are properly drafted and executed. Estate planning laws and best practices can change over time, so I also stay current through continuing legal education and ongoing review of developments that may affect my clients. Just as importantly, I look beyond the documents themselves. A well-drafted estate plan also needs to coordinate with how assets are owned, beneficiary designations, and, when applicable, the proper funding of a trust. My goal is to make sure all of those pieces work together as intended.
8. How long does the estate planning process take?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
For most clients, the estate planning process takes approximately 3 to 6 weeks from the initial planning meeting through signing the completed documents. More complex plans may take additional time. The process typically begins with a meeting to discuss your family, assets, concerns, and goals. From there, we design and prepare your estate plan, review it with you, make any necessary changes, and then meet to properly execute the documents. We try to make the process as straightforward and efficient as possible while still taking the time necessary to make sure the plan is thoughtfully designed and that you understand how it works.
9. How do you coordinate with financial advisors and tax professionals?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
When appropriate, I work closely with a client’s financial advisor, CPA, and other professionals to help ensure the estate plan fits with the client’s overall financial and tax strategy. With the client’s permission, we can coordinate on issues such as asset ownership, beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, business interests, charitable goals, and potential tax considerations. This helps reduce the risk of having an estate plan that looks good on paper but does not align with the client’s financial arrangements. I view estate planning as a team effort when multiple professionals are involved. Good communication among the attorney, financial advisor, and tax professional can help create a more complete and effective plan for the client.
10. How many cases do you handle per year?
Paul Gantner - AMEN, GANTNER & CAPRIANO, YOUR ESTATE MATTERS, L.L.C.
- Submit now
Scott Keifer - ST. LOUIS ESTATE PLANNING LLC
- Submit now
David S. Schleiffarth - THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID S. SCHLEIFFARTH, LLC
Over the past 7.5 years, I have worked with approximately 1,300 client matters. That experience has given me exposure to a wide variety of family situations, planning goals, and levels of complexity. At the same time, I have intentionally built my practice around providing clients with personal attention and a thoughtful planning process. My goal is not to operate as a high-volume document practice, but to make sure each client understands their plan and that it is tailored to their circumstances.
