Estate Planning and Litigation Attorneys in Moberly, MO

Estate Planning and Litigation to Protect Your Family’s Future

At Gump, Faiella, and Bugalski, we understand the importance of planning for your family’s future. Estate planning is full of pitfalls and difficult decisions that require a deep understanding of family dynamics, personal goals, and financial security. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys in Missouri offer a wide range of legal services to help plan your estate or resolve disputes with wills, trusts, guardianships and other methods of transferring assets of a deceased or incapacitated person. Our client-centered approach ensures your or your loved one’s legacy is preserved and protected. 

Whether you’re looking to create a will, establish a trust, or navigate litigation related to the death of a loved one, Gump, Faiella, and Bugalski is here to safeguard your interests and your family’s future. Take the first step in resolving your estate planning needs—schedule a free consultation with our experienced lawyers today.

Our Estate Planning Services

Gump, Faiella, and Bugalski has more than 90 years of collective experience protecting the rights of our clients. We proudly offer our estate planning services throughout Mid-Missouri. 

Our team takes a holistic approach to planning and gives our clients options as to how and what they can do to assist their families if the worst should happen. Whether you have minor children you want to make sure have the funds they need, or you want to make sure the family farm ends up in the right hands, we can help find an estate plan that fits your family’s specific needs.

Our estate planning services include:

  • Will drafting and revisions
  • Trust creation and management
  • Healthcare and financial power of attorney
  • Advance healthcare directives
  • Guardianship planning
  • Asset protection strategies

Our Estate Litigation Services

While most estates go through probate and administration without any issues, disputes can arise. In these cases, our firm also provides litigation support. A Trustee has a duty to manage or distribute assets held by a trust.  We also provide litigation support in instances of trustee misconduct.

We handle a variety of estate disputes, including:

Will Contests

Will contests challenge a will’s validity for various reasons. These include fraud, lack of mental capacity, and undue influence. Such disputes can arise when beneficiaries believe the will does not reflect the deceased’s true intentions. Our team thoroughly investigates these claims by analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and advocating for your position, whether you’re defending or contesting a will.

Trust Disputes

Trust disputes occur when beneficiaries or trustees disagree over the terms or management of a trust. Common issues include mismanagement of trust assets, unclear trust language, or exclusion from benefits. We help resolve these disputes by interpreting trust documents and investigating trustee actions. Our team aims for fair resolutions through negotiation or litigation.

Probate Litigation

Probate litigation involves disputes during the probate process. This can include disagreements over asset distribution, executor misconduct, and creditor claims. These conflicts can delay the resolution of an estate and create financial strain. Our firm provides skilled representation to protect your rights, ensure compliance with probate laws, and expedite the process where possible.

Contested Guardianships

Contested guardianships arise when family members disagree on who should care for an incapacitated person or minor. These disputes can involve concerns about a proposed guardian’s qualifications, competing petitions, or claims of abuse or neglect. We work to safeguard the best interests of vulnerable individuals by presenting clear and compelling cases in court.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims

Fiduciary duty claims target executors, trustees, or guardians who fail to act in the best interests of an estate or individual. Examples include self-dealing, negligence, or failure to maintain accurate records. Our team holds fiduciaries accountable by investigating misconduct and seeking compensation or corrective actions to protect the estate’s integrity.

Challenges to Heirship

Heirship disputes occur when there is uncertainty or disagreement about who is entitled to inherit from an estate. These challenges often involve claims from unknown heirs or disputes over legitimacy. They may also raise questions about adoption or step-family rights. We present evidence to the court including documentation and testimony to clarify heirship and ensure rightful beneficiaries receive their inheritance.

Contact Gump, Faiella, & Bugalski for Missouri Estate Planning and Litigation Assistance

Ready to plan your estate or address an estate dispute? Schedule a consultation with Gump, Faiella, & Bugalski to discuss your estate planning or litigation needs. Our attorneys are here to provide the experienced guidance and representation you need to protect your legacy and ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate planning?

Estate planning is about ensuring your financial, personal, and legal matters are in order and handled the way you want after you’re gone. This planning process includes creating important documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that specify how your assets should be managed. They also outline healthcare wishes and name guardians for any dependents. With a solid estate plan in place, you can have peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be taken care of and your assets will be protected.

Estate litigation is the process of determining the outcome of disputes due to disagreements over wills, trusts, guardianships, and other estate issues including transfer of assets prior to or at the time of death. These disputes can happen for a variety of reasons, such as beneficiaries disagreeing with the terms of a will or claims of undue influence and mismanagement. Disputes can also come up when there are questions about the person’s mental capacity when they were creating estate planning documents. No matter the case, estate litigation attorneys help by representing everyone involved and working to reach a fair resolution that respects the wishes of the person who passed.

Anyone with assets, dependents, or specific wishes needs an estate plan. It’s crucial for all, not just the wealthy. This ensures your property, savings, and belongings go where you want. Parents of minor children especially benefit from estate plans, as they can designate guardianship and provide instructions for their children’s care.

The duration of estate litigation varies. It’s influenced by the case’s complexity, the number of parties, and their willingness to negotiate. Simple cases might wrap up in months while complex disputes with multiple claims or deep investigations can take years. An experienced estate litigation attorney can help streamline the process by addressing key issues efficiently and advocating for a timely resolution.

An estate planning and litigation lawyer protects your interests and ensures your wishes are legally binding. Estate planning lawyers draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney and non-probate transfers, minimizing the need for court involvement and disputes among loved ones. If conflicts arise, litigation lawyers step in, guiding you through complex legal processes to resolve disputes. Consulting a lawyer makes estate management efficient, saving time, reducing stress, and protecting your legacy.