PMCW Law

Ask any good parent, and they'll tell you that caring for the children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being is their top priority. If you have children of your own, you probably agree with this statement wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable; there is no way to guarantee that you will be around to care for your child forever. Though many children need and seek out advice and assistance from their parents well into adulthood, they become adults  under Missouri law when they turn eighteen. Generally , c hildren ages seventeen and under need a legal guardian if their parents are unable , un willing or unfit to act as a custodial parent.  If you have a child under the age of eighteen, it is important to make preparations so that they will be cared for if something should happen to you. Whom Should You Designate As A Legal Guardian For Your Children? If you die or become incapacitated, the individual you designate as your child's legal guardian...

We all need a little help now and then, especially when facing big decisions that may have significant financial or legal implications. Children, people with mental disabilities, and elderly individuals can benefit especially from assistance in these types of situations. The team at the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to help you gain a better understanding of legal guardianship and how they may be able to benefit you or someone you know. Legal Guardianship Children under the age of eighteen, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and certain elderly individuals who have lost some mental faculties as they aged are all examples of people who need guardians. The guardians assigned to them can fulfill multiple responsibilities, from ensuring that they receive proper food and housing to assisting with (or outright making) important decisions involving healthcare and safety. Temporary Guardianship Sometimes, an individual may be in ne...

You've heard about wills, and you've heard about living trusts. You know that they're both important, but so far the terms seem to have been used somewhat interchangeably. Is there a difference between wills and living trusts? Is there an advantage to using one over the other?  The Law Firm of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. is here to help you answer these questions. Essentially, a will is a legal document that dictates how your property and assets will be distributed after you pass. A will only effects those assets that are part of your probate estate.  Living trusts, on the other hand, allows you to dictate how your assets will be distributed after you pass or if you become incapacitated and avoid probate court. Here's a quick look at some of the specific differences between wills and trusts. Naming Guardians for Children In Missouri, children are not considered legal adults until they turn eighteen. If both of a child's parents/guardia...