Beal & Whitener LLP helps individuals, families, and fiduciaries plan for the future, administer property after a death, protect vulnerable loved ones, and resolve disputes. James E. Beal leads the firm's estate planning, probate, trust, guardianship, and fiduciary litigation practice.
James has practiced law since 2006. His experience in both administration and contested proceedings informs the advice he gives clients about creating plans and carrying out fiduciary responsibilities.
Estate Planning
Wills, powers of attorney, revocable living trusts, selected irrevocable trusts, and help coordinating assets and beneficiary designations with your plan. James provides estate-planning services to Missouri and Illinois individuals and families.
Probate Administration
Guidance for personal representatives, executors, and families through Missouri estate administration, including the initial assessment, court filings, estate property, creditor issues, accountings, and distributions.
Trust Administration
Legal advice for successor trustees following death or incapacity and assistance with ongoing trusts, beneficiary communications, records, accountings, and distributions. We also evaluate beneficiary concerns about administration.
Guardianship & Conservatorship
Representation in Missouri adult and minor proceedings, contested appointments, questions involving capacity, and the responsibilities that continue after a guardian or conservator is appointed.
Trust, Estate & Fiduciary Litigation
Representation in will and trust disputes, inheritance disputes, contested accountings, missing-asset claims, and matters involving alleged fiduciary misconduct or requests to remove a fiduciary.
Planning, Administration, and Dispute Resolution
Families may need different kinds of assistance at different times. We help clients understand the relationship between estate documents, property ownership, fiduciary duties, and the court process. When a dispute arises, we evaluate negotiation, mediation, and litigation in light of the client's goals and the facts.
Meet James E. Beal or call (314) 227-1014 to discuss your matter.
For the firm's other principal practice, visit Criminal Defense. Additional inquiries are addressed under Other Practice Areas.