William Stalter is the founder of Stalter Legal Services and the Preneed Resource Company. Bill focuses his law practice on preneed and death care compliance, serving banks, funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries. He has written multiple published articles
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Power of Attorney,Transition DocumentsThe Kansas City Star recently devoted a column to Marty Schottenheimer, and his family’s support as he adjusts to life with Alzheimer’s. Coach Schottenheimer was diagnosed with the disease in his late 60’s, but continues an active life, with the assistance of his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. The column is a reminder that multiple family… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Preplanning,Right of Sepulcher,Transition DocumentsFuneral and burial preplanning should be a part of every estate plan, but some web pages promoting estate planning can be misleading or impractical. The estate planning page sponsored by Lawyers.com suggests that funeral arrangement preferences can be incorporated into a will or health care power of attorney to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Right of Sepulcher,Transition DocumentsWe recently came across a Missouri Law Review article that examined a Missouri Court of Appeals case that ruled a durable power of attorney for health care decisions was ineffective for the granting a right of sepulcher. The form included a “springing” clause which was never triggered by two physicians’ determination of incompetency. The article… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Power of Attorney,Right of Sepulcher,Transition DocumentsMy mom died recently, and her failure to put in writing her final arrangements resulted in a family conflict. My mother did not like discussing death, and avoided the topic of her own death at all costs. A few years ago, my mother asked that I prepare a durable power of attorney, and include powers… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Supulcher/Preference LawsAn important revision to Missouri’s personal preference law goes into effect on August 28th. The original law (R.S.Mo. Section 194.119) was confusing to funeral directors about whether an individual could override the preferences of his/her next-of-kin. With the revision, funeral directors can more comfortably rely upon the individual’s durable power of attorney when following the instructions of someone other than the… Continue Reading
