Best Lawyers in Missouri, United States for Trusts and Estates

John M. Carnahan III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. John M. practices law in Springfield, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized John M. Carnahan III since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which John M. Carnahan III is held by other lawyers.

Katie Moore joined the firm as Of Counsel in April, 2018 and practices primarily in the firm's office in Springfield, Missouri. Ms. Moore focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, business succession planning and mediation. ​Ms. Moore received her Juris Doctor degree and LL.M. in Tax from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and a LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Missouri - Columbia. While at UMKC, Ms. Moore was an intern law...

Courtney L. Fletcher is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Courtney L. practices law in Springfield, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Courtney L. Fletcher since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Courtney L. Fletcher is held by other lawyers.

Andrew pairs his experience in tax and estate law with a focus on client responsiveness to help families and businesses structure plans for their valuable assets. He works with clients on an array of estate planning matters, including wealth transfer planning, asset protection planning, and closely-held business succession planning. He frequently assists clients with trust and estate administration. He often advises clients on modifying irrevocable trusts. Additionally, he represents clients ...

Bhavik R. Patel is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Bhavik R. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Bhavik R. Patel since 2015. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflec...

Keith A. Herman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Keith A. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Keith A. Herman since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Keith A. Herman is held by other lawyers.

Harvard Muhm approaches his clients in a comprehensive way that transcends formulaic estate planning: Mr. Muhm is known for being independent-minded and an advocate for his clients. His knowledge of the law and experience with a wide variety of investment strategies enables him to bring his clients’ advisors together to work as a team. This multi-disciplinary approach leverages opportunities and enhances the benefits to the clients. Harvard served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothe...

Debra K. Schuster has practiced Elder and Disability law since 1999, having practiced health law since 1991. Ms. Schuster’s practice focuses on elder law issues , a growing area of law with few experienced practitioners. Ms. Schuster works with and advises social workers, geriatric and care managers, financial planners and accountants, psychiatrists and geriatric physicians about incapacity issues and financial exploitation. Ms. Schuster’s practice focuses on multi-disciplinary co...

Lisa M. Adams is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Lisa M. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Lisa M. Adams since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lisa M. Adams is held by other lawyers.

Scott R. Manuel brings over 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of fiduciary litigation, estate planning, probate, trust and guardianship law to Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Prior to joining KWM, Scott served as the Probate Commissioner for the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri starting in November 2014 following his initial appointment as the court’s Deputy Probate Commissioner in January 2014. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Scott was a shareholder with...

Patricia D. Gray is a partner at Muhm & Reilly, LLC. She received a B.S.N. degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1963 and a J.D. from Washington University in 1981. She is admitted to practice in Missouri and the U.S. Tax Court, and is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis and the Women Lawyer’s Association. Ms. Gray is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a former Adjunc...

Andrew T. Peebles is a Shareholder and member of the Estate Planning Practice Group of Carnahan Evans PC. Mr. Peebles’ practice involves communication with clients aimed at understanding their unique estate planning needs and objectives, and the preparation of various estate planning documents, including simple and complex trusts, wills, powers of attorney, premarital agreements, and business documents to accurately reflect those needs. Mr. Peebles also assists clients in the administra...

Heidi M. Ottsen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Heidi M. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Heidi M. Ottsen since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Heidi M. Ottsen is held by other lawyers.

Douglas D. Lee is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Douglas D. practices law in Springfield, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Douglas D. Lee since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Douglas D. Lee is held by other lawyers.

Thomas D. Peebles, Jr is a shareholder and member of the Estate Planning Practice Group of Carnahan Evans PC in Springfield, Mo. Mr. Peebles has over 40 years of private practice experience in the preparation of basic and sophisticated estate planning documents, and in wealth transfer planning for high net worth clients, closely held business owners and their families. In 2004, Mr Peebles was elected a Fellow of The American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC) in recognition of dist...

Mr. Keller is a member in our wealth strategies and corporate practice areas. He concentrates his practice in estate planning, probate and general business, corporate law and succession planning. Mr. Keller is an adjunct professor at the Washington University School of Law in the Master's of Taxation Program where he teaches a class in business succession planning. Mr. Keller is a frequent lecturer and speaker on estate planning, business succession planning and tax issues. He has authored ar...