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Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC

"Our Family Helping Your Family Since 1988"

About Us

Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC, established in 1988 in Saint Louis, MO, serves clients across St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, and surrounding areas. Specializing in estate planning, elder law, and probate and trust administration, our dedicated team also offers expertise in Medicaid and VA benefits, long-term care planning, guardianships, special needs trusts, and business formation. Sensitive to the unique needs of each client, we provide comprehensive legal solutions to secure their future and protect their legacy with compassion and proficiency. Choose Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC for trusted guidance in navigating complex legal matters related to estate planning and beyond.

Our Story

Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC has been a trusted legal resource in St. Louis, MO, since its establishment in 1988. Serving clients across St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, and surrounding areas, our firm specializes in estate planning, elder law, and probate and trust administration. We are also well-versed in Medicaid and VA benefits, long-term care planning, guardianships, special needs trusts, and business formation. With a deep commitment to providing comprehensive legal solutions, we help individuals and families secure their futures and protect their legacies with compassion and proficiency.

Our journey began when Dan Reuter founded the firm in 1988 as a solo practitioner. In 2010, his daughter, Erin Merkle, joined him after completing law school, bringing fresh insight and dedication to the practice. Over the next decade, Dan and Erin became Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) through the National Elder Law Foundation, focusing on estate planning and elder law matters. In early 2022, Erin’s husband, Mike Merkle, brought his extensive legal and policy expertise to the firm, further strengthening our capabilities. Dan retired at the end of 2023, leaving behind a legacy of service and excellence.

Our team is not just a group of professionals; we are a family committed to helping other families. Pat Reuter, Dan’s wife and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), has provided financial guidance since the firm’s inception. She continues to assist clients with trust and estate administrations, tax filings, and various financial matters. Vicki Sexton, our legal assistant since 1989, is often the first person clients interact with, ensuring a welcoming and supportive experience.

At Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC, we understand that legal planning is deeply personal. Whether clients seek to protect their assets, establish guardianships, or navigate the complexities of long-term care planning, we provide tailored legal strategies to meet their unique needs. Many individuals only seek legal advice in times of crisis, but we encourage proactive planning to bring peace of mind and stability to families.

Erin Merkle, one of only 14 Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Missouri, is an active member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Missouri Bar Trust and Probate Law Committee, and other professional organizations. She also serves on boards for local nonprofits and is involved in her community. Mike Merkle, with his extensive background in public service and policy, is a dedicated advocate for our clients, bringing both legal and business acumen to the firm.

Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC is dedicated to serving the legal needs of our community. We offer free 30-minute consultations to discuss estate planning, elder law, or any legal concerns. Additionally, we provide educational presentations for those interested in learning more about planning for the future. For trusted guidance in estate planning and elder law, turn to Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC—where our family helps your family prepare for the future.

Areas Served

St. Louis County, MO | Jefferson County, MO | St. Charles County, MO | Saint Louis, MO | Affton, MO | Oakville, MO | Fenton, MO | Arnold, MO | Sunset Hills, MO

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Our Services include:

Testimonials

On 7/29/2024 Sandra Diamond had this to say:
Five Stars for Reuter-Merkle Law Firm! When I turned 67 (about 9 years ago), I decided to create an “estate” plan. Even though I’m single with no heirs and don’t have a lot of money or property, I still wanted to make sure that my end-of-life wishes were carried out the way I would like. So back in 2015 I hired a friend, who is a Personal Injury Attorney, and he prepared the necessary documents. My attorney friend is now 85 and not in good health. I am now 76 and started thinking that I needed a younger lawyer that dedicates his/her practice just to Estate Planning. This time I asked another friend if she knew a law firm that just does Estate Planning and she suggested that I call the Reuter-Merkle Law Firm located in South County St. Louis. First, I looked the firm up on-line and was totally impressed. Then, I made an appointment with Erin Merkle-one of the principal attorneys. This referral was one of the best referrals I’ve ever had. Erin’s expertise in Estate Planning and knowledge of the law was second to none; the way she established a comfortable, trusting relationship was terrific; and the manner in which Erin communicated and listened to all of my wishes and concerns was outstanding. A huge plus is their excellent, gold star customer service! Knowing I now have the most up-to-date legal estate documents, backed by a firm that specializes in Estate Planning and cares about their clients, gives me great confidence that my end-of-life goals are clearly established and will be easy to carry out.

On 6/7/2024 Jay Knobbe had this to say:
My wife and I have worked with Erin on multiple occasions. The most recent being a comprehensive review of our estate planning needs and creation of our estate plan. Erin is kind, empathetic, very knowledgeable and a great advisor. She did a wonderful job listening to our needs and we highly recommend her and her firm. We will continue to use her exclusively for our estate and elder law needs.

On 6/5/2024 Ryan Borlesch had this to say:
Erin Merkle is fantastic. She helped my wife and I set up a Trust explaining everything in detail to us and made it quick and easy. I would highly recommend this Law Firm! Thanks again Erin!

On 4/17/2024 Milton Weber had this to say:
Erin and her staff were very good to work with. They were exactly what we needed to update our trust as well as change from Illinois to Missouri law. Erin was very patiet and was able to explain things so we could understand. We would highly recommend this firm for your legal services. Mary Ann and Milton Weber

On 3/6/2024 Cathryn Raisch had this to say:
Erin Merkle was my mothers' attorney and I was named Trustee under Mom's trust, upon her death. From the very first meeting, I knew I was in great hands! Erin explained not only what needed to be done, but also how and why. She made the entire process easier to bear. I would highly reccomend Erin Merkle for any Estate and/or Trust planning.

Contact Us

Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC
12300 Old Tesson Rd Suite 100H Saint Louis, MO 63128
Phone: (314) 729-0200
Email: info@rmlawstl.com

Where To Find Us

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Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Cash, Personal Checks, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Info

Estate Planning Form
Medicaid Checklist

FAQ

My assets are nominal, why do I need a will?
A will is a letter of instruction and is one way to ensure your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes after death. However, a will does not avoid probate court and, in fact, is only effective in probate court. If you want to avoid probate, you may want to set up a trust.
Why do I need a power of attorney?
A power of attorney allows you to choose someone trustworthy to manage your affairs if you are incapacitated or unable to do so, thus avoiding a guardianship and/or a conservatorship.
How do I pay for long-term care and still leave an inheritance for my children?
A well-constructed long-term care and/or estate plan prepared by an elder law attorney allows you to preserve your assets for future generations and ensure that your needs are taken care of as long as you live. If you do not plan far enough in advance, you may not have the opportunity to protect your assets.
What will happen to our disabled adult child after my spouse and I pass away?
With a properly prepared trust, assets can be set aside and your child can remain eligible for government sponsored benefits such as housing and medical care so their needs will be met even after your death.
Can the state force us to sell real estate before we apply for Medicaid?
An applicant's personal residence is an exempt asset in most situations. However, the state may attempt to recover payment of benefits paid after death.

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