
Thomas John Barklage, Estate Planning Attorney in St Charles, Missouri
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatSmith Estates & Trusts, LLC
St Charles, MO
Practicing estate planning in St Charles since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Thomas John Barklage is an of counsel based in St. Charles, MO. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Estates & Trusts, LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- St. Charles, MO
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate · Real Estate
- Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate matters from St. Charles, MO.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Thomas John Barklage: Thomas John Barklage is an of counsel based in St. Charles, MO. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Estates & Trusts, LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on estate planning, probate, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in St Charles, Missouri
Thomas takes estate planning matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in St Charles, Missouri
Thomas takes probate matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in St Charles, Missouri
Thomas takes real estate matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in St Charles, Missouri
Thomas takes trusts matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Thomas John Barklage — estate planning lawyer in St Charles
Thomas John Barklage is an of counsel based in St. Charles, MO. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Real Estate. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Estates & Trusts, LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas John Barklage is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trust and probate administration, real estate. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of Missouri in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Smith Estates & Trusts, LLC in St. Charles, MO.
How Thomas handles estate planning matters
Thomas John Barklage is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trust and probate administration, real estate. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of Missouri in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Smith Estates & Trusts, LLC in St. Charles, MO.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and real estate matters in St Charles and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
St. Louis University
J.D. · 1975
University of Missouri
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1975 · ACTIVE
Missouri
1975 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in St. Louis University and B.A. in University of Missouri.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in St. Louis University and B.A. in University of Missouri. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of Metropolitan St
membership
Louis St
membership
Charles County and St
membership
Louis County Bar Associations The Missouri Bar (Chairman, Legislative Committee, 1985-1988) Estate Planning Council of St
membership
Louis
membership
Locations
Thomas John Barklage's office in St. Charles
Thomas's primary office is at 223 North Third Street, St. Charles, MO, 63301. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Smith Estates & Trusts, LLC
223 North Third Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas John Barklage — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in St Charles.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas John Barklage claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas John Barklage — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in St Charles, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas John Barklage
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside St Charles?
Thomas is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving St Charles, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri
Thomas handles estate planning matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in St Charles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





