Richard J. Collins, Estate Planning Attorney in Joplin, Missouri
Over 76 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Real Estate · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Joplin, MO
Practicing estate planning in Joplin since 1950.
- 76+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Richard J. Collins?
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Quick answer
Richard J. Collins is an attorney based in Joplin, MO. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Real Estate. Richard has over 76 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Joplin, MO
- Experience
- over 76 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Personal Injury · Real Estate
- Handles Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Real Estate matters from Joplin, MO.
- Over 76 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard J. Collins: Richard J. Collins is an attorney based in Joplin, MO. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Real Estate. Richard has over 76 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Richard's practice areas in Joplin
Richard concentrates on estate planning, personal injury, real estate, ssd, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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SSD
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Workers Comp
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Estate Planning cases in Joplin, Missouri
Richard takes estate planning matters in Joplin, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Joplin, Missouri
Richard takes personal injury matters in Joplin, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Joplin, Missouri
Richard takes real estate matters in Joplin, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
SSD cases in Joplin, Missouri
Richard takes ssd matters in Joplin, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Joplin, Missouri
Richard takes workers comp matters in Joplin, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Richard J. Collins, estate planning attorney serving Joplin
Richard J. Collins is an attorney based in Joplin, MO. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Real Estate. Richard has over 76 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review. Richard works from Joplin, Missouri and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
Richard J. Collins is a lawyer practicing social security disability, workers compensation, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from University of Missouri in 1972, and has been licensed for 76 years. Richard practices in Joplin, MO.
Richard's approach to estate planning cases
Richard J. Collins is a lawyer practicing social security disability, workers compensation, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from University of Missouri in 1972, and has been licensed for 76 years. Richard practices in Joplin, MO.
Clients Richard works with
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, personal injury, and real estate matters in Joplin and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Richard studied and practices
University of Missouri
J.D. · 1974
University of Missouri
B.S. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Missouri
1950 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in University of Missouri and B.S. in University of Missouri.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in University of Missouri and B.S. in University of Missouri. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Richard's legal honors and published work
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Jasper County (President, 1990-1991) and American Bar Associations The Missouri Bar (Member, Board of Governors, 1996) National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives
membership
Locations
Richard J. Collins's office in Joplin
Richard's primary office is at 5957 E. 20th Street, Joplin, MO, 64802-1846. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard J. Collins — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Joplin.
4.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard J. Collins claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard J. Collins — 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 Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Joplin, 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 Richard
Richard 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard'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 Richard J. Collins
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Joplin?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Richard'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 Joplin, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri
Richard 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.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Missouri
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Joplin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





