When Should You Update Your Estate Plan in Missouri and Kansas?
Recognizing the Life Events That Trigger a Review Creating an estate plan is a significant step in protecting your family, preserving your wealth, and ensuring your wishes are honored. However, estate planning is not a one-time task. As life changes, your estate plan should change as well. In Kansas and Missouri, reviewing and updating your […]
Common Probate Mistakes Executors Make and How to Avoid Them
Pitfalls to Avoid for Personal Representatives in Kansas and Missouri Being named the executor, also known as the personal representative, of an estate is an honor, but it comes with serious responsibility. In both Kansas and Missouri, probate can be a complex legal process. Personal representatives are responsible for navigating court procedures, managing estate assets, […]
Estate Planning Conversations at Thanksgiving
Using Family Gatherings to Further Solidify Your Estate Plan Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for gratitude, family, and togetherness. With loved ones gathered around the table, often from far and wide, it can also be a valuable opportunity to discuss important matters that too often get postponed. One of those topics is estate planning. While […]
How Real Estate is Handled in Probate in Kansas and Missouri
Property, Probate, and Peace of Mind: Real Estate Transfers After Death in Kansas and Missouri When someone passes away owning real estate, the property doesn’t automatically transfer to their heirs, especially if it’s held in their name alone. In Kansas and Missouri, like in most states, real estate must go through probate unless the […]
Why Business Owners in Kansas and Missouri Need an Estate Plan
What Happens to Your Business if You Die? Owning a business comes with a unique set of responsibilities, risks, and rewards. For entrepreneurs and business owners in Kansas and Missouri, building a successful enterprise often represents years, if not decades, of hard work and dedication. But without a proper estate plan in place, that […]
Avoiding Ancillary Probate: Why Out-of-State Property Owners in Kansas and Missouri Need a Trust
Owning Property in Multiple States Could be a Recipe for Disaster Without Proper Planning If you’re a resident of Kansas or Missouri and you own real estate in another state—whether it’s a vacation cabin in Colorado, a rental condo in Florida, or farmland in Nebraska—you may be surprised to learn that your estate could […]
The Importance of Filing a Will for Safekeeping in Kansas and Missouri After Death
Why Filing a Will After Death Matters in Kansas and Missouri When a loved one passes away, there are many responsibilities that fall to surviving family members – one of the most important being locating and filing the decedent’s Last Will and Testament. In Kansas and Missouri, failing to timely file a will after […]
Gun Trusts in Kansas and Missouri – What You Need to Know
Gun Trusts: What They Are and How They Protect Firearm Owners A Gun Trust is a special type of legal entity designed to hold ownership of firearms—particularly those regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), such as suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and fully automatic weapons. These trusts are commonly used to help firearms owners […]
Ascertainable Standards in Estate Planning: What They Are and Why They Matter
Understanding Ascertainable Standards in Estate Planning: The Key to Smart Trust Design and Tax Protection In the world of estate planning, trust language is critical. A few key words can determine whether assets are protected from creditors, how much discretion a trustee has, or whether trust distributions are subject to gift or estate tax. […]
Famous Estate Planning Failures and the Costly Consequences
Estate Planning Blunders of the Rich and Famous Estate planning is one of the most important steps individuals can take to protect their wealth and provide for loved ones. Yet, even the rich and famous surrounded by advisors and wealth managers have made critical mistakes in this area. These missteps often lead to years […]