The Hidden Risk of Adding Your Child to Your Home’s Title
Should I Add My Son or Daughter to My Home’s Title? At first glance, adding your son or daughter to the title of your home might seem like a smart and simple way to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership after your death. Many parents assume that making their child a […]
Frequently Asked Questions About Revocable Living Trusts
Revocable Trusts in Kansas and Missouri: Common Questions Can I act as my own trustee? Yes. If you are legally competent to manage your own financial affairs, you can serve as the trustee of your own revocable living trust. In fact, most people who create revocable living trusts name themselves as trustee. If you’re […]
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan – No Matter Their Wealth
The Importance of Estate Planning in Kansas and Missouri As an estate planning attorney, I see the benefits of a properly organized estate every day. Clients who have taken the time to plan ahead often experience smoother transitions, minimized expenses, and greater peace of mind—both for themselves and their loved ones. But to many […]
Understading Account Ownership Types in Estate Planning
What You Need to Know About Tenancy and Survivorship in Missouri and Kansas When it comes to estate planning, many people focus on drafting wills and setting up trusts, but few realize how account ownership can have a significant impact on what happens to their assets after death. How you hold title to your […]
What’s the Importance of a Durable Power of Attorney in Kansas and Missouri?
The Crucial Role of a Durable Power of Attorney in Your Estate Plan Planning for the future isn’t just about deciding how your assets will be distributed after your death, it also involves ensuring your wishes are respected and your affairs are properly managed if you become unable to handle them yourself. One […]
Probating the Estate of a Loved One in Kansas or Missouri
What to Expect When Settling a Loved One’s Estate in MO and KS Losing a loved one is never easy, and amidst the grief, navigating the legal and financial matters of their estate can feel overwhelming. One of the most important responsibilities that may arise is probate—the legal process by which a deceased person’s […]
Understanding “Per Capita” in Estate Planning – A Simple Guide to Equal Inheritance Distribution
What Does “Per Capita” Mean in Kansas and Missouri Estate Planning? Estate planning often involves unfamiliar legal terminology, and one term you may come across is “per capita.” Understanding this concept is key to making informed decisions about how your estate will be distributed after your death. While it may sound technical, per capita […]
What Does “Per Stirpes” Mean in Estate Planning?
What Does “Per Stirpes” Mean in Kansas and Missouri? When diving into the world of estate planning, you’re bound to encounter legal terms that sound foreign or confusing. One such term is “per stirpes.” While it may sound like complicated legal jargon, understanding this concept is essential for ensuring that your assets are distributed […]
Probate and the Notification to Interested Parties in Kansas and Missouri
Who is Entitled to Legal Notice in Missouri and Kansas Probate Proceedings? When someone passes away in Missouri or Kansas, their estate often goes through a court-supervised process known as probate . Probate involves identifying the deceased person’s assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to the rightful heirs or […]
Preserving Generational Wealth Through Incentive Trusts
Can an Incentive Trust Motivate My Children to Work Harder? A key concern for many high-net-worth families is the loss of generational wealth. This is more than just anecdotal fear, it’s a well-documented phenomenon. According to Forbes, a staggering 70% of affluent families lose their fortunes by the second generation. By the third generation, […]