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 […]
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 […]