**Why You Should Put Your House in a Trust in Missouri and Kansas: The Simple Economics of Not Wasting Your Money on Probate**
By Casey Connealy, Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already heard that probate is a long, expensive process—and you’d be right. But you might be wondering, “Is it really that bad here in Missouri and Kansas?” Oh, yes, yes it is. If you’re the type who enjoys spending unnecessary time and money in court, then by all means, skip this post. But if you’d rather save your family from the headache, stick with me.
Why Probate is Like Paying Extra for Nothing
Here’s the deal: in Missouri and Kansas, probate fees are often tied to the value of your estate. The higher your home value, the more probate will cost your loved ones. And spoiler alert: the average home price in these two states isn’t exactly pocket change. We’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars in some cases—money that could’ve stayed with your family but will instead go to court fees, attorneys, and the lovely state government. You know, the people who definitely need it more than your kids.
A Trust is Less Expensive, Period.
Now, let’s talk numbers. The fee to create a trust at our office? It’s likely going to be less than what your estate would pay to go through probate—especially if you own a home. Realtor.com confirms that the average home sales price in Johnson County is $444k right now – a 3% probate fee means your loved ones are paying $13,320 just to get the house through probate. And not just by a little. If you’re even remotely interested in saving money (and who isn’t?), a trust is the way to go.
Trusts: Not Just for Rich People
I get it—when you hear the word “trust,” you might imagine a wealthy family sitting in their mansion, counting their stock options. But that’s not the case. Regular folks like you and me can benefit from a trust, and here’s why:
- Divorce Protection for Your Kids – Without a trust, when your kids inherit, that inheritance is often just waiting for the next ex-spouse to grab half of it in a divorce. A trust? It keeps the money safe and sound, protecting your kids from losing their inheritance to their ex’s shiny new sports car.
- Protection from Unintentional Disinheritance – Families are complicated. Life happens, people remarry, and suddenly your assets could be going to a step-sibling you’ve never even met, instead of your own kids. A trust allows you to control where your assets go, so there’s no guessing or hoping. It’s all written down and legally binding.
- Instructions if You Become Disabled – None of us wants to think about what happens if we’re disabled, but a trust can make it clear who should manage your finances if that day ever comes. Without a trust, it’s a lot of paperwork and courtroom drama—exactly the opposite of what you need in that situation.
Your Family Doesn’t Need the Probate Circus
Imagine this: your grieving family is in court, dealing with deadlines, filing fees, and paperwork that sounds like it’s in another language. Now imagine them not having to deal with any of that. That’s what a trust can do. It simplifies everything. No court, not wasting your money on probate, no unnecessary stress on your loved ones.
Conclusion: Just Put Your House in a Trust Already
Look, I get it—estate planning sounds like one of those things you can deal with later. But the truth is, it’s one of the best things you can do for your family. And if you live in Missouri or Kansas, where probate costs can soar, it’s also one of the smartest financial decisions. So, unless you’re looking for new ways to make the government and probate courts richer, give us a call and let’s get that trust set up.
You’ll thank us later—after all, no one ever regretted avoiding probate.
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Feel free to reach out to us at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys if you’re ready to stop procrastinating and start protecting your assets.
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