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Home » No Surprise Bills: Because “Gotcha!” Should Be Reserved for April Fools and Not Your Lawyer

No Surprise Bills: Because “Gotcha!” Should Be Reserved for April Fools and Not Your Lawyer

June 19, 2025Estate Planning

No Surprise Bills: Because “Gotcha!” Should Be Reserved for April Fools and Not Your LawyerAt Gaughan & Connealy, we’ve worked with thousands of families over the years—smart, thoughtful folks just like you—and we’ve noticed a universal truth:

No one wants to get a surprise bill from their lawyer.

Shocking, right? Turns out, “mystery invoices” don’t spark joy.

That’s why we do things differently. When you work with us, we’ll never hit you with a “Gotcha!” bill because you dared to send us an email or ask a follow-up question. We believe in clear, honest, up-front pricing. Our estate planning services are based on flat fees—no hourly billing, no counting minutes, no calculator required.

So when we quote a price, that’s it. That’s the number. Not “that’s the number… unless you breathe too loudly on the phone and we have to write it down.” We’re not selling airline tickets here. There are no hidden fees for luggage, peanuts, or asking us what a revocable trust is.

Even if your situation turns out to be more complicated than expected—like if you tell us “I just need a simple will” and then casually mention your six kids, three LLCs, and the alpaca farm you co-own with your cousin—the price doesn’t change.

And yes, you can call us. You can email us. You can even send a carrier pigeon (we don’t recommend it, but hey, it’s your bird). You will never be charged extra for reaching out. Because helping you understand your plan is part of the plan.

Flat fees. Clear answers. Real humans who don’t charge by the syllable.

Because your legacy deserves better than “legal fees TBD.”

Still curious how we do it? Learn more about our flat-fee estate plans or schedule a consultation today.

And if you’d rather get a letter from the IRS than a surprise invoice from your attorney… yeah, you’re our kind of people.

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Jamie Smead
Jamie Smead
Jamie Smead joined the team at Gaughan & Connealy In June of 2015. She brings with her a wealth of marketing expertise and knowledge. She has excelled in her strategic marketing efforts for five years and is now bringing those advanced skills to estate planning. Though she was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri, Jamie moved to Joplin, Missouri after high school Read More!
Jamie Smead
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Chris and his staff have been very accommodating, answering every question, e-mail or phone call in a timely manner. They made our Estate planning easy and comfortable.

– Glenda Testimonial August 21, 2020

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Casey Connealy helped us with our will and estate planning. He is thorough, knowledgeable and fun!

– Kathy Testimonial August 21, 2020

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Gaughan & Connealy, 4400 College Boulevard #190, Overland Park, KS 66211
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