We would like to thank our neighbors in Gladstone, Missouri for visiting our website. If you are looking for a licensed estate planning attorney in the Kansas City area, you have found a reliable local resource.
Gladstone, located in Clay County, Missouri, is a suburb of Kansas City only 10 minutes from downtown Kansas City and the Kansas City International Airport. As of the 2010 census, Gladstone has a population was 26,365. One important goal of Gladstone is sustaining long-term economic growth in the community. One step being taken toward that goal is the development of a new downtown area. The plan is to encourage development and 
redevelopment by providing new housing options, a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities for citizens and neighbors.
Economic Development and Entrepreneurship in Gladstone
An important historical site known as Gladstone 18 is being renovated into a thriving site for restaurants and specialty food services including coffee shops, bakeries, a deli or a traditional restaurant. Located on 70th Street, Gladstone 18 got its name from its history as the Gladstone post office, with a ZIP code of 64118. The historical building is 5,600 square feet and the City of Gladstone is offering entrepreneurs and successful business owners the prospect of becoming a part of the new downtown area though a new leasing program.
Clay County Economic Development Council
For those businesses who are considering Clay County as a prime location and those already here, the Clay County Economic Development Council is an important source of information for business and economic development, site selection and business support in Clay County, Missouri. The Council offers unparalleled support for area businesses. The Clay County Economic Development Council simplifies a wide variety of important initiatives. Whether it be small business loans through Midwest Small Business Finance or workforce programs, international trade, or education, the Council and its members constantly strive to make Clay County a better place to live and do business. In collaboration with other area organizations, the Council also sponsors activities meant to enhance the quality of life in Gladstone and surrounding Clay County.
Why You Need to Create an Estate Plan Now
Here at Gaughan & Connealy, we take our commitment to our neighbors in Gladstone to heart. Estate planning provides an important opportunity for you to prepare yourself and your family for death, as well as, the possibility of incapacity during your lifetime. There are several different options when it comes to estate planning. Choosing the right one will depend on your individual goals for the future. Your Missouri estate planning attorney can help you create the perfect plan.
The Importance of Being Prepared for Incapacity
The legal definition of incapacity is the ability to comprehend the consequences of certain legal proceedings, including entering into contracts or signing legal documents. Incapacity could be caused by either a physical or mental condition and can be temporary or permanent. Now, when it comes to estate planning matters, incapacity refers to the ability of an individual to manage his or her own affairs and to make important legal decisions for themselves.
How to Handle Your Estate After Your Death
The other purpose of estate planning is to establish a plan for handling your estate after your death. One of the main 
estate planning tools used for this purpose is the Last Will and Testament, or Will for short. A will is basically a set of written instructions about how your estate should be distributed upon your death. A will can also give you a way to name a guardian for your minor children. One disadvantage of a will, though, is that your estate must go through the probate process before your assets can be distributed. If you’re interested in estate planning strategies that avoid the probate process, call us for a personal consultation.
Start Creating Your Estate Plan Now
The reason most people delay in creating an estate plan is that they believe they are either too young or do not have sufficient assets. But that is not the case. As your Missouri estate planning attorney will tell you, you are never too young to start estate planning. That is because you cannot predict how long you have. Nor can you be sure that an unexpected illness or injury will not leave you incapacitated. In light of this uncertainty, the best course of action is to start your estate plan sooner rather than later. The reality is, the families of those who don’t have a plan are usually left to pick up the pieces without knowing where to start.
If you have questions regarding the purposes of an estate, or any other estate planning matters, contact Gaughan & Connealy for a consultation either online or by calling us at (816) 974-3030.
