Why Trustee Selection Can Make—or Break—an Estate PlanEvery estate planning attorney advises clients that choosing a Trustee is one of the most consequential decisions in an estate plan. And for good reason: the right Trustee can preserve a legacy for generations, while the wrong one can unravel even the most carefully drafted documents.In law school and on the bar exam, attorneys learn the theoretical duties of Trustees—loyalty, prudence, and impartiality. Most clients grasp these concepts … [Read more...] about Choosing the Right Trustee: Why Trustee Selection Can Make or Break Your Estate Plan
Will AI Replace Estate Planning Attorneys?
Will AI Replace Estate Planning Attorneys?Why Human Judgment Still Matters More Than Perfect DocumentsArtificial intelligence is advancing at an astonishing pace. Tools now exist that can draft contracts, summarize complex information, and generate documents in seconds. It’s fair to ask the question many people are quietly wondering:If AI can eventually draft “perfect” estate planning documents, will attorneys still be necessary?The short answer is yes.The longer—and more … [Read more...] about Will AI Replace Estate Planning Attorneys?
Choosing the Right Decision-Makers in Your Estate Plan: THEN vs OR vs AND
One of the most common (and most important) questions we get from clients is how to list agents on Powers of Attorney, trustees in a trust, or people in other positions of authority.Should it be: Agent #1 THEN Agent #2? Agent #1 OR Agent #2? Agent #1 AND Agent #2?On paper, these options can look minor. In real life, they can be the difference between smooth decision-making and a complete breakdown when it matters most.Our short answer, almost every time:You want a … [Read more...] about Choosing the Right Decision-Makers in Your Estate Plan: THEN vs OR vs AND
Tax Planning for 2025 and Beyond
Year-End Tax Planning After OBBBA: What Trusts & Estates Clients Need to Know Heading into 2026Have I mentioned that this is my favorite time of year? Temperatures fall, spirits rise, and I spend a few weekends decorating my yard and home for the holidays. There’s real magic in this season—but I’ve never been one to ignore reality. For me, that means turning at least part of my attention to tax planning as the year winds down and a new one begins.Some years Congress tweaks the tax laws … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2025 and Beyond
The Grandparent Scam: A Holiday Warning for Families
The Grandparent Scam: A Holiday Warning for FamiliesThis is my favorite time of year. As temperatures drop and spirits rise, the holiday season brings gatherings with loved ones, shared traditions, and moments of gratitude. But as we count down to year-end, it’s also an important time to remind ourselves—and the people we care about—of a less pleasant holiday reality: scams.Scams surge during the holidays and come in many forms, from fake charities and debt collection schemes to imposter … [Read more...] about The Grandparent Scam: A Holiday Warning for Families
Why Updating Your Estate Plan in 2025 Matters More Than Ever
Estate planning used to be something people did once—and then forgot about. But in 2025, laws have changed, family situations have changed, and the technology people use to find legal information has changed even faster.If you want your estate plan to actually work when your family needs it, this is the year to update it.Major Law Changes You Need to Know About (Missouri & Kansas)SECURE Act & SECURE 2.0These laws changed: how retirement accounts are inherited … [Read more...] about Why Updating Your Estate Plan in 2025 Matters More Than Ever
Don’t Be a Turkey (or a Ham): Take Advantage of the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion
The holidays are a time for family, generosity, and—let’s be honest—more food than we probably need. But this season also presents a powerful opportunity to give in a way that benefits both your loved ones and your long-term estate plan.One of the simplest and most effective estate planning tools available is the annual gift tax exclusion, sometimes called the annual per donee exclusion. Used correctly, it allows you to move significant wealth out of your taxable estate—completely … [Read more...] about Don’t Be a Turkey (or a Ham): Take Advantage of the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion
Why Estate Planning Needs More Than Boilerplate Language
Since 2020, Estate Planning attorneys nationwide have seen a dramatic and lasting increase in demand. What began as a pandemic-driven surge quickly turned into a long-term trend. New clients are creating plans, long-time clients are updating old documents, and families are asking for more advanced strategies to protect their assets.To keep up, many attorneys have streamlined their workflows—using templates, automation, and faster drafting systems to manage larger caseloads. Efficiency is … [Read more...] about Why Estate Planning Needs More Than Boilerplate Language
Missouri vs. Kansas: DNR, Living Will & Catholic Advance Directive — What You Really Need to Know
If you’ve ever felt confused by the alphabet soup of medical decision-making documents — DNR, Living Will, Advance Directive, Catholic Directive — you’re in good company. Even highly educated adults mix these up, especially when Missouri and Kansas insist on having different rules.So let’s break this down in a way that’s clear, useful, and even a little entertaining.Why This Topic Matters (And Why Most People Avoid It)Before we get into state differences, here’s a fun fact (and … [Read more...] about Missouri vs. Kansas: DNR, Living Will & Catholic Advance Directive — What You Really Need to Know
Beyond the Will: Why Modern Estate Planning Is About More Than Just Passing Assets On
Most people think of “estate planning” as signing a will, naming who gets what, and calling it a day. But the truth is, a modern estate plan does far more — and failing to keep yours current can cause headaches for the very people you’re trying to protect.At Gaughan & Connealy, we often say: a will divides your stuff; a true estate plan builds your legacy.1. The Old Model No Longer Fits Modern LifeFor generations, estate planning was simple. Most families looked alike, most … [Read more...] about Beyond the Will: Why Modern Estate Planning Is About More Than Just Passing Assets On
