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Home » Blog

Is it Alright to Use DIY Wills?

March 9, 2017Estate Planning

DIY wills

If you are thinking about drafting your will on your own, you may be wondering whether it is a good idea to use DIY wills. The truth is, when it comes to estate planning tools, DIY wills are not typically the best choice.  Despite their low cost and simplicity, they may not provide the accuracy and security that you should be able to rely on when creating an estate plan.The basics of drafting a WillThe Last Will and Testament, or will for short, is a very useful legal document describing to … [Read more...] about Is it Alright to Use DIY Wills?

Are You Missing Out on Living Trust Benefits?

March 6, 2017Estate Planning

living trust benefits

While a living trust is a commonly used estate planning tool not everyone knows what it is and how it works. Creating a living trust has become a way to avoid the time and expense of probate, but there are other important benefits of which you should be aware. If you are considering including a living trust in your estate plan, you should know more about living trust benefits.A living trust and how it worksA "living trust" is basically a special kind of trust that goes into effect during … [Read more...] about Are You Missing Out on Living Trust Benefits?

Should I Convert to a Roth IRA?

March 3, 2017retirement planning

Roth IRA

Even if you already have a traditional IRA, you may not realize that you have other options available, such as converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. You can also make this conversion with an employer-sponsored IRA. In fact, it is rather easy to make this conversion and there are numerous benefits in doing so.  Regardless of whether you are looking to transfer your entire retirement account balance or just a portion of the funds, here is what you need to know about converting to a Roth … [Read more...] about Should I Convert to a Roth IRA?

Abandoned 5-year-old in Kansas Placed in Foster Care

March 3, 2017Estate Planning

estate planning

Abandoned in a Kohl’s department store in Wichita, a 5-year-old has been placed in foster care when no one claimed him at a custody hearing.  It has been reported that a relative was raising the boy, but left him in the department store after attempting to shoplift and fleeing the scene. This unfortunate story reminds parents of the importance of having a plan for who will take care of your minor children if something happens to you.Planning to avoid abandoned childrenThe abandoned child was … [Read more...] about Abandoned 5-year-old in Kansas Placed in Foster Care

Online Training Available for Families at the Kansas City Autism Training Center

February 24, 2017Special Needs Planning

special needs

When you think of autism, you may think of a life-long impairment that affects nearly every aspect of a child's life and development. While this devastating disorder certainly comes with its challenges, decades of research have led to amazing treatment that continues to improve the lives of these children.  The Kansas City Autism Training Center provides a wide variety of services and training for children with autism and their families. These special needs families can benefit greatly from the … [Read more...] about Online Training Available for Families at the Kansas City Autism Training Center

Myths about Establishing a Trust

February 15, 2017Estate Planning

establishing a trust

When most people think of basic estate planning, wills and trusts often come to mind. There are so many different types of wills and trusts that you may have a lot to consider before choosing your estate planning strategies.  A living trust is one of many important components of a good estate plan.  But there are many myths surrounding this particular estate planning tool.  This article will discuss some of the common myths about establishing a trust.How a living trust is createdThe process … [Read more...] about Myths about Establishing a Trust

6 Things to Consider When Creating a Will

February 13, 2017Estate Planning

creating a will

The most common tool to be included in your estate planning is a will.  If you do not have a will, your state’s laws regarding inheritances will determine who receives your property upon your death.  More importantly, a judge who knows nothing about you or your family will decide who will take care of your minor children.  So, when you decide that you are ready to start your estate planning, here is what you need to know about creating a will.No. 1 – What is required for creating a will?In … [Read more...] about 6 Things to Consider When Creating a Will

Everything You Need to Know About a Roth IRA

February 10, 2017retirement planning

Roth IRA

There are four kinds of IRAs with various benefits.  Traditional and Roth IRAs are established by individuals, whereas Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) are sponsored by employers. Regardless of the type you choose, all IRAs are “fully vested.” This means all of the contributions you make and earnings you accumulate belong to you, including the contributions made by your employers. If you are considering opening a Roth IRA, here is what … [Read more...] about Everything You Need to Know About a Roth IRA

What Can a Kansas City Estate Planning Attorney do for you?

February 7, 2017Estate Planning

Kansas City estate planning attorney

Estate planning is one of the best ways to prepare yourself and your family for death, but that is not the only purpose of estate planning. Estate planning can also help you prepare for the possibility of incapacity during your lifetime.  There are several different options when it comes to estate planning tools.  Which ones are best for you will depend on your unique goals for the future.  Your Kansas City estate planning attorney can help.The basic elements of an estate planAn appropriate … [Read more...] about What Can a Kansas City Estate Planning Attorney do for you?

Understanding How Fraud Violates Medicaid Law

February 1, 2017Elder Law

Medicaid law

The unfortunate reality is that Medicaid fraud and abuse, which violates Medicaid law, does happen and it costs billions of dollars each year in diverted funds that should have been used for legitimate health care services. Because of the fraud and abuse, the cost of Medicaid is higher, as is the risk of harm to patients who are unwittingly exposed to unnecessary medical procedures.Medicaid fraud and Medicaid abuseMedicaid fraud happens when someone knowingly misrepresents the truth in order … [Read more...] about Understanding How Fraud Violates Medicaid Law

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