Although many clients seek an estate plan that will help them avoid the probate process, most clients do not really understand what the probate process actually involves. One misconception is that avoiding probate means eliminating estate taxes. Another misconception is that your estate only goes through probate if you die without a will. If avoiding probate is really what you want, you need to know how to accomplish that within the Kansas probate law.What is the purpose of probate?The … [Read more...] about Can I Avoid Probate Under Kansas Probate Law?
5 Questions Answered About Inheritance Planning
After receiving the exciting news that you have inherited some property, you may be excited, but you may also have many questions. For some people, the prospect of an inheritance can be stressful. Mostly because they do not know what to expect. Issues regarding Medicaid and SSI benefits are often a primary concern. Here are the answers to some questions about inheritance planning.How can I preserve my benefits with inheritance planning?While not every person who receives an inheritance … [Read more...] about 5 Questions Answered About Inheritance Planning
Beware of Common Retirement Planning Mistakes
If you are determined to ensure you have enough income or savings when it comes time to retire, then the thought of starting your retirement planning might be stressful. Many clients are concerned about whether they have waited too late to start saving and whether they have chosen the best strategy for doing so. While these are typical concerns to have, retirement planning should not be discouraging. With the help of your Kansas estate planning attorney, you can avoid the most common mistakes … [Read more...] about Beware of Common Retirement Planning Mistakes
A Revocable Family Trust Is Not Just for the Wealthy
Regardless of your economic status, creating an estate plan is a wise thing to do. For those who have established significant wealth for themselves and their families, it is certainly crucial that you have a plan. One way to provide protection for your family's future is by creating a revocable family trust. Your estate planning attorney can help you with this task.What is family wealth planning?When clients are seeking to preserve their financial wealth, wills, trusts, powers of attorney … [Read more...] about A Revocable Family Trust Is Not Just for the Wealthy
Kansas City Police Captain Remembered as an American Hero
A local hero in Kansas City, Kansas, police captain Robert Melton was remembered during his memorial services, after being killed in the line of duty. Melton was shot and killed on July 19th. Two suspects have been charged in connection with the case, and the alleged gunman is facing a capital murder charge. Officers from police departments across the state and metro area gathered at Children’s Mercy Park to pay their final respects. Melton was known for penning the manual on conducting … [Read more...] about Kansas City Police Captain Remembered as an American Hero
Horrific Crash in Independence, Missouri Emphasizes Need for Estate Planning
Two teenagers in Independence, Missouri were killed in a car crash recently after being stopped by police less than an hour before. Two other teen passengers were also injured in the wreck. The group had been pulled over by police in Excelsior Springs shortly before, but were released after the driver purportedly passed the field sobriety tests and showed no signs of impairment. The horrific crash closed Highway 291. The 19-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger were killed in the fiery … [Read more...] about Horrific Crash in Independence, Missouri Emphasizes Need for Estate Planning
What is a Revocable Trust?
The flexibility of revocable trusts is one of their most important benefits. Trusts are an important component to every good estate plan. There are several types of trusts you can choose from. Knowing which type of trust you need is also important. So, what is a revocable trust?Understanding how a revocable trust worksAll trusts, regardless of their purpose, are considered either revocable or irrevocable. Revocable trusts allow the person creating the trust (the grantor) to modify its … [Read more...] about What is a Revocable Trust?
How to Handle the Hard Elder Law Issues
If you believe your parent or loved one is exhibiting signs of diminished mental capacity, then you may need to start considering how to help them take care of their affairs. Some common signs are memory loss or disorientation. If you notice these signs or any others, you may need to take action. Having a plan is the wisest thing to do because, as your Kansas City elder law attorney, we can tell you there will likely be some hard issues ahead. But, we can help.How to start the incapacity … [Read more...] about How to Handle the Hard Elder Law Issues
How Do I Start my Financial Planning?
No matter what your income level happens to be, or how much savings you may have accumulated, when it comes to financial planning, you should not put it off. Unfortunately, most of us are focused more on maintaining financial stability than actually planning ahead. Yet, living from one paycheck to the next is never really anyone's goal. In order to assure long term financial stability, you need to plan ahead.Purpose of estate planningEstate planning is one way to prepare yourself and your … [Read more...] about How Do I Start my Financial Planning?
Kansas City Caregiver Charged with Abusing Autistic Man
A horrifying incident in Kansas City shines a spotlight on the need to plan for appropriate care of your loved ones with special needs. A caregiver at Preferred Community Services in South Kansas City has been charged with second-degree assault after beating an autistic man with a belt. With an appropriate special needs plan, you can provide continued care for your loved ones with special needs to ensure they will not be at risk for negligence and abuse.Abuse of special needs resident leads … [Read more...] about Kansas City Caregiver Charged with Abusing Autistic Man
