I can’t believe it’s August and that means “National Make-a-Will Month.” Learning of August’s title as National Make a Will month after leaving private practice stunned me. As an Estate Planning professional, I embrace dedicating a month to encouraging individuals to make a Will. I will endeavor to spread the word to as many Trusts and Estates Practitioners and centers of influence as possible.According to a recent report issued by Trust and Will, a mere 31% of Americans have a Will and just … [Read more...] about National Make-a-Will Month
Graduation . . . What’s Next?
Summer brings longer days, hotter temperatures, thoughts of vacation, and graduation parties. For those hosting graduation parties, or for those in whose honor those parties are held, it’s an opportune time to consider Estate Planning. Many high school graduates head off to college in the autumn and these newly minted adults need to have some of the most basic Estate Planning documents in place before their departure. Although some clients put off Estate Planning for themselves, sometimes it’s … [Read more...] about Graduation . . . What’s Next?
No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
I will never forget the joy I felt in mastering the clever lyrics to Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise:” “I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57, and french-fried potatoes…big kosher pickle…” Don’t forget that onion slice, add some mayonnaise and that’s the recipe for one tasty burger. Unfortunately, when creating his Estate Plan, Jimmy Buffett named his wife and financial manager as co-Trustees, producing a recipe for disaster rather than his usual “frozen concoction.” Let’s … [Read more...] about No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
How a Couple of Kansas City Kids Built the Most Trusted Estate Planning Firm in the Midwest
At Gaughan & Connealy, we believe estate planning doesn’t have to feel like a root canal. Yes, it’s important. Yes, it’s serious. But that doesn’t mean it has to be miserable.That belief started with two lifelong friends—Chris Gaughan and Casey Connealy—born and raised right here in Kansas City. They’ve known each other since before they could drive (or grow facial hair), and that friendship is baked into everything we do at the firm.From Courtroom Combat to Cracking JokesBack in … [Read more...] about How a Couple of Kansas City Kids Built the Most Trusted Estate Planning Firm in the Midwest
No Surprise Bills: Because “Gotcha!” Should Be Reserved for April Fools and Not Your Lawyer
At 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 … [Read more...] about No Surprise Bills: Because “Gotcha!” Should Be Reserved for April Fools and Not Your Lawyer
Your Kids, Your Legacy, and the IRS: Why a Conduit Trust Might Just Be the MVP of Your Estate Plan
Let’s face it—nobody wakes up and says, “I can’t wait to figure out how my retirement assets are taxed after I die.” But at Gaughan & Connealy, we do wake up excited about that (don’t judge us—we’re estate planning attorneys, it’s our thing). And one of our favorite tools for making your legacy smoother, smarter, and more tax-savvy? The conduit trust.Wait, what’s a conduit trust? Is that like a trust that’s good with plumbing?Not quite. Though it does help keep the IRS from clogging up … [Read more...] about Your Kids, Your Legacy, and the IRS: Why a Conduit Trust Might Just Be the MVP of Your Estate Plan
In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
It’s said that dogs are man’s best friend, and with the unconditional love and comfort they provide daily, it’s easy to see why. Our pets communicate in non-verbal ways only and in my mind that makes the loss of their person harder for them to process. Thus, if you have pets, this blog’s for you.An Estate Plan serves as a set of instructions regarding how you want your affairs handled if something happens to you. The plan sends a message to your loved ones that you care and … [Read more...] about In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
Always on Your Side (and Yes, Literally at the Same Table)
At Gaughan & Connealy, estate planning isn’t just a service—it’s a relationship. A handshake. A shared mission. A spot at the table (usually with coffee). And unlike the stereotypes you’ve heard about stuffy lawyers talking at you across a big mahogany desk, we do things a little differently.Because here's the truth: we’re always on the same side of the table as our clients.Not Just Fiduciaries. Family-Focused.Yes, we’re fiduciaries. That means we’re legally bound to act in your best … [Read more...] about Always on Your Side (and Yes, Literally at the Same Table)
The Only Shortcut in Estate Planning? Doing It Right the First Time.
Let’s talk shortcuts. We all love a good one—cutting through the alley to skip rush-hour traffic, using a lint roller instead of actually washing your pants (no judgment), or heating your leftovers on “pizza setting” instead of mastering microwave science. Shortcuts can be glorious.Except when they aren’t.When it comes to estate planning, shortcuts are less “clever life hack” and more “convenient disaster.” Trying to DIY your Will, download a free template from the internet, or rely on your … [Read more...] about The Only Shortcut in Estate Planning? Doing It Right the First Time.
“I’d Rather Light the Money on Fire…” — A Fiery Take on Why Estate Planning Matters
"I'd rather light the money on fire than have my kids argue over it." — Chris Gaughan, Partner and Professional Inheritance FirestarterLet’s unpack that, shall we?Now, to be clear, Chris isn't suggesting a bonfire of Benjamins in the backyard (our compliance team would like us to emphasize this). What he is saying is something that resonates deeply with families everywhere:The real inheritance isn’t money. It’s peace.And nothing destroys peace faster than family drama over "who gets … [Read more...] about “I’d Rather Light the Money on Fire…” — A Fiery Take on Why Estate Planning Matters
