By Chris & Casey, Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning AttorneysLet’s be honest: Nobody likes to talk about death or disability. These are the conversations that make even the bravest among us want to change the subject. But here’s the reality—avoiding the topic doesn’t make the risk go away. It just makes things harder on the people you love.So let’s cut through the discomfort and demystify these two topics that affect everyone: death and disability.Why Talk About This … [Read more...] about Demystifying Death and Disability: The Conversations Your Family Can’t Afford to Avoid
Estate Planning
How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Sometimes even the best laid plans do not work out. Most everyone has certain goals in mind for their Estate Plan, including detailed disposition of their assets upon death. Often, these goals reflect long-standing plans to reward a beneficiary for their devotion to the business or even to follow through on a promise to gift a particular asset to a beneficiary. The ideas may seem straight-forward; however, these simple bequests can prove difficult, if not impossible, to implement if the assets … [Read more...] about How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
National Make-a-Will Month
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
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.
A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
I have an unusual fascination with celebrity estates, especially those gone wrong. Using those estates as instructive lessons regarding how to avoid disaster has provided many a topic for this blog. I often discuss the benefits of creating and reviewing an Estate Plan regularly. Simply put, none of us should leave our legacy to chance. Not long ago, I wrote about the Murdoch family and the latest drama surrounding them in A Message from the Murdochs. Recently, a friend sent me a link to a New … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
