Trust Issues? Why Most Families in Kansas and Missouri Need a Trust—And Don’t Even Know ItLet’s talk about trust issues. Not the kind your cousin Susan brings up every Thanksgiving about her ex, but the kind that could save your family a mountain of stress, time, and money. If you’re a homeowner, a parent, a business owner, or even someone with a prized collection of Jayhawks memorabilia, you’re probably overdue for a trust. And no, this isn’t just for the ultra-rich sipping champagne in their … [Read more...] about Trust Issues? Why Most Families in Kansas and Missouri Need a Trust—And Don’t Even Know It
Estate Planning
The “Oops” Clause: What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan
The "Oops" Clause: What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan.Picture this: you’re at your favorite coffee shop, sipping on your caramel macchiato, feeling invincible. Suddenly, a thought hits you—“What happens to my stuff if I…well, you know…go?” Most people shove this uncomfortable thought into the same mental drawer as “cleaning the garage” or “learning how to fold a fitted sheet.” But here’s the kicker: not having an estate plan could turn your life’s work into a chaotic game of … [Read more...] about The “Oops” Clause: What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan
The Estate Planning Tidal Wave: Why Gen X and Millennials Need to Step Up Now
The Estate Planning Tidal Wave: Why Gen X and Millennials Need to Step Up Now.Adulting is hard enough without adding "write a will" to your to-do list. But trust us, "Avoid Probate" is the grown-up equivalent of "Eat Your Vegetables"—it’s not glamorous, but your future self will thank you.Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn’t just for the silver-haired elite. It’s for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary legal drama, save their family time and money, and ensure their legacy … [Read more...] about The Estate Planning Tidal Wave: Why Gen X and Millennials Need to Step Up Now
Don’t Wait Until “Later” to Plan for What Matters Most
Don’t Wait Until “Later” to Plan for What Matters MostListen to the audio: Don’t Wait Until Later to Plan for What Matters MostListen to the audio: Estate Planning – It’s Not Just for the WealthyLet’s talk about a topic no one wants to think about but everyone needs to face: estate planning. Yes, we know. It’s about as fun as scheduling a root canal or organizing your garage. But here’s the thing: the best time to plan for the future is now, while you’re … [Read more...] about Don’t Wait Until “Later” to Plan for What Matters Most
What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate PlanThe election has concluded giving former President and now President-Elect Donald J. Trump control of the White House come January. The Republican Party will have a majority in the Senate. As of the writing of this blog, they have 53 seats with one race uncalled. The Republican Party also leads the Democratic Party in seats in the House of Representatives, now controlling 219 seats with 3 races uncalled. Given these numbers, the … [Read more...] about What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
Litigation…a Necessary Evil?This blog often focuses on avoiding litigation; more than one blog has detailed ways to make an Estate Plan “litigation-proof” or at least as litigation-proof as possible. Sometimes, though, beneficiaries need to litigate in order to achieve the goals of the decedent. A recent California appellate case, Smith v. Myers (2024) 103 Cal.App.5th 586, highlights just that. Let’s explore a real-life example of how litigation helped ensure proper implementation of a … [Read more...] about Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised Fund
Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised FundCharitable gifts offer a great opportunity to reduce income tax liability. When a taxpayer makes a charitable contribution, typically they get an offsetting charitable income tax deduction. Unfortunately, that offsetting deduction doesn’t always end up reducing the total tax burden. To take a charitable income tax deduction, the taxpayer needs to itemize their deductions. If the charitable contribution and other itemized deductions don’t exceed the … [Read more...] about Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised Fund
Trusting the Trust You Created Online? Think Again!
Trusting the Trust You Created Online? Think Again! In the age of “there’s an app for that,” it’s easy to think everything—including creating a legally binding trust—can be done with a few clicks and a credit card. Online trust forms may promise peace of mind at a bargain price, but when it comes to protecting your family and your legacy, you might be getting what you paid for: a boilerplate document that could crumble under real-world pressures.Here’s why you should let an estate planning … [Read more...] about Trusting the Trust You Created Online? Think Again!
Second Time’s the Charm? Why Estate Planning for Remarried Folks in Missouri and Kansas is a Must
Second Time’s the Charm? Estate Planning for Remarried Folks is a MustAh, marriage. The merging of lives, love, and—let’s face it—legalities. If you’ve been divorced and are now blissfully remarried, congratulations! You’re living proof that love deserves a second chance. But while Cupid is handling your heart, who’s managing your assets? Without a proper estate plan, your financial “happily ever after” could turn into a legal nightmare.Here’s why proper planning … [Read more...] about Second Time’s the Charm? Why Estate Planning for Remarried Folks in Missouri and Kansas is a Must
When Your Power of Attorney Takes Its Final Bow
When Your Power of Attorney Takes Its Final BowYou know the saying: all good things must come to an end. It applies to summer vacations, Netflix binges, and yes, even Powers of Attorney (POAs). Many people assume that a POA is a one-stop shop for managing everything their loved ones might need, but here’s the catch: POAs are strictly for the living. The moment the signer takes their final bow, the POA’s curtain falls, leaving the stage completely empty.So, what happens next? And why does … [Read more...] about When Your Power of Attorney Takes Its Final Bow
