Probate

If you have thought at all about your estate plan, you may know that a will and a trust are two of your options.  However, many clients want to know what’s the difference between a will and a trust? Although a will and a trust are both very helpful estate planning tools, they do have different characteristics and their purposes are not the same. Nevertheless, as our Kansas City probate attorneys agree, both of these tools can be used together to create an effective estate plan.Our Kansas City … [Read more...] about Will or Trust? Kansas City Probate Attorneys Explain

A living trust is a common estate planning tool for many clients. When it comes to living trusts and probate, you may be able to avoid the time and expense of probate with an appropriate living trust. If you are considering including a living trust as part of your estate plan, you should know more about the living trust benefits you can expect.What is a living trust and how does it work?A "living trust" is a type of trust that becomes effective during your lifetime, as opposed to being … [Read more...] about Living Trusts and Probate: What Do You Need to Know?

There are many misconceptions about the Missouri probate process that often result in clients having the wrong estate planning goals.  The main goal of your estate plan should be to preserve your estate for your family.  Each state has its own procedures when it comes to probating an estate.  For that reason, it is important for Missouri residents to be familiar with the probate process.  That includes knowing the truth about many of the common myths surrounding probate. Here, our Kansas City … [Read more...] about Kansas City Probate Attorneys Dispel the Common Myths

The unfortunate reality is that contesting a will has become quite common.  No matter how much you try to eliminate family squabbles about who will receive your estate when pass on, disputes are still inevitable.  Will contests are the primary reason for probate litigation.  Nevertheless, there are some steps you can take to avoid these disputes. Four basic reasons people contest a willThere are basically four reasons that the validity of a will can be challenged.  These legal grounds … [Read more...] about Common Issues that Lead to Probate Litigation

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?

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 should first know what you are avoiding. Once you have decided, here are four methods for getting it … [Read more...] about Four Tricks for Avoiding Probate

Although so many people believe that they should avoid probate, not many really understand what that means.  Avoiding probate does not necessarily mean you can avoid estate taxes or other expenses. Having a last will and testament does not mean you can necessarily avoid probate.  In fact, there are many misconceptions about probate.  But, if you want to avoid it, you should talk to your Missouri probate attorney before you make a decision.Four primary ways to avoid probateIn most cases, … [Read more...] about Your Missouri Probate Attorney Can Help You Avoid Probate