Estate Planning Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

No matter your age, wealth, or health, creating an estate plan is crucial. There is a number of things a well-drafted and comprehensive estate plan can do, including but not limited to providing instructions on how you want your assets to be distributed after your demise.  

An estate plan can serve as a roadmap for yourself and your family. At The Probate Law Center, our estate planning attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, helps clients create the perfect plan that meets their unique needs, goals, and family situation. We also provide our services in the surrounding areas, including Lee’s Summit, Independence, Overland Park, as well as Kansas City, Kansas.  

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning refers to the process of making decisions about the management and distribution of your assets after your death. It includes drafting a will, setting up trusts, and appointing someone to handle your affairs in the event of incapacity. In addition, estate planning involves taking steps to minimize the taxes that would otherwise be paid on your estate.  

Estate planning is a dynamic process that should be reviewed and adjusted as your life circumstances change over time. Keeping your estate plan up to date helps ensure that your documents are in alignment with new laws and your current situation.  

Why Does Everyone Need to Have an Estate Plan?

Creating an estate plan is essential regardless of your financial situation, health condition, or age. Here are five reasons why: 

1. It provides instructions for how your assets should be handled. An estate plan can ensure that your wishes are carried out regarding the management and distribution of your assets. Without a will, state law will determine how assets are distributed after your death, which may not align with your wishes. 

2. It saves time and money. An effective estate plan can prevent costly legal battles and lengthy court proceedings for your beneficiaries. It also helps to minimize the taxes that would otherwise be paid on your estate. 

3. It helps avoid big taxes. With an estate plan, you can take advantage of various tax-saving strategies, such as setting up trusts or gifting to beneficiaries. 

4. It provides peace of mind for yourself and your family. By clearly outlining your wishes for the distribution of your assets, you can provide peace of mind for both yourself and your loved ones. 

5. It allows you to plan for incapacity and disability. In addition to planning for death, an estate plan can also help you plan for the possibility of incapacity or disability. By appointing a trusted individual to manage your affairs, you can be sure that your wishes are carried out even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. 

It is advisable to start estate planning as soon as possible, regardless of your age, wealth, or health. The sooner you begin the process, the more time you have to review and adjust your plan as your life circumstances change. Furthermore, unexpected events such as accidents or illnesses can happen at any age, making it vital to have a plan in place. If you already have an estate plan, be sure to review it periodically and update it as necessary. 

What an Estate Plan Can Contain

An estate plan is a comprehensive set of legal documents that outlines your wishes for when you pass away or become incapacitated. Here are some of the essential elements that may be included in an estate plan: 

• Will. A will is a legally binding document that allows you to outline how you want your assets to be distributed after you pass away among other things.  

• Living trust. A living trust serves as a legal entity that holds your assets during your lifetime and allows you to distribute them to your beneficiaries after you pass away while avoiding probate.  

• Power of attorney. A power of attorney designates someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. 

• Medical directives. Medical directives, also known as advance directives, are legal documents that outline your medical preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so yourself. 

• Funeral instructions. Funeral instructions can be included in an estate plan to ensure that your final wishes are carried out properly and with minimum stress for your loved ones.  

With the help of an estate planning attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, you can make the process of creating these and other documents easier, more efficient, and more effective.  

How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help  

Creating an estate plan can seem daunting, but a skilled estate planning attorney can provide you with reliable guidance and knowledgeable assistance throughout the process. Here are some of the ways that an estate planning attorney can help: 

• Help you create comprehensive and legally binding estate planning documents that reflect your individual preferences and wishes;  

• Identify ways to avoid the probate process or minimize its costs, which can save your beneficiaries time and money; 

• Help you find the right solutions for your needs, whether that means creating a living trust, drafting a will or powers of attorney, or dealing with complex tax issues; and 

• Help educate you on the estate planning laws and processes, so you can make informed decisions about your future. 

Contact The Probate Law Center to schedule a free, personalized case evaluation with our attorney and discuss your estate planning needs.  

Estate Planning Attorney Serving Kansas City, Missouri

If you are considering creating an estate plan, our estate planning attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, is available to help. Our attorney at The Probate Law Center has years of experience helping individuals prepare for the future and protecting their valuable assets. We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we work closely with you to create a customized estate plan that meets your needs. Reach out today to set up a consultation.