Wichita Estate Planning Lawyer

Everyone needs an estate plan. Our firm specializes in helping Kansas families get their estate planning in order. We offer free consultations to potential estate planning clients where we will discuss your wishes, family and legacy to develop a custom estate plan for you. Proper estate planning can avoid probate, simplify the administration of your estate and ensure family harmony. We can also review your current documents to see if any changes are needed because of different life events. Further, we understand that costs are a concern to our clients, so we provide most estate planning services on a flat fee basis. Contact our office today to set up your free estate planning consultation today.

Common Estate Planning Tools

Transfer on Death deed (TOD)

A transfer on death (TOD) deed is a legal document that allows you to transfer the ownership of real property to another person or entity at the time of your death. With a TOD deed, you retain ownership and control of the property during your lifetime. Once you pass, the ownership of the property will automatically transfer to the designated beneficiary, bypassing the probate process.

Revocable Trusts

A revocable trust is a legal arrangement in which a person, known as the grantor, transfers ownership of property to a trustee, to hold and manage such property for the benefit of the grantor or another person or persons, known as the beneficiaries. The trustee is legally obligated to manage the trust assets in the best interests of the beneficiaries and to distribute them according to the terms of the trust document. Trusts can be used to control the distribution of assets after a person’s death, avoid probate, and protect assets from creditors. A revocable trust can be amended or changed during the grantor’s lifetime.

Wills

A will is a legal document that allows you to specify how your possessions and assets should be distributed after your death. It is an important part of estate planning, as it ensures that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are taken care of.

A will can be as simple or as complex as you need it to be. You can use a will to appoint guardians for your children, designate an executor to carry out your wishes, and make charitable donations. If you do not have a will, your state’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed. These laws may not reflect your wishes, and they may not provide for your loved ones in the way that you would have liked.

It is important to have your will reviewed by an attorney to make sure that it is valid and enforceable. An attorney can also help you to understand the legal implications of your will and make sure that it meets your specific needs.

Living Will

A living will, also known as an advance directive or medical directive, is a legal document that allows you to express your wishes for end-of-life care in case you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes directly. By having a living will in place, you can ensure that your medical care aligns with your values and beliefs, and that your loved ones are not burdened with making difficult decisions on your behalf.

Financial Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your finances on your behalf, should you become incapacitated or unable to make financial decisions for yourself. It is important to choose an agent who you trust to manage your finances responsibly and ethically. You should also make sure that your agent understands your financial goals and risk tolerance. It is a good idea to review your financial POA regularly to make sure that it is still up-to-date and that your agent is still the right person for the job.

Health Care Power of Attorney

A health care power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and are unable to make them yourself. It is important to choose a healthcare agent who you trust to make these important decisions on your behalf. This person should be someone who knows your values and wishes, and who you feel comfortable sharing personal information with.