Kansas Estate Planning and Probate

Estate planning is one of those things everyone knows they should do, and almost everyone puts off—sometimes until it's too late. People are often anxious about planning for the future, but that feeling is replaced by a tremendous sense of relief when a customized estate plan is in place.

Estate planning helps Kansas families plan for their financial future, but estate planning is about much more than money. It's about making decisions that protect the people and things you care about: children and other loved ones, health, and family harmony.

Customized Estate Planning for Every Need

Many people think that they don't really need an estate plan. The truth is that nearly everyone benefits from having a customized estate plan, regardless of the amount of assets or number of heirs they have. People who need estate plans include:

• Parents of minor children. An estate plan including a last will and testament is the only valid way to name a guardian for your children in the event of your death.
• People who want to control their medical decisions. Unless you have a Kansas advance directive for healthcare, if you become incapacitated and are unable to express your wishes for medical care, someone else will make those decisions for you.
• Owners of family farms and businesses. Many family farms and businesses fail after an owner's death because no formal plans were made for the transition to the next generation. As the saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
• People who want to leave money to charities or unrelated individuals. If you don't have an estate plan, all of your assets will go to your heirs under Kansas law—who may or may not be the people you intend to receive it.
• People who want to minimize their tax burden. Estate planning can minimize the amount of taxes owed to the state or federal government. This benefit often offsets the cost of the estate planning.
• People who want to preserve assets for their loved ones. Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you die. A comprehensive estate plan preserves your assets so that you need not "spend down" in order to receive government benefits or long-term care.
• People who value family relationships. The only way to be sure family members left behind won't fall into arguments about what you would have wanted is to make your wishes perfectly clear in an estate plan. The thought you put into an estate plan now saves your loved ones stress and confusion when they are grieving.

At Schwartz & Park, L.L.P., we are knowledgeable about Kansas estate planning law. We take the time to understand our clients' estate planning goals and to create customized plans that will relieve their worries and give them peace of mind. Our estate planning services include business succession planning (including succession planning for family farms), wills, trusts, advance directives, and Medicaid planning.

Experienced Northwest Kansas Probate Attorneys

The time after the death of a loved one is difficult enough without the stress of sorting out a probate estate. At Schwartz & Park, L.L.P., we assist personal representatives of probate estates in proper estate administration, offering critical guidance every step of the way.

Probate law can be complicated, and missteps can be costly in terms of delays, money, and even personal liability. The guidance of experienced probate attorneys is invaluable in avoiding probate pitfalls and swiftly wrapping up estates.

Whether you are contemplating the creation of an estate plan to secure your well-being and your family's future, or dealing with the need to administer a Kansas probate estate, Schwartz & Park, L.L.P. can help. We invite you to contact us at (785) 625-0024 or via our online contact form. We look forward to working with you.