Secrecy is not the best policy when it comes to estate planning. Secrets are generally considered problematic for relationships. Exceptions include surprise parties and confidentiality within a therapeutic relationship or the attorney-client privilege. Typically, estate planning is not one of these exceptions. According to a recent Financial Advisor article titled “Family Wealth Transfers Undermined by Secrecy,” it […]
Reviewing an estate plan should be done periodically. Few things in life are truly “fix it and forget it.” Cars and homes require maintenance. Gardens require weeding and watering. Lawns require mowing and fertilizing. Neglecting these ongoing tasks leads to problems. According to a recent Kiplinger article titled “Need an Estate Planning Checkup? Now is […]
Digital assets can be just as important as tangible assets. For most of human history, people valued what was tangible. Wealth and value was determined by things like the number cattle or the acres of land owned. Only recently have digital assets even existed. According to a recent yahoo! article titled “How to Start Digital […]
Many people believe common myths about estate planning. All cultures around the world have myths. Some of these involve stories of heroes, villains, and supernatural creatures. Others involve pithy phrases or offer solutions to common ailments. Although some of these myths are fairly harmless, others can have dire consequences. According to a recent The Street […]
Creditors may be able to make claims on revocable trusts. Many people believe trusts are a magical solution to their estate planning and financial fears. Trusts are certainly valuable tools when created properly, but not all trusts are equal. Some trusts are best for maintaining control of assets and simplifying asset distribution. Others provide greater […]
Secondary beneficiaries may save your estate plan. Having backups in place is a wise move. It is helpful both personally and professionally. Backing up the hard drive on your computer can protect important information or projects from being destroyed. Syncing your phone to the cloud can prevent sentimental photos from being lost forever. According to […]
Sometimes sibling rivalries extend to their inheritance. Siblings do not always get along. It is normal to bicker and argue while growing up. Most parents hope their children will grow out of such childish behavior and do their best to facilitate love and cooperation. According to a recent yahoo! article titled “Can a Sibling Take […]
A trust can be useful in various estate planning situations. More John F. Kennedy assassination-related documents were recently released to the public. This brings to mind the topics of death and wealth. Death often takes us and our loved ones by surprise. Before this happens it is important to have an estate plan in place. […]
Your children may have expectations about what they want to inherit. Parents know each child is unique. Even if there are certain similarities in interests or physical appearance, siblings have different priorities, strengths, and personalities. As a parent, navigating the specific needs of each child can be challenging. According to a recent Entrepreneur article titled […]
A co-trustee can be helpful in the administration of an estate. Revocable trusts can simplify the distribution of assets after death. Often trustmakers (aka grantors) make themselves the trustees of revocable trusts while they are alive. In addition to serving as trustees themselves, some individuals choose to appoint co-trustees. According to a recent The Street […]
Commercial solicitations are permitted by the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct but are neither submitted to nor approved by the Missouri Bar or the Supreme Court of Missouri.
Overland Park Estate Planning Attorney Kyle Krull assists clients in Kansas and Missouri with Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Revocable Living Trusts, Charitable Planning, Asset Protection and Business Succession Planning in the greater Kansas City area including Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Lenexa, Johnson County Kansas and Jackson County Missouri.
REMEMBER: “The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.” This statement is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri.
