Overland Park Estate Planning Attorneys

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Estate planning is about more than just figuring out what happens to your property after your death. Proper estate planning addresses several different facets of your life, including providing directives regarding your health care decisions, designating someone for care for any young children, deciding how assets will be divided and naming beneficiaries. At Stockton & Kandt, LLC, our Overland Park estate planning attorneys provide comprehensive estate planning services utilizing various strategies to address your concerns and help you reach your long-term financial objectives.

Last will and testament

Perhaps the most familiar estate planning tool, a last will and testament is also the most important. In a will, you can specify how you want your property to be divided, name your beneficiaries, appoint to care for any young children, and designate an executor for your will. If you die without a will – known as dying intestate – state law determines who inherits your property and a judge may appoint someone to raise your children.

Guardianship for young children

If you have young children, it is very difficult to consider who would raise them if you are unable to do so. However, by naming a guardian in your last will and testament, you can rest assured that your children will be well cared by a person of your choice.

Trusts

Trusts are effective estate planning tools that provide asset protection. By creating a revocable living trust, you can transfer your property to a designated trustee to hold on your behalf according to the terms and conditions specified in the trust. Because the property is no longer part of your estate and is owned by your designated trustee, the property is not subject to probate. In designing the terms of the trust, you may include instructions for the trustee to transfer your property to designated beneficiaries upon your death.

Power of attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate an individual to act on your behalf. This person will have the ability to manage your investments, pay your bills, and make other decisions. A power of attorney ceases if you should become incapacitated; a durable power of attorney stays in effect if you cannot tend to matters on your own.

Probate

Probate is a legal process that involves the transfer of an individual’s property after they die. This is a legal process overseen by the probate court involving several steps, which can take a considerable period of time. To avoid the delays and expense of the probate process, many individuals develop estate plans so that their estate can be passed on to their heirs without going through probate court.

Trusted counsel for every stage of life

At Stockton & Kandt, LLC our Overland Park estate planning lawyers understand that considering what will happen to your estate after you die is a difficult process. Our compassionate, experienced legal team provides comprehensive estate planning services, devising sound plans that address your concerns, reflect your wishes, and enable you to reach your long-term goals. Contact a member of our team today to arrange for a confidential consultation at 913-856-2828 or contact us online. Our office is conveniently located in Overland Park, Kansas; evening appointments available upon request.