Estate Planning Attorney Serving Kansas City, MO
McElligott Ewan & Hall has provided estate planning services to families and individuals throughout the Kansas City, MO, area since 1985. Based in nearby Independence, MO, the firm serves clients across Jackson County and the broader metropolitan region. Whether you own a home in Blue Springs, run a business in Lee's Summit, or are raising a family near downtown Kansas City, a thoughtful estate plan can give you and your loved ones real peace of mind. Call (816) 833-1222 to schedule a consultation today.
What Does Estate Planning Include in Missouri?
Estate planning in Missouri covers legal documents and strategies designed to protect your assets and carry out your wishes. A solid plan addresses who will inherit your property, who will manage your finances if you become incapacitated, and who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Missouri law offers several tools that can help families avoid the Jackson County probate process entirely, including living trusts, transfer-on-death deeds, and pay-on-death designations. Without a plan, the 16th Circuit Court's Probate Division may make those decisions for your family under Missouri's intestate succession rules.
Services Offered by McElligott Ewan & Hall
The firm offers a comprehensive range of documents and strategies, including:
- Wills, including simple wills and pour-over wills.
- Living revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, and special needs trusts.
- Durable powers of attorney for financial and healthcare matters.
- Healthcare directives and living wills.
- Non-probate transfers, including pay-on-death designations, transfer-on-death deeds, beneficiary deeds, and life estate designations.
- Guardianship and conservatorship planning for minor children and adults who cannot advocate for themselves.
Together, these documents can reduce uncertainty, minimize disputes, and help ensure your assets pass to the right people in the right way.
Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney in Kansas City?
Online templates may seem convenient, but they often fail to account for Missouri-specific rules, Jackson County court requirements, or the unique details of your family's situation. An attorney can identify gaps, recommend the right tools, and draft documents that are legally sound and clearly written. For families with minor children, a business interest, a blended household, or a loved one with special needs, professional guidance is especially valuable.
How McElligott Ewan & Hall Can Help
McElligott Ewan & Hall brings decades of experience to every estate planning engagement. Attorney William L. Hall is recognized by civic organizations in the Kansas City area and by the Missouri PTA for his service to individuals with developmental disabilities. Attorney James E. Ewan is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, and is active in multiple local organizations. Because family law and estate planning often intersect, the firm can also help clients update their plans after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Your Planning Process, Step by Step
- Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals, your family situation, and the assets you want to protect.
- Review your current documents so attorneys can identify any gaps or concerns.
- Select the right combination of documents and strategies for your situation.
- Review and sign your completed documents in compliance with Missouri execution requirements.
- Store your documents safely and plan for keeping them current as your life changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Missouri?
Missouri's intestate succession laws determine who inherits your assets if you die without a valid will, meaning a court decides how your estate is divided. Working with an estate planning attorney helps you stay in control of that outcome.
Can a Trust Help My Family Avoid Probate in Jackson County?
Yes. A properly funded living trust can allow your estate to pass to beneficiaries without going through the Jackson County probate process. Missouri law also recognizes transfer-on-death deeds and pay-on-death designations as additional tools for keeping certain assets out of probate court.
What Is a Durable Power of Attorney and Why Does It Matter?
A durable power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to manage your financial or healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, a court may need to appoint a guardian or conservator, which can be lengthy and costly. McElligott Ewan & Hall can draft both financial and healthcare powers of attorney as part of a complete estate plan.
Do Special Needs Trusts Work Differently Than Regular Trusts?
Special needs trusts are designed to benefit a person with a disability without disqualifying them from government assistance programs. These trusts require careful drafting to function correctly. The attorneys at McElligott Ewan & Hall have experience with special needs planning and can help Kansas City-area families structure these arrangements appropriately.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Review your plan after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or a significant change in your assets. Missouri law and tax rules can also change over time, which may affect your plan's structure.
Start Your Estate Plan Today
Protecting your family does not have to wait. McElligott Ewan & Hall is ready to help families and individuals throughout the Kansas City, MO, area build estate plans that are clear, legally sound, and built to last. Call (816) 833-1222 or visit our contact page to get started.
