Estate Planning Serving Independence, MO, and Kansas City, MO
McElligott Ewan & Hall offers estate planning and probate services you need. Though we’re based in Independence, Mo, we work throughout Missouri and Kansas. Our attorneys and legal staff understand the importance of estate planning. Since 1985, we’ve been assisting our clients in the planning process, guiding them through every step of the process to help them make informed decisions.
Guiding You Through the Estate Planning Process
Insufficient estate planning can cause years of challenges and difficulties for the loved ones you leave behind. At McElligott Ewan & Hall, we ensure that your accumulated wealth is distributed according to your plans.
Our Services
At McElligott Ewan & Hall, we offer a range of services related to estate planning and probate. These services include:
- Wealth Management
- Passing of Assets
- Wills
- Trusts (living revocable trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, special needs trusts and irrevocable trusts)
- Durable Powers of Attorneys
- Non-Probate Transfers (pay on death, transfer on death, beneficiary deeds and life estate designations)
- Guardianships and Conservatorships
The Conservatorship and Guardianship Process
Our firm is committed to protecting children and adults who can’t defend themselves. We help facilitate the process of selecting a guardian or conservator should a difficult situation arrive. We understand the vital role guardians and conservators have in making critical decisions, managing assets, and more.
Probate Administration
During the court-managed probate process, assets are managed and distributed on behalf of the deceased. A designated trustee is put in charge of asset distribution. At McElligott Ewan & Hall, we help to guide our clients through the complex probate process. We’ll assist you through everything, from filing the petition in probate court to final asset distribution. We assist our clients with notification of heirs, inventory and appraisal of estate assets, and payment of debts and estate taxes.
Estate Planning Services in Kansas City, MO
At McElligott Ewan & Hall, we understand that planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but it's one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and assets. Our team of experienced attorneys in Kansas City, MO, is here to guide you through the estate planning process, ensuring your wishes are clearly defined and your estate is in good hands.
Why Choose McElligott Ewan & Hall for Estate Planning in Kansas City, MO?
When it comes to something as important as estate planning, you need an experienced legal team that you can trust. At McElligott Ewan & Hall, we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal services in Kansas City, MO. Our goal is to make estate planning simple and straightforward so you can feel confident knowing that your future and your family are protected. Let us help you secure peace of mind for today and the years to come.
FAQs About Estate Planning
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan in Kansas City, MO?
It’s essential to review your estate plan every 3 to 5 years, or after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. At McElligott Ewan & Hall, we advocate for frequent updates to guarantee the accurate representation of your wishes and the continued effectiveness of your estate plan amidst legal changes.
Who Can Legally Serve as a Power of Attorney in Missouri?
In Missouri, anyone over 18 who is mentally competent can serve as your power of attorney. Choosing a trusted individual or professional is crucial to managing your legal and financial matters effectively. Our services in Kansas City, MO, can help you appoint the right person to handle these responsibilities with confidence.
What Is the Difference Between a Living Will and a Power of Attorney?
A living will outlines your wishes for medical treatment when you can’t communicate, while a power of attorney grants someone authority to handle your financial or legal affairs. Both are vital components of comprehensive Missouri estate planning, protecting your interests in different ways. McElligott Ewan & Hall can guide you through setting up both documents seamlessly.
How Can the Estate Planning Services From McElligott Ewan & Hall Help Me Avoid Probate?
Our expert team structures your estate plan to minimize probate’s time and costs, often utilizing trusts and other legal tools. Avoiding probate protects your privacy and ensures your assets transfer smoothly to your heirs. With McElligott Ewan & Hall you receive a personalized approach designed to streamline this process. We work closely with you to understand your goals and create solutions that provide lasting peace of mind.
Can Estate Planning in Missouri Protect My Assets From Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Costs?
Proper estate planning strategies, such as creating irrevocable trusts, can shield assets from nursing home expenses under Missouri law. While it’s not a guaranteed safeguard, McElligott Ewan & Hall can help you implement protective measures to preserve your wealth for your family’s future. We tailor each plan to fit your unique circumstances and help you navigate complex legal requirements with confidence.
Ready to secure your family’s future?
Contact McElligott Ewan & Hall today at (816) 833-1222 to schedule your consultation and start crafting a plan tailored to your unique needs. Let us help you navigate the complexities with confidence and care.
