Estate planning is often looked upon as a purely financial endeavor. You facilitate postmortem asset transfers to your loved ones, and that’s the long and short of it. In reality, there is another important factor to consider, and we will examine it in this post. Cognitive Impairment and Physical Incapacity Elder law and estate planning attorneys have to address some realities that a lot of people do not like to think about. Even if you wish it was not so, you cannot change the nature of … [Read more...] about Take Proactive Steps to Prevent a Guardianship
Guardianship
Why Your Estate Plan Will Change As You Age
Regardless of your age or circumstances, it's almost certain that your estate plan will change as you get older. When people ask us to help them create an estate plan, they sometimes have the mistaken belief that once they complete the planning process, they will never have to worry about their plans again. While having a complete estate plan is absolutely essential for any responsible adult, the process doesn't end once your plan is in place. Over the years you have to make it a … [Read more...] about Why Your Estate Plan Will Change As You Age
Understanding Estate Planning – Common Law Marriage and Estate Planning in Kansas and Oklahoma
When it comes to the law, the idea of a common law marriage can be confusing. If you are like many people, you have probably heard of common law marriage and have some idea of what it is. For example, many people have heard that a couple living together outside of marriage becomes common law married after living together for seven years. Other people might have heard five years, nine years, or other variations on this concept, but it basically involves automatically becoming common law married … [Read more...] about Understanding Estate Planning – Common Law Marriage and Estate Planning in Kansas and Oklahoma
Estate Planning For Domestic Partners
"Intestacy" is the term used when one dies without a valid last will. Some people are under the impression that the government takes your property if you die estate. The reality is that legal rules of descent determine who will inherit your property. If you are married your closest relative is your surviving spouse and he or she will inherit some or all of your property, depending on whether you have children, if you die without a will. This does not mean there's no reason for you to … [Read more...] about Estate Planning For Domestic Partners
Are Your Assets In Harm’s Way?
When devising a comprehensive long-term financial plan, it is important to take steps to protect your assets. Individuals in certain professions are naturally vulnerable to creditors and claimants and, if you do not take action to shield your personal resources, the consequences can be devastating. … [Read more...] about Are Your Assets In Harm’s Way?
Understanding Guardianship Proceedings in Probate Court
Overland Park probate attorneys provide assistance with all different issues that arise in probate court. While many people are aware of the need to go to probate court after a death has occurred so assets can transfer to new owners, this is not the only situation where probate proceedings may be necessary. It may also become necessary to go to probate court if a loved one has become incapacitated without an incapacity plan in place. Under these circumstances, going … [Read more...] about Understanding Guardianship Proceedings in Probate Court
Guardians and Conservators: Commonly Asked Questions
Guardians and Conservators: Commonly Asked Questions from Larry Parman Answers to commonly asked questions about guardianship and conservatorship in Oklahoma and Kansas. … [Read more...] about Guardians and Conservators: Commonly Asked Questions
More Guardianship Questions
We've recently looked at a number of questions surrounding guardianships in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. This week we will wrap up our brief series by looking at additional issues we haven't covered. As with any questions or issues about guardianships, it's important that you talk to us for personalized advice if you need assistance. Our information is designed to be educational and helpful, but it is never a substitute for advice from your personal … [Read more...] about More Guardianship Questions
Choosing Your Guardian
Over the past several weeks we have looked at some essential issues surrounding guardians in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Today we will look at what you can do when it comes to choosing your guardian. While we have looked at the kinds of guardians, the types of responsibilities they have, and the process of appointing a guardian, we haven't addressed the question of whether you can choose your own guardian, or whether you can exert any control over the guardianship … [Read more...] about Choosing Your Guardian
Guardians, Conservators, and More – Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about guardians, conservators, and similar issues commonly arise in a number of estate planning situations. Whenever someone is legally unable to make at least some decisions, a court can appoint a guardian, conservator, or both. Today we start a multi-part series on guardians, conservators, and the issues that surround them so you can have a better understanding of these important issues. Though the terminology surrounding these issues, and some of the particular details, will differ … [Read more...] about Guardians, Conservators, and More – Frequently Asked Questions
