Estate Planning & Wills
A will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive spare your family a great deal of guesswork. I help Northeast Kansas families put these in place, in plain terms.
Plan ahead, and spare your family the guesswork
A good estate plan is really a gift to the people you love. It says, in your own words, who should make decisions if you can't, who receives what, and who looks after your children — so your family isn't left guessing during an already hard time. I help families across Northeast Kansas put these documents in place in plain, understandable terms.
Wills and trusts
A will directs who receives your property and names a guardian for minor children. A trust can go further — managing assets, avoiding probate, or providing for a loved one over time. Not everyone needs a trust, and part of my job is helping you decide what actually fits your situation rather than selling you more than you need.
Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
Some of the most important documents have nothing to do with death — they're about what happens if you're alive but unable to act for yourself. A financial power of attorney lets someone you trust handle money matters; a healthcare power of attorney and advance directive let someone make medical decisions and spell out your wishes. Having worked for decades in healthcare, I take this part especially seriously.
Probate
When someone passes away, their estate often has to go through probate — the court process of settling debts and distributing property. I guide families through Kansas probate, and a sound estate plan made in advance can make that process simpler for the people you leave behind.
Do I really need an estate plan?
Most adults benefit from at least a basic plan — a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive — regardless of the size of their estate. If you own a home, have children, or simply want a say in what happens, it's worth a conversation. For aging-related planning like long-term care and Medicaid, see my elder & healthcare law page.