The Need for Medicaid Planning

One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. While we are blessed with excellent skilled nursing communities in the Kansas City area, these options may not be found everywhere. Transitioning to a skilled nursing community not...

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Florida Medicaid Reimbursement Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether Florida can seek reimbursement for Medicaid payments it made on a recipient’s behalf from portions of the recipient’s personal injury settlement that are allocated to future medical expenses. The decision will...

What Happens to Your Online Content When You Die?

More and more of the music, movies, and books we own exist only online, in digital form. What happens to these collections after the owner dies? Surprisingly, while you may want your heirs to have access to the books, music and films that you loved, without a physical...

Why Everyone Should Have an Estate Plan

Do you have a will? A durable power of attorney? A health care proxy? If so, no reason to read on. If not, why not? Failure to create an estate plan risks causing discord in your family for generations to come. The following are four often stated reasons for not...

Passing Assets to Grandchildren Through a Generation-Skipping Trust

Passing assets to your grandchildren can be a great way to ensure their future is provided for, and a generation-skipping trust can help you accomplish this goal while reducing estate taxes and also providing for your children. A generation-skipping trust allows you...

What Is an Executor?

An executor is the person or institution responsible for managing the administration of a deceased person’s estate. The executor (also called a personal representative) is either named in a will or appointed by the court, if there is no will. In addition to an...

Do You Need a Lawyer to Write a Will?

While you aren’t technically required to hire a lawyer to draft a will, failing to do so can lead to costly problems for your family and other heirs. A will is a legal document that directs who will receive your property when you die. The legal requirements are...