Estate planning and probate
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration, with flat-fee pricing.
Flat-fee estate planning
| Package | Includes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic will package, individual | Will, durable financial power of attorney, health care directive | $650 |
| Basic will package, couple | Same documents for both spouses | $950 |
| Revocable living trust, individual | Trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, health care directive, deed transferring the home | $2,200 |
| Revocable living trust, couple | Same for both spouses | $2,900 |
| Powers of attorney only | Financial and health care | $300 |
| Update to existing documents | Amendment or restatement | $350 to $900 |
The free 30-minute consultation covers which package fits. Most plans are signed within three weeks of the first meeting. Fees include two meetings, drafting, and a signing appointment with a notary and witnesses.
Will or trust?
A will goes through probate; a trust generally does not. In Kansas and Missouri, probate typically takes 6 to 12 months and costs 3 to 5 percent of the estate. If you own a home or have more than about $100,000 in assets outside retirement accounts, a trust usually saves your family time and money. We will tell you if you do not need one.
Probate
If a family member has died, we handle the probate administration: opening the estate, notifying creditors, valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to heirs. Fees are hourly ($275 to $375) or a flat fee for small estates. A first consultation on a probate matter is free. Bring the will if there is one, the death certificate, and a list of assets.
Small estates
Kansas allows a simplified affidavit process for estates under $75,000. Missouri allows it under $40,000. We can often handle these for a flat $750.