Attorneys in Lee's Summit, Missouri
Experienced Counsel in Probate and Estate Planning
Whether you are making plans for how your assets will be divided at your death or you have been given the responsibility of carrying out the wishes of a friend or family member after their death, you want an experienced lawyer to guide you through the process. You want an attorney with extensive experience helping others successfully plan for the distribution of their own estates or settle the estate of a loved one through the probate courts.
At the law office of Kapke & Willerth, L.L.C. in Lee's Summit, Missouri, we have over 30 years of experience handling estate planning, probate and trust administration, and probate litigation for clients throughout the Kansas City metro area. Former members of our firm have become commissioners and judges in the probate court, as well as public administrators. Because of our experience, we have built a solid rapport with commissioners, judges and clerks in the probate court and can be economical and efficient when handling your probate issues. Contact our office or call us to set up a initial consultation.
Estate Planning
We will work closely with you, taking the time to learn as much as we can about your financial situation and your goals, so that we can recommend the best strategy for accomplishing your estate planning objectives. We will carefully explain the different tools available to you and, once you have determined the best approach, we will prepare and execute the documents necessary to put your plan in place, including
- Last wills and testaments
- Trusts
- Revocable and irrevocable trusts
- Living and testamentary trusts
- Charitable and special needs trusts
- Durable powers of attorney
- Advance medical directives and living wills
- Non-probate transfers
Estate and Trust Administration
We handle all matters related to the settlement of an estate in the probate courts, preparing and filing all documents and representing you in all proceedings with the probate court. We will help you compile an inventory of the assets of the estate, obtain valuations of property if necessary, pay all final obligations and taxes of the estate, and oversee the orderly distribution of the property of the estate. We can assist you with the full administration of an estate or the abbreviated and informal process for smaller estates.
If a guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate, we will help you file the documents necessary to seek appointment of a guardian or conservator and will act as your advocate in all court hearings.
Estate and Trust Litigation
If you are involved in a will contest or an heir has challenged any aspect of a probate proceeding, we have the litigation experience to protect the interests of the estate. We represent executors, administrators and personal representatives in discovery of asset actions, actions for accountings, and lawsuits alleging breach of fiduciary duty.
To schedule a initial consultation, contact us or call us at 816-461-3800. We are available by appointment from 8 am until 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
