Top Kansas City, MO Probate Lawyers Near You
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10150 N Ambassador Dr., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64153
Clients who need legal help with Probate concerns can contact The Quitmeier Law Firm, a reputable law firm in Kansas City, Missouri.
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4801 Main Street, Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO 64112
2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1500, Kansas City, MO 64108
2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 2200, Kansas City, MO 64108
4600 Madison Ave, Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO 64112
4900 Main St, Suite 150, Kansas City, MO 64112
7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite 210, Kansas City, MO 64153
4520 Main Street, Suite 1100, Kansas City, MO 64111-7700
800 E 101st Terrace, Suite 101, Kansas City, MO 64131
633 East 63rd Street, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64110
113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100, Liberty, MO 64068
4520 Main Street, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64111
10401 Holmes Rd, Suite 210, Kansas City, MO 64131
9229 Ward Pkwy, Suite 390, Kansas City, MO 64114
4971 NE Goodview Cir, Suite B, Lee's Summit, MO 64064
4505 Madison Ave, Ste. 120, Kansas City, MO 64111
1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900, Kansas City, MO 64106
1010 West Foxwood Drive, Raymore, MO 64083
1100 Walnut Street, Suite 2900, Kansas City, MO 64106
1100 Main Street, Suite 2820, Kansas City, MO 64105
800 NE Vanderbilt Ln, Lee's Summit, MO 64064
2323 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO 64108
2555 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108-2613
132 Westwoods Drive, Liberty, MO 64068
1010 Walnut Street, Suite 500, Kansas City, MO 64106
Kansas City Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Kansas City and checks their standing with Missouri bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Missouri and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Missouri and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Kansas City?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Missouri?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts