Wills & Trusts Attorney in Kansas City

Decades of Experience, Personalized Plans, & Trusted Results

Securing your legacy and providing peace of mind for loved ones starts with a thoughtful estate plan. As seasoned wills and trusts attorneys in Kansas City, our team at Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A. is dedicated to helping individuals and families create tailored documents that protect assets and ensure your wishes are followed. We blend decades of local legal experience with a client-focused approach, guiding you every step of the way—whether you’re drafting your first will or updating a complex trust arrangement.

Many Kansas City residents begin the estate planning process with questions about their options and the best path for their unique family or business needs. We take the time to evaluate every client’s specific concerns, from strategies for minimizing probate to setting up trusts that support charitable causes or family businesses. Our process is built around you, ensuring your estate plan aligns with both Missouri law and your personal priorities. With our guidance, your planning is always practical, personal, and forward-thinking—giving you confidence today and security for the future.

Many families start estate planning with questions. A wills and trusts attorney in Kansas City can provide clarity and tailored solutions—contact us online or call (800) 574-4428 today.

Our Commitment to Reliable & Creative Estate Planning Solutions in Kansas City

For over forty years, our legal team at Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A. has served Kansas City and the Midwest, providing clear and thorough estate planning counsel. Our deep local roots and experience with Missouri probate law mean you benefit from up-to-date, strategic planning that stands up in local courts. Whether your needs are simple or highly personalized, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—your goals guide every recommendation and every document we prepare.

• Comprehensive Service: From your initial consultation to document drafting and ongoing updates, we handle every phase of your estate plan.
• Local Insight: We have detailed knowledge of Jackson and Clay County probate procedures, ensuring your plan addresses local legal requirements.
• Creative Solutions: With experience across multiple legal areas, our team is equipped to address complex needs involving multi-state assets or custom legacy wishes.
• Personalized Communication: You will always have clear explanations about your options and rapid answers to your questions, no matter how detailed or urgent.

Our decades of service in the Kansas City area have given us insight into the estate planning challenges and opportunities unique to our community. If your estate spans Kansas and Missouri or includes specialized assets—such as residential and commercial property, family businesses, or out-of-state investments—we bring a holistic perspective that helps prevent complications. We stay current with changes in state and federal law so your estate plan remains effective. Our commitment: solutions fit for your family, your legacy, and the community you call home.

Wills & Trusts Services Tailored to Your Needs

Our wills and trusts lawyers in Kansas City assist clients with a comprehensive array of estate planning services. Every legal solution we offer is custom-fit, easy to understand, and designed to provide lasting value for you and your loved ones.

• Wills: Legally enforceable directions for how your property is distributed, who will become guardian of minor children, and guidance for your personal wishes.
• Trusts: Trust arrangements—including revocable and irrevocable trusts—that help manage assets, avoid probate delays, protect privacy, and better plan for loved ones with unique needs.
• Updates & Amendments: Advice and document changes that keep your estate planning consistent with shifts in your life, your family’s needs, or updates in Missouri law.
• Power of Attorney & Health Directives: Legal forms to designate who will manage finances or make healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so.

We have helped young professionals, growing families, retirees, and business owners across the Kansas City area achieve confidence in their future. Our role often includes navigating tricky cross-border considerations between Kansas and Missouri, addressing blended family needs, or guiding clients through the Missouri Non-Probate Transfers Law to simplify asset transfers. From charitable giving to special needs planning or digital asset management, we ensure every part of your legacy gets the attention it deserves. Your documents will not only be legally strong—they will also be clear and actionable for those carrying out your wishes.

In Kansas City, local court and probate procedures can shape how wills and trusts are created, interpreted, and executed. Whether you are updating an existing estate plan or starting from scratch, Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A. incorporates local knowledge and strong court relationships, so your planning is efficient, compliant, and designed to avoid future disputes or unexpected costs. Our goal is to provide an estate plan that’s both legally sound and deeply aligned with your vision for the years ahead.

Our Wills & Trusts Process in Kansas City

We know that estate planning can feel complex, but our proven approach at Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A. is designed to bring clarity and peace of mind to every client. Here’s how our process works from start to finish:

1. Initial Consultation: We listen as you share your personal, family, and business goals—no matter how simple or complex.
2. Review of Your Options: We walk you through wills, trusts, and other estate tools, explaining key benefits and helping you compare available strategies for asset protection and legacy planning.
3. Drafting Your Documents: Your wills and trust documents are custom-drafted to your specific needs, adhering strictly to Missouri statutes and reflecting your wishes in clear, enforceable language.
4. Signing & Storage: We coordinate all legal formalities, such as required witnesses and notarizations, and can provide recommendations for secure storage of your signed documents.
5. Ongoing Guidance: As the law changes or your life evolves, our team provides updates and amendments so your estate plan keeps working for you.

We encourage open communication and make it simple to ask questions along the way. Many clients discover through this process that estate planning is much less overwhelming with the support they trust. Our attorneys account for local nuances in Missouri, including issues related to jointly owned property, county-specific filing requirements, and how courts evaluate ambiguous clauses. Because your needs may change over time, as with a birth, marriage, new investment, or change in financial status, we offer flexible ongoing support. With Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A., you’ll always know you are supported by trusted wills and trusts attorneys in Kansas City—committed to making planning your estate straightforward and stress-free.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Will & a Trust?

A will outlines how you want your assets distributed after death and allows you to name guardians for minor children, while a trust immediately transfers assets to a trustee for management or distribution, often avoiding probate. Each serves a distinct function, and many estate plans use both tools.

Is Probate Required If I Have a Will in Missouri?

Yes, in Missouri, a will typically must go through probate to become effective, which involves court supervision of the estate’s administration. However, trusts and other strategies can be used to transfer certain assets outside probate.

Can I Make Changes to My Will or Trust After It’s Created?

Yes, both wills and many trusts can be amended or updated as long as you are legally competent. Regular updates ensure your plan stays current with your wishes and any changes in the law.

What Should I Bring to My First Estate Planning Meeting?

It’s helpful to bring an outline of your assets, a list of potential beneficiaries and guardians, and any existing legal documents. This information allows your attorney to tailor recommendations to your specific circumstances.

Do Wills or Trusts Need to Be Notarized in Kansas City?

While a will in Missouri does not need to be notarized to be valid, it can be made self-proving with a notarized affidavit, making probate more efficient. Trust documents are usually notarized to confirm authenticity and support proper administration.

Contact Our Wills & Trusts Lawyer in Kansas City Today

Taking steps to protect your legacy and family is easier than you might think. At Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A., our experienced wills and trusts lawyers in Kansas City provide not only extensive legal insight but also clear, compassionate communication throughout your planning process. We make estate planning comfortable and empowering, guiding you in each decision so you gain confidence and peace of mind about your future.

If you’re not sure how to begin, our approachable legal team helps you clarify your priorities and map out an actionable plan—whether it’s your first time planning or you’re revisiting your documents. We cut through the confusion of estate law, focusing on what matters most to you and your loved ones. Every conversation is treated with respect, and all consultations are handled with discretion. Let our trusted wills and trusts attorney in Kansas City help you move forward with clarity and confidence today.

Secure your family’s future with the guidance of a skilled wills and trusts lawyer in Kansas City. Contact us online or call (800) 574-4428 today to schedule your consultation.