JONATHAN LAURANS Attorney At Law 

816-421-5200

Estate Planning

          Why is having a will or trust drawn up for you and your family so important?  First and foremost, if you do not plan how your belongings are distributed amongst your family and friends, the State will decide for you.  That’s right!  Legislators passed laws years ago which determine how the possessions and money of those citizens who die without a will or trust get divided.  These laws are like formulas, and they do not contain any provisions at all for determining how you may have wanted your estate administered.  Imagine that!  Your government will divide up your holdings with absolutely no regard as to who you wanted to have which assets.

          Secondly, an estate plan can often be drafted which will minimize or alleviate significant tax burdens, both now and for your dependents in the future.  This is especially so for many married couples.  Did you know that the current death tax rate is as high as 45%?  And it is currently slated to increase in 2011 to 55%!  Imagine working your entire life to leave your family financially secure, only to learn that if you die in 2011 or after, the government will seek to take as much as 55% of your life savings from your family!

          How can this unfairness be avoided?  By having an attorney prepare a will or a trust for you.

Ask also about other estate planning considerations, such as instructing how you wish to be cared for in times of emergency incapacity, or directing who will care for your minor children should misfortune strike you and your spouse.

Jonathan Laurans will work with you to prepare an estate plan which will carry out your wishes, and preserve your assets to the fullest extent possible.  Call today to arrange a consultation. 816-421-5200

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