What company value propositions do you feel resonate with your clients most? 

Clients love the fixed pricing of our plans and the proven value an Oath estate plan offers their family and assets.

What’s unique about your state (legally) and why do you think it matters?

Although Kansas is subject to the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP), it is one of the states that employs an expanded definition for recovery. In summation, Kansas MERP rules do not limit medicaid recovery to probatable assets. Instead, Kansas can recover accrued medicaid assistance costs from all real and personal property in which the deceased individual had any legal title or interest immediately before or at the time of death to the extent of that interest or title. This includes assets conveyed to a survivor, heir or assign of the deceased recipient through joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common, survivorship, transfer-on-death deed, pay-on-death contract, life estate, trust, annuity, life insurance policy (whole or term life) or similar arrangement.

What do you like best about your community and clients in your area?

They are hard workers who aspire to protect the assets they have earned and saved for their families. The Greater Kansas City area is growing economically and our residents take pride in our city’s economic development and expansion. 

What do clients in your community ask the most questions about? What do people in Kansas City care about?

I get many questions about Transfer on Death Deeds. Kansas is one of the states that permit transfer on death deeds for real property. Clients routinely ask about the benefits, drawbacks, and process of utilizing transfer on death deeds. While the transfer on death deed is a good addition to an estate plan, clients often find that having their home in trust better achieves their estate planning goals.

Why is Oath right for your clients?

Oath is great for residents of Kansas City because we not only provide estate planning and financial planning services, but our national presence compliments Kansas Citians’ tendency to have family and real property throughout the country. 

What are the state specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?

‍I prepare Kansas Statutory Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney documents. 

What do you estimate the longest possible probate is in your state? 

Probate in Kansas typically takes 6–12 months, but can take longer depending on the circumstances involving the estate. In some cases, probate can take years to complete.

How much do you think the most expensive probate might cost in your state?

In Kansas there is no probate fee structure, but contributing costs include attorney’s fees, personal representative fees, filing fees, publication fees, etc. These factors, among others, create the risk of probate costs increasing substantially, as complications with the probate process may arise. 

What do clients ask most at your workshops and how do you answer it?

Clients often ask about the difference between having a will and a trust, as well as protection from nursing home liens. I answer both of these questions throughout my workshop and allow questions for clarification.

What are your three favorite communities that you visit on your travel schedule?

Kansas City, Lawrence, and Overland Park are my favorite communities to host workshops in. I was born and raised in KC, went to college in Lawrence (Rock Chalk KU), and enjoy the aesthetics of Overland Park.

What’s the most impactful story you’ve had from one of your clients?

One of my clients is a proud firefighter in Kansas. He has worked extremely hard for what he has earned and saved, and chose to protect those assets and make his estate administration simple for his family. He not only embodies the KC work ethic but the pride that resonates throughout our city.