Big-firm sophistication at small-firm rates, protecting Johnson County families since 1998
Estate Planning Attorney In Leawood, Kansas
FROM THE DESK OF: GARY EASTMAN
After 27 years of practice, I’ve realized that estate planning isn’t really about the stack of paper on my desk, it’s about the people you love and ensuring your wishes are actually followed when it matters most.
I’ve spent my career as an estate planning attorney right here in Kansas, creating 5,423 trusts and 1,257 wills to give families clarity, not a headache. My philosophy is simple: the legal process should be the thing that lets you sleep at night, not another source of stress. It should be something that gives you peace of mind for the unexpected twists and turns of life.
The law can be messy and overwhelming, but I’m here to take that weight off your shoulders. Whether you’re protecting your assets with a living trust or navigating the probate process after a loss, I translate the “legalese” into a practical plan that works for your life.
I’ve helped 1,134 families in Johnson County alone secure their legacies with a personal, pragmatic approach to Kansas estate law. You’ve worked hard to build what you have; let’s make sure it’s protected for the people who matter most.
Click the button below - let’s get started.
Gary Eastman
Attorney at Law
55% of Americans have no estate planning documents at all, while only 31% have a will and just 11% have a trust (Trust & Will 2025 Estate Planning Report)
You need an estate plan. The question is what kind.
If you own a home in Johnson County, have kids who need guardians named, run a business, or just want your family to skip probate, you need an estate plan.
That’s true whether your estate is $200,000 or $20 million. The question isn’t whether. It’s what kind.
We draft the full plan. Wills. Revocable living trusts. Financial and medical powers of attorney. Healthcare directives. HIPAA authorizations. Guardian nominations. Beneficiary designation review.
For trust clients, we also handle the funding paperwork that actually moves your assets into the trust, a step many firms skip and most clients assume got done.
Most Johnson County families walk out with either a will-based plan or a trust-based plan. We’ll tell you on the first call which one fits your situation. If you’re still sorting out which you need, we’ll walk through the decision together.
What happens when you contact us
We keep the intake simple.
Step 1: Reach out by phone or form. Call (913) 908-9113 or you can click here to submit our online contact form. Either goes directly to Gary, not a staff inbox. Gary answers calls personally when available. If he's with another client, leave a brief message. Gary returns calls within 60 minutes during business hours, usually faster.
Step 2: Schedule your consultation with Gary. Most consultations happen within three business days. Gary conducts every consultation personally. You can meet in our Leawood office, by phone, or by video conference, whichever works best for you.
Consultation cost depends on what you need:
- Starting a new estate plan: the consultation is free. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and quote a flat fee. No obligation to proceed.
- Reviewing existing documents or other specific questions: $245 for 30 minutes, credited toward your engagement if you decide to hire us.
Estate planning rarely stands alone
Most comprehensive estate plans touch at least three or four areas of law. A trust for your assets. Powers of attorney for incapacity. Tax strategy for larger estates. Probate when a family member has passed. Business succession if you own a company.
We handle all of it in one place, so nothing gets missed between attorneys.
ESTATE PLANNING →
You’re reading this page now. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Flat-fee pricing from $495.
WILL PREPARATION →
The will is one document inside a full estate plan. If you need a standalone will without the trust package, start here.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY →
POAs handle what happens if you’re alive but can’t decide for yourself. Financial and medical. Included in every plan we draft, or available standalone.
PROBATE ADMINISTRATION →
When a family member has died, probate settles their estate. If you’ve been named executor, this page explains what comes next.
ASSET PROTECTION →
Revocable trusts don’t protect assets from creditors. Irrevocable trusts and specific Kansas statutes do. This page covers when and how.
TRUST MANAGEMENT →
Trusts aren’t set-and-forget. They need funding, amendments, and administration as life evolves. We serve our own clients and pick up orphaned trusts from other firms.
TAX & FINANCIAL PLANNING →
Tax planning matters more the larger your estate grows. Strategies range from income tax optimization to GRATs, QPRTs, and ILITs.
BUSINESS SUCCESSION →
Business owners need a succession plan and an estate plan that work together. Buy-sell agreements, valuation, key-person coverage.
START YOUR PLAN →
Schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation and quote a flat fee on the first call.
Experience Makes the Difference
Proven Results for Kansas Families
Access a Legacy of 5,423 Trusts - You benefit from a repository of experience that includes 5,407 estate planning clients and 5,423 trusts created since 1998. This specific volume of work, including 1,257 wills and 143 successfully administered probate estates - means your plan is built on a foundation of proven outcomes. For families in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, these tax planning strategies have saved an average of over $500,000 in estate taxes per client.
Big-Firm Expertise, Personal Attention
Sophisticated Strategy for Every Transaction - You receive the same level of legal sophistication found in $100 million corporate deals. Gary’s tenure at Polsinelli (2002–2005) involved over 500 transactions ranging from $500,000 to $10 million. You get this elite, top-100 AmLaw firm expertise applied directly to your estate, combined with the personal attention and reasonable fee structure of a dedicated local practice.
Legal and Financial Expertise
The Advantage of a J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance - You deserve a strategist who understands the tax code as well as the law. By leveraging Gary’s dual degrees from the University of Kansas (J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance), you ensure your wealth preservation strategy is financially optimized. This dual expertise allows for the creation of comprehensive tax plans that most legal-only practices lack the financial training to execute.
Responsive Service You Can Count On
Protection in 4 Weeks, Not 4 Months - Your time is protected by a 60-minute callback guarantee (during business hours). The firm’s efficient process is designed to move you from an initial consultation to signed, enforceable documents within typically 4 weeks. You get a completed plan quickly, ensuring your family’s security isn’t left in limbo by administrative delays.
Meet Gary Eastman, J.D., M.B.A.
Sophisticated Strategy for Kansas Families
You gain an advocate who founded The Eastman Law Firm specifically to bridge the gap between high-level corporate strategy and personal estate planning. With a 27-year track record of serving 5,407 estate planning clients, Gary ensures your plan is built on nearly three decades of experience navigating the specific legal landscapes of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.
Big-Firm Insight for Every Estate Size
Your estate benefits from the same legal rigor Gary applied while practicing at Polsinelli (an AmLaw 100 firm) and serving as General Counsel for a multi-billion dollar, publicly-traded corporation. Whether your assets are valued at $100,000 or exceed $100 million, you receive a level of sophistication and oversight rarely accessible outside of a major corporate firm.
The Precision of a J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance
You deserve a plan where legal drafting and financial strategy are perfectly aligned. By leveraging Gary’s dual degrees from the University of Kansas (J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance), you ensure your legal documents coordinate seamlessly with your tax and investment goals. This specialized approach identifies opportunities for wealth preservation that standard legal practices often overlook.
Your Estate Planning Journey: A Systematic Approach
Protecting your assets requires a disciplined process. Here’s how your plan moves from initial strategy to legal enforcement within our 4-week framework.
1
DIAGNOSTIC CONSULTATION
You begin with a targeted discussion of your holdings, family structure, and specific risks. This session serves as the blueprint for your strategy, allowing you to vet options for Johnson and Wyandotte County probate avoidance without upfront obligation.
2
STRATEGIC ARCHITECTURE
Based on your unique situation, we develop a comprehensive plan that addresses your needs. You’ll receive clear recommendations and understand exactly what each document accomplishes.
3
TECHNICAL DRAFTING & REVIEW
Your documents are prepared with the precision of a J.D./M.B.A. perspective. Each directive undergoes a rigorous review to ensure full compliance with Kansas statutes, eliminating ambiguities that lead to future litigation or tax liabilities.
4
EXECUTION & LIFECYCLE SUPPORT
You finalize your plan through formal execution, ensuring all documents are legally binding. As your assets grow or laws evolve, you have a permanent legal resource to update your structures, keeping your estate optimized for long-term performance.
Schedule Your Consultation
Call (913) 908-9113 or complete our contact form. We’ll schedule a 45-60 minute consultation at our Leawood office at a time that works for you. We return calls within 60 minutes (during business hours) and offer flexible scheduling.
What Our Clients Say
“Mr. Eastman really took the time to listen to us. He didn’t try and sell us on the most expensive option, but instead worked with us to determine what was right for our family. I really believe that he cares about his clients and I truly appreciate all of his time.”
“I met with the attorney and he really took the time to listen to me and my needs. I wasn’t sure whether I needed a will or a trust, but they took the effort to find out what worked best for my situation. They were very responsive (unlike many other attorneys) and returned my calls promptly. I would definitely recommend them.”
“I have worked with the Eastman Law Firm on many occasions. I have always found them to be knowledgeable, caring and honest. Unlike other law firms I’ve worked with, I’ve always felt like they put my interests first. I would recommend them to anyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference
Business Name: The Eastman Law Firm
Office: 4901 W 136th St, Suite 240, Leawood, KS 66224
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Phone: (913) 908-9113 - calls returned within 60 minutes (during business hours)
Parking: 45 free spaces including 6 ADA-accessible
Meetings: In-office or video conference available
Q: What estate planning services do you provide?
We provide comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate administration, asset protection, tax planning, and business succession. Whether you need a simple will for your young family or sophisticated multi-generational wealth planning, we handle everything from basic estate plans to complex trust structures, irrevocable trusts for tax minimization, and asset protection strategies using LLCs and specialized trusts. We also guide executors and trustees through probate and trust administration in Kansas courts.
Q: How much does estate planning cost?
Basic estate planning packages (will, powers of attorney, healthcare directive) typically start around $1,500 to $2,500. Comprehensive trust-based plans range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity. We provide clear, upfront fee estimates after understanding your specific situation. Most clients find the investment minimal compared to potential probate costs ($5,000 to $10,000+) and our clients’ average estate tax savings exceeding $500,000. We offer payment plans when needed to make professional planning accessible.
Q: What are Gary Eastman’s qualifications and experience?
Gary Eastman holds both a J.D. and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Kansas and has 27 years of estate planning experience. Before founding the firm in 1998, he practiced at Polsinelli (a top 100 AmLaw firm) handling complex transactions exceeding $100 million. Since then, he has served 5,407 estate planning clients, created 5,423 trusts, and drafted 1,257 wills. With 1,134 families helped specifically in Johnson County, you receive big-firm sophistication with the personal attention and efficiency of a dedicated local practice.
Q: Do I really need estate planning?
Yes, especially if you own a home, have minor children, or want to avoid probate. Without planning, your estate goes through public probate (costing $5,000 to $10,000+ and taking 8 to 12 months), Kansas intestacy laws determine who inherits (not you), courts appoint guardians for your children (potentially not who you’d choose), and your family faces unnecessary taxes and delays. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. If you own property, have retirement accounts, or care who inherits your assets, you need a plan. Young families often have the greatest need because losing a parent is most devastating when children are young.
Q: What areas do you serve?
We serve families and businesses throughout Johnson County, Wyandotte County, and the Kansas City metropolitan area. Our client services extend across Leawood, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Prairie Village, and Kansas City, Kansas. Whether you need guidance in Kansas Probate Court or complex asset protection, you receive experienced counsel tailored to the local jurisdictional requirements of the KC metro region.
Q: How do I get started?
Call (913) 908-9113 or complete our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we can help protect your family and assets. Our office is located at 4901 W 136th St Suite 240 in Leawood with 45 free parking spaces and ground-level access. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and we return all calls within 60 minutes during business hours. Virtual consultations are also available.
Secure Your Life’s Work
You've spent decades building your assets; comprehensive estate planning ensures they remain under your family’s control. Whether you are establishing your first plan, updating existing documents for 2026 tax compliance, or navigating Kansas Probate Court, you benefit from a strategy that prioritizes legal certainty over administrative uncertainty.
Without an enforceable plan, you leave your family’s future subject to Kansas intestacy laws, which rarely align with personal intentions. Every day without established directives puts your holdings at risk of prolonged probate delays, unnecessary taxation, and contested guardianship. Take action now, and you eliminate these risks and ensure your assets are distributed exactly as you intended.
Protect your beneficiaries and codify your legacy with the precision of a J.D./M.B.A. perspective.
Schedule your consultation today to secure your family’s financial future across Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.
27 years of experience • 5,407 clients served • 1,134 Johnson County families • J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance • Calls returned within 60 minutes (During Business Hours)
Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation Today
Or Fill Out The Form Below:
NOTE: Information found on TheEastmanLawFirm.com is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice nor a solicitation of legal business. No attorney-client relationship attaches as a result of any exchange of information, including this form or emails that are sent to the Firm. Please do not send us confidential information or sensitive materials. Unsolicited information that you send to us will not be regarded as confidential unless we have agreed to represent you. If you send an email or submit this form, you confirm that you have read and understood this notice.
Serving Families Throughout Johnson County
The Eastman Law Firm proudly serves families across Johnson County and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Wherever you are in our community, we're here to help.