ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
Comprehensive estate planning, probate, and trust services for Overland Park families and businesses.- Home
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Since 1998, Gary Eastman has served 1,134 Johnson County families, creating 5,423 trusts and 1,257 wills with proven results including average estate tax savings exceeding $500,000 per client. Overland Park residents receive comprehensive estate planning from an attorney with 27 years of experience protecting families at every wealth level, from $100,000 estates to clients with net worth exceeding $1 billion.
Our Leawood office serves Overland Park families within 5-15 minutes from most neighborhoods. We help families avoid probate through revocable living trusts, protect children through guardian designations, minimize estate taxes through strategic planning, and guide executors through Johnson County probate administration when necessary.
We understand Overland Park’s diverse community from Corporate Woods professionals to Blue Valley school families to South Overland Park retirees.
Gary Eastman holds both a J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Kansas, with 500+ complex transactions at Polsinelli (a top 100 AmLaw firm) ranging from $500,000 to over $100 million. This combination delivers sophisticated tax planning, multi-generational wealth transfer strategies, and asset protection typically reserved for ultra-high-net-worth families, applied to your Overland Park family’s specific situation.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services for Overland Park
We provide complete estate planning solutions for Overland Park families at every life stage. Young families protect children through wills and guardian designations. Corporate Woods professionals minimize taxes on stock options and retirement accounts through strategic planning. Business owners secure succession plans protecting company value.
Retirees preserve wealth through trust administration and tax-efficient distributions. From Blue Valley school families to 55+ communities, we create plans tailored to your Overland Park family’s unique needs and goals.
ESTATE PLANNING →
Eliminate the "what-ifs" with a custom legal framework designed to bypass the delays of probate. You get a strategic plan, from living trusts to asset protection, that ensures your legacy transitions to your heirs without administrative friction.
WILL PREPARATION →
Prevent the court from making your family's decisions. A professionally drafted will provides the definitive roadmap for your estate, naming legal guardians and securing asset distribution so your instructions are followed exactly as intended.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY →
Maintain control over your medical and financial decisions even when you can’t speak for yourself. By establishing durable directives now, you bypass the need for expensive, court-supervised guardianship and empower a person of your choosing to manage your affairs without delay.
PROBATE ADMINISTRATION →
Hand off the legal and administrative weight of the court process. Instead of navigating complex filings and creditor notices alone, you get a clear path through the local probate requirements, ensuring the estate is settled accurately while protecting you from personal liability.
ASSET PROTECTION →
Safeguard your life’s work from future creditors and legal claims. By implementing specific structures like irrevocable trusts or business entities now, you insulate your holdings from external threats and ensure that the assets you’ve built remain available for your family’s future.
TRUST MANAGEMENT →
Keep your estate plan functional as your life and the law evolve. Whether you are navigating the complexities of current trust administration or need to modify existing documents to reflect new family dynamics, you ensure your legal structures stay relevant and fully enforceable.
TAX & FINANCIAL PLANNING →
Stop losing a significant portion of your legacy to unnecessary estate and inheritance taxes. By integrating tax-efficient strategies into your legal framework, you protect your beneficiaries from heavy tax burdens and ensure more of your hard-earned assets reach the next generation intact.
BUSINESS SUCCESSION →
Ensure the company you built survives your departure without triggering a liquidity crisis or family dispute. By codifying a clear transition plan now, you protect the value of your business and provide your successors with the legal authority they need to maintain operations and secure your family's financial future.
START YOUR PLAN →
Move from uncertainty to a concrete legal strategy. Schedule a consultation to review your current holdings and identify the specific structures needed to protect your family and your business across the Kansas City metro area.
Gary Eastman, J.D., M.B.A.
Serving Overland Park, Kansas
Local Expertise for Overland Park Residents
Convenient Leawood Location Minutes from Overland Park
Our office at 4901 W 136th Street in Leawood provides convenient access for all Overland Park residents, typically 5-15 minutes from most neighborhoods. With 27 years serving Johnson County and 1,134 local families, we understand Overland Park from Bluemont to Deer Creek, 135th Street to 75th Street, and the specific estate planning needs of Kansas’s second-largest city.
We Understand Overland Park’s Unique Profile
Overland Park isn’t monolithic. We work with young professionals in Corporate Woods, established families in South Overland Park, business owners throughout commercial districts, and retirees in 55+ communities. Our experience with 5,423 trusts and 1,257 wills means we’ve served families at every demographic and income level with tailored estate planning solutions.
5 More Good Reasons To Use The Eastman Law Firm
Click on the “+” icon for more info on each item.
Proven Results for Overland Park Families
Over 27 years, we’ve helped families achieve average estate tax savings exceeding $500,000 per client and administered 143 probate estates through Johnson County District Court. Our track record demonstrates expertise handling estates from $100,000 to over $100 million, with clients holding net worth up to $1 billion+.
Responsive Service That Overland Park Families Expect
We return calls within 60 minutes during business hours and complete most estate plans within 4 weeks on average. Overland Park families deserve prompt, professional service, and we deliver responsiveness that matches your expectations.
Experience with Overland Park Property and Business Interests
Overland Park’s real estate market ranges from $300,000 starter homes to $2 million+ properties in premium neighborhoods. We’ve helped Overland Park clients protect primary residences, investment properties, business real estate, and multi-generational wealth transfer involving Overland Park property with proven strategies developed over 27 years and 1,134 Johnson County families served.
Knowledge of Johnson County Probate Court
While we help families avoid probate through trust planning, when probate is necessary, we represent Overland Park clients in Johnson County District Court Probate Division. Our 143 probate estates administered demonstrate deep understanding of local procedures, typical processing times, and efficient system navigation.
Coordination with Overland Park Financial Professionals
Many Overland Park clients work with financial advisors, CPAs, and insurance professionals in the area. We coordinate seamlessly with your existing professional team to ensure comprehensive, integrated planning that maximizes tax efficiency and wealth preservation.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
We provide the full range of estate planning and related legal services for Overland Park residents:
Estate Planning for Overland Park Families
Protect your Overland Park family with comprehensive estate plans including revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Whether you’re a young family in newer developments or established residents in older neighborhoods, we create plans that protect your children, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes are followed.
Common Overland Park scenarios we address: Young families with children in Blue Valley schools needing guardian designations, dual-income professional couples with substantial 401(k)s and stock options, business owners with interests in Overland Park commercial properties, blended families from second marriages needing specialized planning, and retirees transitioning from larger homes to senior living communities.
Learn more about Estate Planning →
Wills for Overland Park Families
Ensure your wishes are legally documented with a properly drafted Last Will and Testament that meets all Kansas legal requirements. For many Overland Park families, a well-crafted will is the foundation of their estate plan, whether as a standalone document or as a pour-over will working alongside a revocable living trust.
Common Overland Park scenarios we address: Young parents in Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission school districts needing guardian designations for minor children, couples needing coordinated wills with testamentary trust provisions, families with straightforward estates who prefer a will-based plan over trust-based planning, individuals updating outdated wills after divorce, remarriage, or the birth of a new child, and blended families needing carefully structured wills that balance obligations to children from prior marriages.
Powers of Attorney for Overland Park Residents
Protect yourself and your family from the consequences of unexpected incapacity with durable financial and medical powers of attorney tailored to your specific situation. Without these critical documents, your Overland Park family could face a costly and public guardianship or conservatorship proceeding in Johnson County District Court just to pay your bills or make medical decisions on your behalf.
Protection for: Dual-income professional couples who need to ensure either spouse can manage finances if the other becomes incapacitated, aging parents in Overland Park whose adult children want seamless decision-making authority if cognitive decline occurs, Corporate Woods executives and business owners who need a trusted agent authorized to manage complex financial affairs, families coordinating healthcare directives with physicians at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and area practices, and young families who want comprehensive incapacity protection in place alongside their estate plan.
Learn more about Powers of Attorney →
Probate Administration in Johnson County
Guide Overland Park executors through Johnson County probate proceedings efficiently and compassionately. When an Overland Park resident dies with assets in their name, we handle the complete probate process from initial filing through final distribution.
We help with: Johnson County District Court probate filings, Overland Park real estate in probate estates, small estate affidavits for estates under $40,000, executor guidance for Overland Park families, and estate administration coordination with local appraisers and accountants.
Learn more about Probate Administration →
Tax Planning for Overland Park Residents
Minimize estate and income taxes for Overland Park families. With many Overland Park residents in high-income professions and substantial retirement accounts, strategic tax planning preserves significantly more wealth for your family.
Tax planning for: Corporate executives with stock options and deferred compensation, Overland Park business owners planning succession, real estate investors with multiple properties, families approaching federal estate tax exemption thresholds, and strategic charitable giving to reduce taxes.
Learn more about Tax and Financial Planning →
Asset Protection for Overland Park Professionals and Business Owners
Shield your wealth from lawsuits and creditors. Overland Park’s concentration of physicians, attorneys, business owners, and executives creates significant professional liability exposure requiring sophisticated asset protection.
Protection for: Medical professionals at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and area practices, attorneys and legal professionals, Corporate Woods executives and business owners, real estate investors with Overland Park rental properties, and high-net-worth families facing increased litigation risk.
Learn more about Asset Protection →
Trust Management and Administration
Support for Overland Park trustees fulfilling fiduciary duties. Whether you’re a first-time trustee after a parent’s death or managing ongoing family trusts, we provide comprehensive guidance.
Trustee support for: Overland Park residents named as successor trustees, families administering trusts with local real estate, professional trustees serving Overland Park clients, trust tax preparation and compliance, and beneficiary distribution guidance.
Learn more about Trust Management →
Business Succession Planning for Overland Park Business Owners
Protect the business you’ve built with a comprehensive succession strategy that addresses ownership transition, tax minimization, and continuity planning. Overland Park is the commercial hub of Johnson County, home to thousands of businesses ranging from Corporate Woods enterprises to professional practices along Metcalf and small businesses throughout the city, and each needs a plan that integrates business and personal estate planning.
We help with: Buy-sell agreements funded by life insurance to ensure smooth ownership transitions, exit planning strategies that maximize after-tax proceeds for retiring owners, family business succession structuring when transferring ownership to the next generation, key person protection and management continuity planning, business valuation coordination for estate and gift tax purposes, and entity structuring (LLC, S-corp, partnership) optimized for both operations and estate planning goals.
Estate Planning Issues Unique to Overland Park
Overland Park Real Estate in Estate Planning
Overland Park’s diverse housing market, from townhomes and condos to large single-family homes, requires strategic planning. Home values have appreciated significantly, making proper estate planning essential to avoid probate and minimize taxes.
Considerations: Rising property values increase estate sizes toward tax thresholds, investment properties and rental homes need LLC protection, downsizing from family homes to senior living requires planning, and choosing between transfer-on-death deeds vs. trust funding for Overland Park properties.
Blue Valley School District Planning
Many Overland Park families choose the city specifically for Blue Valley Schools. Estate planning for families with school-age children includes guardian designations ensuring children remain in their schools and communities if something happens to parents.
Corporate Woods and Professional Employment
Overland Park’s Corporate Woods area employs thousands of professionals with stock options, deferred compensation, 401(k)s, and restricted stock units. These employment benefits require specialized estate planning to maximize value and minimize taxes for beneficiaries.
Business Succession for Overland Park Companies
As Kansas’s second-largest city, Overland Park hosts thousands of businesses from small retail shops to substantial corporations. Business succession planning ensures smooth transitions while minimizing taxes and protecting value.
55+ Communities and Senior Living
Overland Park has numerous active adult communities and senior living facilities. Residents transitioning to these communities need updated estate plans addressing long-term care, Medicare/Medicaid planning, and end-of-life wishes.
Second Marriages and Blended Families
Overland Park’s demographics include many second marriages and blended families. Specialized planning ensures children from prior marriages are protected while providing for current spouses.
Tailored Service for Your Overland Park Family
Convenient Office Location
Our Leawood office at 4901 W 136th Street is easily accessible from anywhere in Overland Park. With 27 years serving Johnson County and 1,134 local families, we understand Overland Park’s diverse communities from Corporate Woods to South Overland Park.
| From | Driving Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| North Overland Park (75th & Metcalf) | 5-8 minutes | 3 miles |
| Corporate Woods area | 8-12 minutes | 5 miles |
| Downtown Overland Park (80th & Metcalf) | 10-12 minutes | 4 miles |
| South Overland Park (135th & Antioch) | 15-18 minutes | 8 miles |
| Bluemont area (119th & Nall) | 12-15 minutes | 6 miles |
See Our Proximity to Overland Park
We’re located in Leawood, just minutes from every Overland Park neighborhood. The map below shows our office location and its proximity to Overland Park.
Flexible Meeting Options
We understand Overland Park professionals have demanding schedules. We offer evening and weekend appointments by request, virtual consultations when appropriate, and efficient processes that respect your time. We return calls within 60 minutes during business hours and complete most estate plans within 4 weeks on average.
Local References and Relationships
We work with and can refer you to trusted Overland Park professionals including financial advisors, CPAs, insurance agents, real estate professionals, and appraisers when needed for comprehensive planning.
Understanding Overland Park Values
Overland Park residents value education, family, community involvement, and financial responsibility. Our estate planning approach reflects these values through plans that protect families, ensure educational funding for children, support charitable giving, and preserve wealth responsibly.
Johnson County Probate Court & Legal Resources
When probate is necessary, Overland Park executors benefit from our 27 years of experience and 143 probate estates administered in Johnson County. We guide you through every step while maintaining efficiency and compassion during difficult times.
Johnson County District Court - Probate Division
Location: Johnson County Courthouse, 100 N Kansas Ave, Olathe, KS 66061
Jurisdiction: All Johnson County probate proceedings, including Overland Park estates, are filed and administered in Olathe
Our Experience: We regularly appear in Johnson County Probate Court and have established relationships with court staff, ensuring efficient processing of your estate matters.
Typical Probate Timeline in Johnson County
Understanding the timeline helps executors plan appropriately:
| Probate Step | Typical Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Petition | Week 1 | Petition filed with Johnson County District Court in Olathe |
| Court Hearing | Weeks 3-4 | Initial hearing to appoint executor and open estate |
| Creditor Notice | Month 2 | Publish notice to creditors (4-month claims period begins) |
| Asset Inventory | Months 2-3 | Complete inventory of all estate assets, obtain appraisals |
| Claims Period | Months 2-6 | Review and pay valid creditor claims |
| Tax Filings | Months 4-12 | File final income tax, estate tax if applicable |
| Final Accounting | Months 8-12 | Prepare final accounting of all receipts and disbursements |
| Distribution & Closing | Months 9-14 | Distribute assets to beneficiaries, close estate |
Note: Complex estates with business interests, real estate sales, or estate tax issues may take 18-24 months. Simplified “refusal of letters” procedures for small estates can be completed in 30-60 days.
Why Overland Park Executors Choose Us
Serving as executor carries significant responsibility and potential personal liability. We provide complete guidance through Johnson County’s probate process, protecting you from executor liability while ensuring efficient administration. Our experience with 143 probate estates demonstrates deep understanding of court procedures and efficient estate administration.
How We’ve Helped Overland Park Families
Young Family Protects Children (South Overland Park)
Challenge: Professional couple with two young children in Blue Valley schools had no estate plan. Concerned about guardianship if something happened to both parents.
Solution: Created comprehensive estate plan with revocable living trust avoiding probate, designated trusted guardians ensuring children stay in their community and schools, established educational trusts for college funding, and coordinated beneficiary designations on substantial 401(k) accounts.
Result: Complete family protection with clear guardian designation, assets protected in trust for children’s benefit, and peace of mind knowing their wishes will be followed.
Business Owner Plans Succession (Corporate Woods Area)
Challenge: Overland Park business owner with successful company needed succession plan balancing family inheritance with business continuity.
Solution: Implemented business succession plan with buy-sell agreement funded by life insurance, created family limited partnership for estate tax benefits, established trusts for children protecting inherited business interests, and coordinated tax planning minimizing estate taxes.
Result: Clear succession path ensuring business survives, family protected from estate taxes, and business value preserved for next generation.
Executor Navigates Probate (Bluemont Area)
Challenge: Overland Park resident named executor of parent’s estate felt overwhelmed by responsibilities and probate requirements.
Solution: Guided executor through complete Johnson County probate process, handled all court filings and legal compliance, managed creditor claims and tax returns, prepared accountings for beneficiaries, and coordinated with local real estate agent for property sale.
Result: Smooth probate administration, executor fulfilled duties properly without personal liability, beneficiaries received inheritances timely, and family avoided disputes.
(Note: For privacy reasons actual names have been withheld. Some cases may be amalgamations of more than one case for demonstration purposes.)
Understanding Overland Park’s Estate Planning Landscape
Overland Park by the Numbers
| Metric | Overland Park | Johnson County | Estate Planning Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | ~197,000 | ~600,000 | Kansas’s 2nd largest city, diverse needs |
| Median Household Income | ~$92,000 | ~$87,000 | Above-average incomes need tax planning |
| Median Home Value | ~$340,000 | ~$310,000 | Substantial real estate equity |
| Bachelor’s Degree+ | ~62% | ~58% | Educated population values expertise |
| Homeownership Rate | ~70% | ~68% | Most families own property requiring plans |
| Age 65+ | ~14% | ~14% | Growing senior population needs planning |
| Households with Children | ~36% | ~35% | Strong need for guardian designations |
What This Means for Overland Park Estate Planning
Kansas’s Second-Largest City with Diverse Neighborhoods
Overland Park’s size (197,000 residents) creates incredible diversity in estate planning needs. From young professionals in Corporate Woods condos to established families in South Overland Park, from Blue Valley school families to empty nesters downsizing, Overland Park requires customized planning for every life stage.
Above-Average Incomes Mean Substantial Assets
Overland Park’s median household income of $92,000 (above the county average) means many families accumulate significant assets in retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate. Strategic estate and tax planning preserves more wealth for families and minimizes unnecessary taxes.
Substantial Real Estate Appreciation
Overland Park real estate has appreciated significantly over the past 20-30 years. Families who purchased homes for $150,000-$250,000 now own properties worth $350,000-$500,000+. This appreciation increases estate values and creates planning opportunities for step-up in basis and tax-efficient transfer.
Highly Educated Population Values Professional Planning
With 62% of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (above the county average), Overland Park residents understand the value of professional expertise and seek qualified attorneys for estate planning rather than DIY solutions or online forms.
Corporate Woods and Professional Community
Overland Park’s Corporate Woods and professional corridors host corporate headquarters, professional services, and high-earning executives. These professionals often have stock options, deferred compensation, and complex benefits requiring sophisticated estate planning coordination.
Blue Valley Schools and Family Focus
With 36% of households including children and the highly-rated Blue Valley school system, guardian designation is a critical priority. Overland Park parents want assurance their children will be cared for by trusted individuals who share their educational values if something happens to them.
Mix of Life Stages Requires Flexible Planning
Overland Park’s diversity means estate planning must address varied needs: young families needing guardian designations, mid-career professionals accumulating wealth, business owners planning succession, and retirees managing distributions and long-term care. One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work.
Retirement Account Complexity
Overland Park’s professional workforce often has multiple retirement accounts from job changes, stock options, deferred compensation, and pension plans. Proper beneficiary designation, coordination with estate plans, and tax planning ensures efficient wealth transfer to heirs.
Serving All of Johnson County from Our Leawood Office
While our office is in neighboring Leawood, we serve Overland Park and all Johnson County communities with the same professional estate planning expertise. With 27 years of experience serving 1,134 Johnson County families, we understand each community’s unique characteristics and provide comprehensive planning tailored to your needs:
About Nearby Johnson County Communities
Leawood - Our office location, serving Leawood residents with estate planning and trust services. Leawood’s affluent community often requires sophisticated tax planning and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies.
Olathe - Johnson County seat and home to the probate court where all county probate proceedings occur. We help Olathe families with estate planning to avoid probate and represent executors when probate is necessary.
Lenexa - Growing business hub with entrepreneurial spirit. We provide business succession planning, entity formation, and integrated estate planning for Lenexa business owners.
Shawnee - Family-focused community with established neighborhoods. Estate planning priorities include protecting children through guardian designations and ensuring family homes transfer smoothly to heirs.
Prairie Village - Charming older community where many residents have seen significant home appreciation. We help with estate planning for appreciated property and retirement planning for older adults.
Mission - Small, walkable community with diverse housing from apartments to single-family homes. We provide affordable, comprehensive estate planning for all life stages and budgets.
Explore All Johnson County Cities - View our complete Johnson County service area and learn about estate planning services in your specific community.
Common Questions from Overland Park Clients
Quick Reference
Business Name: The Eastman Law Firm
Address: 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
Online: Request a consultation
Q: How much does estate planning cost in Overland Park?
Estate planning fees are consistent throughout Johnson County. Basic estate planning packages (will, powers of attorney, healthcare directive) typically start around $1,500 to $2,500. Comprehensive trust-based estate plans range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity. Most Overland Park clients find the cost minimal compared to potential probate costs and our proven average estate tax savings exceeding $500,000 per client. We provide detailed fee estimates after understanding your specific situation.
Q: Do I need to come to your Leawood office, or do you meet in Overland Park?
Most clients prefer meeting at our Leawood office, which is convenient from anywhere in Overland Park. We’re just 5 to 10 minutes from South Overland Park, 10 to 15 minutes from Downtown Overland Park and the Stanley area, and about 15 to 18 minutes from north Overland Park neighborhoods. For clients who prefer, we can arrange virtual consultations or, in special circumstances, meet at your Overland Park location.
Q: Does my Overland Park house need to go through probate?
If your Overland Park home is in your name alone and you don’t have a transfer-on-death deed or trust, yes, it will go through probate. We help Overland Park homeowners avoid probate by transferring property to revocable living trusts or using transfer-on-death deeds when appropriate.
Q: I own rental property in Overland Park. How should I protect it?
Overland Park investment properties should typically be held in LLCs for liability protection, then the LLC interests transferred to your trust for estate planning. Whether you own single-family rentals in established neighborhoods or multi-family properties near the 135th Street corridor, this structure provides both creditor protection during life and probate avoidance at death. We coordinate entity formation with estate planning.
Q: My employer is in Corporate Woods and I have stock options. How does this affect estate planning?
Stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), deferred compensation, and other corporate benefits require specific beneficiary designations and planning. We coordinate these employment benefits with your overall estate plan to ensure proper transfer to beneficiaries and minimize taxes.
Q: We’re buying a home in Overland Park. Should we get estate planning done first?
Ideally, yes, or at least simultaneously. When purchasing your Overland Park home, you can title it directly in your trust name, avoiding the need to transfer it later. This is particularly efficient for new homebuyers. However, we can also transfer property to trusts after purchase.
Q: My kids go to Blue Valley schools. Can I ensure they stay there if something happens to me?
Yes. Through guardian designation in your estate plan, you name specific people you trust to care for your children. Many Overland Park families prioritize keeping children in their current schools, whether Blue Valley (serving South Overland Park) or Shawnee Mission districts. You can include guidance about keeping children in their schools and community. Proper planning ensures your children’s stability and continuity.
Q: I’m retiring and downsizing from my Overland Park home. Do I need to update my estate plan?
Absolutely. Major life transitions like retirement, downsizing, moving to senior living, or relocating out of state all trigger the need for estate plan updates. We help Overland Park retirees update plans for changed circumstances, new property, long-term care considerations, and evolved family situations.
Q: Where does probate happen for Overland Park residents?
Probate for Overland Park (and all Johnson County) residents occurs at Johnson County District Court in Olathe. While we help families avoid probate through trust planning, when necessary, we represent Overland Park clients through the complete probate process at the Johnson County courthouse.
Q: Do you work with my Overland Park financial advisor or CPA?
Yes! We regularly coordinate with financial advisors, CPAs, and insurance professionals serving Overland Park clients. Estate planning, financial planning, and tax planning should work together, and we’re happy to collaborate with your existing professional team.
Q: How long does the estate planning process take?
Most Overland Park estate plans are completed within 4 weeks on average from initial consultation to final signing. Simple wills for young families may be completed in 2 to 3 weeks, while complex situations involving business succession or sophisticated tax planning may take 6 to 8 weeks. We accommodate urgent needs when necessary and return all calls within 60 minutes during business hours.
Q: Do I really need a trust or is a will enough?
It depends on your situation and goals. For most Overland Park families with homes (particularly in areas like South Overland Park where property values have appreciated significantly), retirement accounts, and the desire to avoid probate, revocable living trusts provide significant advantages over wills alone. Trusts avoid public probate (important for privacy), provide incapacity planning, and offer better control over distributions. We’ve created over 5,423 trusts and 1,257 wills for families throughout the region, and we’ll recommend the approach that best fits your specific needs and goals.
Q: What happens if I die without an estate plan?
Kansas intestacy laws determine who inherits, which may not match your wishes. Your estate goes through public probate in Johnson County (typically 8 to 12 months), incurring court costs and attorney fees. There’s no planning for guardian designations, estate tax minimization, or asset protection. For Overland Park families with substantial assets, dying without planning often means unnecessary taxes and probate costs that could have been avoided.
Q: I have a blended family. How does that affect planning?
Blended families require careful planning to balance competing interests. Trusts can provide for a surviving spouse while preserving assets for children from a prior marriage. QTIP trusts, lifetime marital trusts, and other sophisticated planning tools ensure everyone is treated fairly according to your wishes. This is among the most complex estate planning situations, requiring the expertise we’ve developed over 27 years and over 5,400 clients served.
Q: How can I minimize estate taxes for my heirs?
With the federal exemption at $13.61 million per person (decreasing to approximately $7 million in 2026), many Overland Park estates require tax planning. Strategies include irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), family limited partnerships, annual gifting programs, charitable remainder trusts, and spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs). The right strategy depends on your estate size, family situation, and goals. Proper planning has saved our clients an average of over $500,000 in estate taxes.
Easy Access from Anywhere in Overland Park
From North Overland Park (75th & Metcalf area)
• Head south on Metcalf Avenue
- Continue to 119th Street
- Turn left (east) on 119th Street
- Our office is on the right
- Drive time: 13 minutes
From Corporate Woods
• Take College Blvd east to Nall Avenue
- Head south on Nall to 119th Street
- Turn right (west) on 119th Street
- Our office is on the left
- Drive time: 12 minutes
From South Overland Park (135th & Antioch area)
• Head north on Antioch Road to 119th Street
- Turn right (east) on 119th Street
- Continue to our office
- Drive time: 6 minutes
From Another Location?
Get turn-by-turn directions from your exact Leawood address:
Protect Your Overland Park Family Today
Your Overland Park family deserves the security and peace of mind that comes with professional estate planning. Whether you’re a young family in Bluemont, a professional working in Corporate Woods, a business owner, or a retiree in South Overland Park, proper planning protects the people you love and preserves what you’ve built.
For over 27 years, we’ve helped 1,134 Johnson County families protect their futures. We’ve created 5,423 trusts and 1,257 wills, administered 143 probate estates, and helped clients achieve average estate tax savings exceeding $500,000. Our experience ranges from $100,000 estates to clients with net worth exceeding $1 billion, with proven expertise at every wealth level.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Every day without an estate plan puts your Overland Park home, your children, and your assets at risk. Kansas intestacy laws may not reflect your wishes. Probate can tie up your Overland Park property for 8-12 months. Your children’s guardianship could be decided by judges instead of you.
With Gary Eastman’s 500+ complex transactions at Polsinelli (a top 100 AmLaw firm) involving deals from $500,000 to over $100 million, combined with his dual credentials (J.D. and M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Kansas), you receive big-firm sophistication with local accessibility. We return calls within 60 minutes during business hours, complete most estate plans within 4 weeks on average, and provide the responsive service Overland Park families expect.
Schedule your consultation today. Convenient Leawood location 5-15 minutes from Overland Park. Evening and weekend appointments available.
Serving Overland Park families and businesses • Estate Planning • Probate • Trust Administration • Tax Planning • Asset Protection
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