Estate Planning Lawyers for Topeka, Kansas
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Cherie M.
Dedicated attorney with contract experience in Washington, Virginia, and Kansas.
"I was very pleased with Cherie. The work was done in a timely fashion and was exactly what I needed. I intend to hire her again in the very near future."
Mark P.
I represent a diverse mix in a vast array of specialties, including litigation, contracts, compliance, business and financial strategies, and emerging industries. Credit for this foundation of strength goes to those who taught me. Skilled professors and professionals fostered my powerful educational and professional background. Prior to law school, I earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration & Accounting from Peru State College. I received a Master of Business Administration degree from Chadron State College. My ambitions did not stop there. While working full time as a Senior Accountant for the University of Missouri, Columbia, I achieved the lifelong goal of becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Mizzo provided excellent opportunities and amazing experiences. Managing over $50M in government and private research funding was a gift. As a high ranking professional in the Department of Research, I was given priceless insight into the greatest scientific, journalistic, medical, and legal minds in the world. My passion for successful growth did not, and has not stopped. I graduated summa cum laude (top 3%) with a Doctorate in Law, emphasizing in urban, land use and environmental/toxic tort law from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. This success lead to invaluable experiences of serving as Hon. Brian C. Wimes' judicial clerk for the U.S. District Court for the W. D. of Missouri, as a staff editor/writer for UMKC Law Review, and as a litigation and transactional attorney with Lathrop GPM (fka Lathrop & Gage). My professional and personal network is expansive, with established relationships throughout the U.S. and overseas. Although I engage in legal practice all over the country, I maintain law licenses in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Federally, I hold licenses in the W.D. and E.D. of Missouri and the District of Nebraska. To offer extra value, efficiency, and options, I maintain a CPA license and am obtaining a real-estate brokerage license.
"I contacted Parachini Law after I had sent multiple unanswered information requests a third party. Mark not only send out a record request to the address specified, but also sent out additional requests at other possible business addresses to ensure the request was received. As a result, I finally received the information I was looking for. The firm was very professional to work with."
August 18, 2020
Braden P.
Braden Perry is a corporate governance, regulatory and government investigations attorney with Kennyhertz Perry, LLC. Mr. Perry has the unique tripartite experience of a white-collar criminal defense and government compliance, investigations, and litigation attorney at a national law firm; a senior enforcement attorney at a federal regulatory agency; and the Chief Compliance Officer/Chief Regulatory Attorney of a global financial institution. Mr. Perry has extensive experience advising clients in federal inquiries and investigations, particularly in enforcement matters involving technological issues. He couples his technical knowledge and experience defending clients in front of federal agencies with a broad-based understanding of compliance from an institutional and regulatory perspective.
John C.
Licensed to practice law in the states of Missouri and Kansas. Have been licensed to practice law for 44 years. Have been AV rated by Martindale Hubbel for almost 30 years.
August 2, 2023
Scott M.
Skilled/versatile attorney (and RE broker) with 10+ years' experience and diverse background in real estate, business law, injury litigation, estate planning. Select Experience: • Former General Counsel (and current Of Counsel) for a prominent real estate developer touching on all aspects of business in a hands-on and advisory role, including Lease and PSA contract negotiations; • Years of successful injury litigation practice as associate and solo (primarily plaintiff, some defense) with multiple six-figure settlements; • Years of expertise in business law for a variety of industries as well as estate planning for small to mid-size entities.
July 11, 2023
Kennedy W.
Graduated from Washburn University School of Law with certificates in Tax Law and Business Transactions. Served as a specialized tax advisor and business consultant to clients across the nation over the last 8 years. I have practiced law since 2019, specializing in entity formations, contract drafting, contract review, contract disputes, business transactions, demand letters, legal research, and general business consulting.
July 26, 2023
Michael S.
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO. Bachelors Degree from the University of Iowa. Masters Degree from the University of Melbourne. J.D. from the University of Kansas. Licensed to practice law in Missouri and Kansas. Tennessee currently pending.
October 30, 2023
Matthew F.
Matthew grew up in Leawood, Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications in 2016 and from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2019 where he received a Business and Commercial Law Certificate. During his time as an undergraduate, he worked at a consulting firm focused on political campaigns and corporate public relations. In May of 2020, he will receive an MBA with a focus on finance from the University of Kansas Business School. Matthew is interested in several practice areas including business and commercial law, arbitration, and civil litigation. In his free time, Matthew enjoys playing basketball, using his virtual reality headset and listening to audiobooks.
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Rudy C.
As a multilingual attorney, Rudy Cohen-Zardi holds multiple degrees from several institutions worldwide. He has gained experience in leading firms, including Eversheds Sutherland, LLP and Bank of China (NY). He is licensed to practice in New York.
Rhea J.
I am a graduate from Wittenberg University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have been admitted to the Indiana bar since 2013. I have collaborated on several writing projects for the Indiana State Bar.
July 23, 2023
Karen H.
During my tenure as VP & Division General Counsel of PepsiCo Inc. in Chicago, I built upon my diverse career overseeing legal matters for both the domestic and international businesses of PepsiCo and The Quaker Oats Co. My extensive practice areas included M&A, contracts, competition, NDAs, regulatory compliance, consumer product & protection, environmental, patents, and advertising regulations. Throughout my professional journey, I navigated legal complexities associated with an eclectic range of products, spanning juices, sports drinks, cereals, snacks, needlepoint kits, canned goods, eyeglasses, men's suits, car seats and toys. For further information, see my LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/karen-hunter-a700179
John W.
I am a business lawyer with 30+ years of experience, with a specialization in the life sciences industry. I have been general counsel at 5 different companies - both large and growing, as well as small and emerging. I have built legal teams and have extensive experience with Boards of Directors.
Estate Planning Legal Questions and Answers
Estate Planning
Will
Kansas
Can I designate a non-family member as the executor of my will?
I am in the process of creating my will and estate plan, and I am wondering if it is possible to designate a non-family member, such as a close friend or trusted advisor, as the executor of my will. While I have a good relationship with my family, I believe that this non-family member would be better suited to handle the administrative duties and ensure my wishes are carried out accurately and efficiently. I want to ensure that this decision is legally permissible and if there are any potential complications or considerations I should be aware of.
Randy M.
You don’t have to name a family member as the executor of your will. In many cases, choosing someone outside the family is not only allowed but actually a smart move. With one notable exception, no U.S. state requires your executor to be a family member. What matters most is that the person is trustworthy, capable, and legally qualified to handle the role. Why someone outside the family might be the better choice For some people, appointing a friend, a professional advisor, or even a neutral third party just makes more sense. They’re often less emotionally entangled in family matters and better equipped to make level-headed decisions during what’s usually a tense and emotional time. Also, if they have relevant experience, like being an attorney or financial planner, they may already understand what the job entails. What the law actually requires Legally speaking, most states just require that your executor be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. From there, it’s mostly about whether the person is willing and whether the state has any disqualifying rules, such as felony convictions or certain types of misconduct. Some states are stricter than others on that point. Watch out for location-based restrictions Every state allows non-family executors, but a few have extra rules for people who live out of state. For example, your chosen executor might have to post a bond, work with a local co-executor, or name someone in-state to receive official documents. Florida is the sole exception. It generally limits executors (technically called “personal representatives” there) to relatives or their spouses. But that’s the exception, not the rule. A few things to think through Choosing an executor isn’t just about who you trust. It’s also about who can realistically handle the responsibility. They’ll have access to all your financial info, need to manage assets, pay off debts and taxes, and make sure everything is distributed properly. That’s a lot to take on. Also, consider how far they live. While distance isn’t always a deal-breaker, having someone nearby can make things easier, especially when there’s paperwork to sign or property to manage. And then there’s the family piece. If you pick someone outside the family, be prepared for possible tension. Even if your choice makes perfect sense, relatives may feel hurt or suspicious. If you’re concerned about that, it’s worth having a conversation in advance to explain your reasoning. What about compensation and other options? Executors are entitled to compensation for their time and effort, usually a percentage of the estate’s value (often 2 to 5 percent), depending on the state. Just keep in mind that executor fees are considered taxable income, while inheritances typically are not. If you’re trying to strike a balance, you can name co-executors, such as a trusted friend and a family member. This can help keep everyone involved while making sure the job gets done right. Just be aware it can slow things down, since both have to agree on major decisions. And if your estate is especially large or complicated, you might want to bring in a professional fiduciary, such as a trust company, bank, or estate attorney. They charge more, but you’re paying for deep experience and institutional reliability. Before you lock in your decision, here’s what to do: 1. Double-check your state’s requirements, especially if the person lives out of state. 2. Talk to your chosen executor to confirm they’re willing to take on the role. 3. Name an alternate in case your first pick can’t serve later. 4. Spell out compensation clearly in your will, or reference state guidelines. And finally, it’s always smart to run your estate plan by a local attorney or an attorney here on Contracts Counsel. State laws can vary more than people realize, and a quick legal review now can prevent a lot of headaches later. At the end of the day, choosing the right executor is about trust, competence, and clarity. Whether they’re family or not, you want someone who can step in and carry out your wishes with care and professionalism.
Estate Planning
Will
Washington
I want to leave my house to my grandson but give my daughter the right to live there as long as she lives. What kind of wording is needed in my will in WA State?
I want to leave my house to my grandson but allow his mom (my daughter) to live there through the end of her life. How do I word this in my will? The three of us have always lived together; my wife died recently.
Matthew S.
You would leave the house to your grandson while granting your daughter a life estate in the property.
Estate Planning
Prenuptial Agreement
Massachusetts
How does a prenuptial agreement affect estate planning?
I am getting married soon and I am interested in understanding how a prenuptial agreement would affect my estate planning. I would like to know what steps I should take to ensure that my assets are protected and that my wishes are carried out after I pass away. I am also curious as to how a prenuptial agreement might affect the distribution of my assets to my family members and other beneficiaries.
Briana C.
A prenuptial agreement does not create an estate plan. But it can do two things. First, a prenuptial agreement can create a contractual promise on the part of one or both spouses to do something in particular with their estate plan (such as promising to leave the marital home to the surviving spouse, or promising to leave everything they have to the surviving spouse, or promising to set up a trust, etc. etc.). If this contractual promise is broken, the surviving spouse has a contract claim against the estate of the dead spouse. Second, and almost the opposite, in a prenuptial agreement one or both spouses can waive the rights they would otherwise have by statute, thus freeing up the other spouse to do whatever he or she wants with her estate plan. Without a prenuptial agreement, a surviving spouse is entitled by statute to inherit a certain proportion of the estate of the dead spouse (the exact proportion depends on whether or not the dead spouse has a will, and/or has surviving children). The prenuptial agreement can override these statutory rights and provide that the surviving spouse is not entitled to inherit anything from the dead spouse, except for anything the dead spouse may choose to leave the surviving spouse in his or her will.
Estate Planning
Power of Attorney
North Carolina
Trying to become a poa
My uncle needs a power of attorney
Holly T.
A POA is best done through an attorney to ensure the verifying/interested parties are proper, the agreement includes what the principal wants, the principal is competent in case of a challenge and it's filed properly if necessary, for example if it will be used to transfer property. All persons should have a POA, HCPOA, Advanced Directives and Will. You can also pull the POA form out of the general statutes of NC. The form is included in the law.
Estate Planning
Will
Illinois
Can I designate a non-family member as the executor of my will?
I am in the process of creating my will and estate plan, and I am considering designating a close friend as the executor instead of a family member. My family dynamics are complicated, and I do not have a strong relationship with any of my relatives. I trust my friend's judgment and organizational skills, and I believe they would be better suited to handle the responsibilities of executing my will. Can I legally appoint a non-family member as the executor, and what factors should I consider when making this decision?
Megan W.
Yes, you can appoint anyone you want as your executor of the Will.
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