Do I need a will if I have a trust?

Often, yes. A trust can help avoid probate, but a will still plays important roles—such as naming guardians for minors and directing assets that are not titled in your trust. We review your situation and recommend the right combination of documents.

Estate Planning Services for Southeast Kansas

Q: How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a significant change in assets or a change in health.

Q: Can you help with planning for a family farm or small business?

Yes. We frequently assist farm families and business owners in Southeast Kansas. Your estate plan can include strategies that protect your farm or business and make transitions to the next generation smoother.

Q: How much will estate planning cost?

Costs depend on the complexity of your plan. During your initial meeting, we discuss your goals and provide general pricing information so you can make informed decisions before moving forward.

Protect your family, your assets, and your legacy with a clear, practical estate plan tailored to your goals.

Start the Process Call (620) 717-7668

Estate Planning Services for Southeast Kansas

Protect your family, your assets, and your legacy with a clear, practical estate plan tailored to your goals. Work with a Parsons Kansas attorney focused on estate planning Kansas families, farm owners, and business owners.

Serving Families Across Southeast Kansas

At Nodine Legal, we serve clients throughout Southeast Kansas — including Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, Allen, Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee, Elk, Greenwood, Chautauqua and Woodson counties — and in communities such as Parsons, Pittsburg, Independence, Coffeyville, Chanute and Iola. Whether you own a farm, a small business, or simply want to ensure your family is cared for, we’re here to help you get the plan right.

Why Choose Us?

We center every plan on your priorities, from family farm succession to protecting beneficiaries.

Local experience since 2012 — We’ve helped families in our region with estate planning for a decade.
Personalized approach — No cookie-cutter templates. We take time to understand your family, your assets, and your long-term intentions.
Practical, understandable solutions — Whether your goals include passing down a family farm, streamlining probate, or making sure your wishes are honored, we help create a clear plan that fits your life.

Our Estate Planning Services

We offer a full suite of tools and strategies designed for Kansas families, farmers, retirees, and business owners.

Last Will and Testament — Simple wills, pour-over wills, and back-up wills to protect you and your loved ones.
Revocable Living Trusts & Irrevocable Trusts — Avoid probate, protect privacy, and structure assets for your goals.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives — Ensure trusted people can step in if you become incapacitated.
Asset Protection & Family Farm Transition Planning — Plans that work for the unique demands of farm and business succession.
Review & Modernization of Existing Plans — Update older plans so they stay valid and effective.

Our Estate Planning Process

We guide you step-by-step so there’s no confusion or surprise.

Initial Meeting — A trained team member listens to your goals, gathers background information, and explains how the process works.
Information Gathering — We help you gather details about family, assets, and priorities, including family farm succession or business concerns.
Design Meeting with the Attorney — The attorney confirms goals, asks follow-up questions, and structures your plan based on Kansas law.
Drafting Your Documents — We prepare wills, trusts, POAs, and directives and deliver drafts for your review.
Review & Revision — You meet with the attorney to ask questions and adjust the documents so they accurately reflect your wishes.
Signing & Implementation — A final signing formalizes your plan under Kansas legal formalities. We provide guidance on maintaining and updating your plan over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

Yes — even when you have a trust, a will often serves critical functions, such as naming a guardian for minors and directing assets not placed into your trust. We’ll review your situation and recommend the right combination.

How often should I update my estate plan?

It’s wise to review your estate plan every 3–5 years or whenever life changes—marriage, divorce, welcoming a child, losing a loved one, changes in health, or major shifts in your finances. You’re not required to bring it to us for review, but you should take time to look it over and make sure it still matches your intentions. If questions come up, we’re here to help.

Can you help with planning for a family farm or small business?

Yes — many of our clients are farmers and business owners throughout Southeast Kansas. We understand business succession, family farm succession, asset protection, and how to hand interests smoothly to the next generation.

How much will estate planning cost?

The cost of an estate plan varies with your needs—whether your situation involves straightforward planning or additional considerations such as blended families, real estate, or business interests. During your initial meeting, we gather information and share a general fee range. After attorney review, we present a recommended plan along with the exact cost so you can decide how you’d like to proceed.

What Happens Next?

If you live in Southeast Kansas and need a clear, tailored estate plan, our team is ready to help guide you. (620) 717-7668 or Start the Process online to schedule your initial meeting. You can also review our main estate planning page at nodinelegal.com/estateplanning/.

Why It Matters

Avoid or simplify probate, saving your loved ones time and expense.
Ensure your wishes are honored for assets and personal care.
Protect the business or family farm you’ve built with a succession plan.
Gain peace of mind knowing your family is cared for, regardless of what happens.