Plain answers to the questions families bring

It may be. A will doesn't expire, but the people in it and the things it covers change. If someone you named has died or moved away, if you've sold the house it talks about, or if you've had grandchildren since, bring it in and we'll read it with you. Sometimes a short update is all it needs.

Plenty of families are well served by a will. A trust earns its place when you want to keep the house out of probate, leave money to someone who shouldn't get it all at once, or own land in more than one state. We'll tell you plainly which one fits.

Often it isn't. What matters is whether she understands what she's signing on the day she signs it. We meet with her ourselves, usually without the family in the room for part of it, and if she can't sign we'll explain guardianship instead.

We tell you before you book. Most plans are quoted as one flat fee in writing after the first meeting, so you know the whole cost before any document is drafted.

Yes. Levi and Marguerite visit homes, hospitals and care homes around Wichita when getting to our office on Douglas is hard.

You do, in the binder we give you at signing. We keep scanned copies, and we'll tell your family where to look.

State law decides who inherits, in an order that may not match what you'd choose, and a court picks who settles the estate and who raises young children. A will lets you decide instead.

A power of attorney is signed by you, naming who you choose. Guardianship is ordered by a court when nobody was named and you can no longer decide. The first is simpler, private and yours.

Ideally five years before care is needed, because of the look-back on gifts. But it's never too late to ask, even if a parent is already in care.

Get several copies of the death certificate, find the will if there is one, and secure the house. Then call us before you sign anything or move any money.

An executor may be paid a reasonable fee from the estate. Many family members choose not to take one. We'll explain what's usual.