If Death and Taxes are Certain, Why Do We Avoid Planning for Them?
I will not even pretend to be a tax attorney. I may do my own taxes and serve as my own accountant, but I am quite sure I have a fool for...
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Murphy's Law LLC - Melinda McElheny, Esq.
Whatever Can Go Wrong, We Will Plan For It*
(785) 787-4040 (call or text) melinda@murphyslawdefense.com
Melinda McElheny
- Aug 29
- 9 min
"Is the State Going to Take My House??" and other favorite questions
Congratulations, dear friend! You have made it to the end having made wise investments, saved a sufficient amount for retirement, had...
35 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Aug 21
- 4 min
A Reminder: Keep Funding Your Revocable Trust
As you know, we have many estate planning tools available in Kansas to help avoid the need for probate. Probate can be an expensive and...
31 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Aug 8
- 5 min
Jackpot! How to Protect Yourself After Winning
I won't even pretend to be an expert in the lottery. I am also admittedly foolish with my own money! But when a lottery prize gets big...
19 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Jul 31
- 3 min
When Should You Consider a Temporary Guardian for Your Kids?
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your children. But sometimes, life happens and you may not be able to provide...
25 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Jul 24
- 3 min
Selecting the Right Fiduciaries for Your Legacy Plan
By now you know that you need some kind of a plan for your assets, whether you choose a basic Will and probate-avoidance administrative...
20 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Jun 21
- 4 min
The Fancy Folder in Your Safe Deposit Box
If you are one of the wonderful clients who has executed estate planning documents at my office, you may have noticed that I do not use...
25 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Jun 14
- 3 min
Durable Power of Attorney vs. Springing Power of Attorney: Which is Right for You?
As you age, it's important to plan for the possibility of incapacity. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone...
40 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Jun 8
- 4 min
Planning For the Future of your Furry Friend
If you are a pet parent, you may wonder what will happen to your beloved furry (or scaley--we're not here to judge) friend after you are...
31 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- May 23
- 4 min
Planning for Loved Ones with Special Needs in Kansas
If you have a loved one with a disability, you may be wondering about the best way to save for their future and provide ongoing...
17 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Apr 28
- 3 min
Avoiding Probate in Kansas
You may have read about "probate avoidance," or you may have personal experience with a court case for a loved one's estate. Taking care...
23 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Apr 19
- 3 min
Special Considerations for Parents of Minor Children
Estate planning is important for everyone, but it is especially important for parents with young children. No one likes to think about...
18 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Apr 12
- 4 min
Oh, But That We All Could Live Forever In Our Homes . . . .
A perfectly planned retirement will leave you with plenty of money to live out your days in style, pay for medical and even nursing care,...
2 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Mar 27
- 4 min
Living Wills: Peace of Mind for a Peaceful Transition
Many potential clients come into an estate planning consultation knowing some legal terms, but not fully understanding what they mean....
15 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Mar 23
- 4 min
Revocable Living Trusts: Not Just for Rich People
What is a Revocable Living Trust? You may have heard of a trust before now. Most people hear of them the first time in the context of...
3 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Mar 20, 2020
- 2 min
Social Converging in the Home of Spanish Flu
It can be hard out here on the prairie to connect with one's clients. Lawyers are trained to adapt, to pivot, to compensate.
173 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Nov 8, 2019
- 4 min
Make it Awkward
New Year's Day is some kind of magical cutoff after which estate planning comes into focus. But what are y'all doing in the meantime?
35 views0 comments
Melinda McElheny
- Jul 29, 2019
- 4 min
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' Inheritance!
Most people who have children will be tempted to leave the bulk of their estates to their kids in equal shares. Who are we kidding here?
39 views0 comments
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