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Murphy's Law LLC - Melinda McElheny, Esq.
Plan for what could go wrong - Deal with what has.*
(785) 787-4040 (call or text) melinda@murphyslawdefense.com
Since 2019


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...

Melinda McElheny
Sep 27, 20236 min read
38 views
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"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...

Melinda McElheny
Aug 29, 20239 min read
40 views
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Aug 21, 20234 min read
34 views
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Aug 8, 20235 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Jul 31, 20233 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Jul 24, 20233 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Jun 21, 20234 min read
26 views
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Jun 14, 20233 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Jun 8, 20234 min read
32 views
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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...

Melinda McElheny
May 23, 20234 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Apr 28, 20233 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Apr 19, 20233 min read
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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,...

Melinda McElheny
Apr 12, 20234 min read
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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....

Melinda McElheny
Mar 27, 20234 min read
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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...

Melinda McElheny
Mar 23, 20234 min read
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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.

Melinda McElheny
Mar 20, 20202 min read
175 views
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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?

Melinda McElheny
Nov 8, 20194 min read
37 views
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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?

Melinda McElheny
Jul 29, 20194 min read
39 views
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