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Why I Believe in Transparent, Fixed-Fee Pricing

  At Kirk Estate Planning, transparent, fixed-fee pricing is more than a billing method. It’s part of my commitment to making estate planning straightforward and stress-free. While many law firms choose not to publish their fees, I believe in the opposite approach. Knowing the cost upfront often helps clients prepare and feel more comfortable moving through the process. I certainly appreciate knowing what to expect when I’m making an important financial decision, and I think my clients do too. With a fixed fee, you’ll know the cost before we begin, so there are no surprises. Estate planning also involves important questions and deserves thoughtful conversations.   Those conversations shouldn’t be cut short because you’re worried that every question is adding to an hourly bill, and I don’t want to be watching the clock instead of focusing on you. If taking some extra time to answer one more question gives you confidence in your estate plan, then that is time well spent. Whe...
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A Trust Only Works If It's Funded

  If it’s been a while since you signed your estate plan, consider this a friendly reminder to make sure your trust is fully funded.   This means that your key assets (bank accounts, investments, life insurance, vehicles, and real estate) are titled in the name of your trust, or you’ve named your trust as the beneficiary on those assets. It’s the single best way to ensure all that careful planning you and your attorney did will work exactly as intended. Also, if you’ve been keeping a list of your assets with your trust documents so that your successor trustee knows where your money is (which I recommend doing), take a few minutes to review and update it. Add any new accounts or property you’ve acquired, and note any accounts you’ve closed or property you’ve sold. The most beautifully drafted trust can’t do its job unless your assets are actually in it. Keeping things titled correctly now saves your loved ones a world of paperwork later. If you're a Kirk Estate Planning...
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Location: Clayton, MO, USA
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How to Choose the Right Estate Planning Attorney

  Thinking about wills, trusts, and powers of attorney can feel overwhelming, and choosing the right estate planning attorney makes the process so much easier.  In my practice, I’ve met with dozens of families who put off creating a plan simply because they didn’t know where to start or who to trust. Here are a few things I encourage people to think about when deciding who to hire: 1.  Focus on Estate Planning Look for an attorney who focuses specifically on estate planning. You want someone who works with wills, trusts, and incapacity planning every day, not someone who does it on the side.   Lawyers who regularly prepare wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are more likely to stay current on the relevant law, provide advice tailored to you and your family, and guide you through the process smoothly. 2.  Transparent Pricing  Money shouldn’t be a mystery in this process. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others (like me) offer f...
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