Non-Traditional Family Attorneys Serving Kansas & Missouri

Whether you're part of a blended family, a same-sex couple, or a single-parent household, estate planning is a vital tool for protecting your assets and securing a future for your loved ones. Many non-traditional families might assume that traditional estate planning tools don't apply to them, but that's far from the truth.

At Heartland Estate Law LLC, we offer comprehensive estate planning services for non-traditional families. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, we serve the Kansas City Metro Area to help provide for the unique needs and challenges faced by non-traditional families.

Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you create a customized estate plan that will protect your assets and make sure your loved ones are taken care of. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Non-Traditional Families in Estate Planning

Non-traditional families include a wide range of structures, including unmarried couples, families with adopted children, and families with complicated kinship networks. These diverse family types often face unique legal challenges that traditional estate planning may not adequately address.

For instance, unmarried partners may have limited inheritance rights without proper legal documentation. Similarly, blended families might require special considerations to ensure that all children are beneficiaries in the way you intend.

Estate planning for non-traditional families typically involves a combination of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our goal is to create a custom estate plan that reflects your family's specific needs and wishes, safeguarding your assets and your legacy.

Furthermore, same-sex couples may face legal complications when it comes to rights of survivorship and the recognition of their relationship in estate documents. In cases of adoption, ensuring that the legal parent-child relationship is recognized in all aspects of the estate plan is critical.

It is also important to address the distribution of personal property to prevent disputes among family members who might not be legally related but are considered kin.

Missouri Laws and Non-Traditional Families

Understanding Missouri's laws is critical when planning for a non-traditional family. Some laws you should be aware of include the following.

Inheritance Rights

If you die without a will in Missouri, the state's intestate succession laws will dictate who inherits your estate. For non-traditional families, this could mean that unmarried partners and stepchildren may not receive any inheritance, as the courts typically prioritize married spouses and children.

Recognition of Domestic Partnerships

Missouri does not recognize domestic partnerships statewide, which affects both inheritance and decision-making rights for partners. Non-traditional couples should draft contracts and legal documents such as healthcare directives and powers of attorney to protect their rights.

Adoptions and Parental Rights

In cases of adoption, particularly in same-sex or blended families, it is important to make sure both parents have legal parental rights. Adoption formalities or second-parent adoptions should be completed to secure these rights under Missouri law.

Trusts for Blended Families

Missouri law allows the creation of trusts that can cater to the needs of blended families. This can be used to allocate assets according to the wishes of the parent so both biological and stepchildren are equitably considered.

Healthcare Decisions

Without the formal legal recognition of certain relationships, non-traditional family members may be excluded from making healthcare decisions. Establishing a durable power of attorney for healthcare ensures that the correct person is chosen to make these critical decisions in the event of incapacitation.

Guardianship for Minors

Unmarried couples or non-traditional family structures must legally establish guardianship of minor children. Missouri law allows the designation of a guardian in a will, so that children are cared for by the individual of your choosing if something happens to you.

Property Co-Ownership

Non-traditional families may consider joint tenancy as a form of property ownership, which ensures that property passes directly to the surviving co-owner without going through probate. This can be particularly beneficial for unmarried partners, providing peace of mind in terms of property security.

Beneficiary Designations

Regularly updating beneficiary designations on financial accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies is essential. In non-traditional families, these documents should reflect current wishes to avoid unintended distributions under Missouri law.

How Can Heartland Estate Help?

At Heartland Estate Law LLC, our attorneys are deeply committed to every aspect of your family's needs. Estate planning is not just a legal task—it is a personal process that involves important decisions about your family's future. That's why we make sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Our approach involves collaboration with your existing financial advisors, whether they are financial planners, accountants, or insurance agents. By integrating their insights into your estate planning process, we aim to cover every angle and make sure all aspects of your estate plan are aligned to help protect your family.