Kirk Estate Planning

12/05/2025

Today is a great day to **Fund Your Trust**

As the year winds down, it's a good time to make sure your Revocable Trust is fully funded. This means that your key assets (bank accounts, investments, real estate, and vehicles) are either titled in the name of your trust or your trust is listed as the beneficiary/POD/TOD on the asset.

It’s the single best way to ensure all of that careful estate planning will work as intended.

Remember that your Trustee will need to locate all of your assets if you pass away, so if you’ve been keeping an asset list in your trust binder, first of all, that's excellent work, and second, take a few minutes to review and update it. Add any new accounts or property, and note accounts you’ve closed or assets you've sold.

If you have any questions about any of this, of course feel free to contact me. Happy December!

06/12/2025

Lots of folks know that estate planning is important and want to take care of it, but the options can be overwhelming. Choosing the right estate planning attorney makes the process so much easier. 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 flat fees for estate planning services. I prefer flat fees because they allow you to ask questions and take your time without worrying about hourly rates. I also share my fees openly on my website because most clients appreciate knowing the cost up front before we get started.

3. Compassionate, Clear Communication
This is a big one. If you feel rushed, judged, or confused during the first meeting, that’s a red flag. The right estate planning attorney will take the time to listen and explain things in plain English. You should feel comfortable, informed, and supported, not overwhelmed.

4. Past Client Experiences
Check out their Google reviews. A trustworthy estate planning attorney will have clients who talk about how easy they made the process and how relieved they felt afterward. You’ll learn a lot from what others have to say.

How I Approach Estate Planning

In my law practice, this work is all I do. I help individuals and families in Missouri and Illinois create clear, customized estate plans that work for them. I offer flat-fee pricing, straightforward guidance, and a calm, supportive approach.

If you'd like to learn more, reach out and we'll talk.

05/16/2025

Did you know that once your child turns 18, you no longer have the automatic legal right to make medical or financial decisions for them — even if they’re still in high school and living at home?

That’s why I recommend every family with a young adult have two important documents in place:

✅ Health Care Power of Attorney – so you can make medical decisions if they’re unable to, but also so you can assist with things like managing medications, accessing medical records, or speaking with doctors' offices

✅ Financial Power of Attorney – so you can help with things like banking, tuition, or bills in case of an emergency.

These aren’t just for college students — they’re essential for any 18-year-old.

If your child has reached (or is approaching) adulthood, now is the time to put these protections in place. 💜

Feel free to reach out to me here or using the contact info on my website: www.kirkestateplanning.com

01/04/2025

As Kirk Estate Planning LLC celebrates 8 years in business, I want to thank the incredible clients, business partners, colleagues, family, and friends who’ve helped me build this firm. Whether you’ve referred a client, trusted me with your own estate plan, left a glowing Google review, or simply sent encouragement my way, I truly appreciate it. It’s been an honor to help people protect what matters most, and I especially love the interesting, thoughtful conversations that come with this work – they’re what make every day so rewarding.

Here’s to 8 amazing years—and many more to come! 💜💚

Get peace of mind for you and your family.

05/28/2024

Estate planning and parenting can mix 😄

04/03/2024

As parents, we all want the best for our children, even if we're not around to provide it ourselves. That's why naming a guardian for your minor children is one of the most crucial decisions you can make. Here's why it matters:

• Peace of Mind: By naming a guardian, you ensure that your children will be cared for by someone you trust and who shares your values and parenting style.

• Preventing Family Disputes: Without a named guardian, decisions about your children's care could end up in court, potentially causing family conflicts and uncertainties during an already difficult time.

• Financial Security: Your chosen guardian can also manage any money left to your children, ensuring it's used for their benefit and well-being. Or, you could name a different trustee to manage the money, which may make sense if you have someone who would be a nurturing parental figure but maybe isn't great with finances.

• Immediate Protection: In the event of an emergency, having a named guardian ensures that someone is legally empowered to care for your kids without delay.

Taking the time to discuss and legally document your wishes for your children's care is a decision that offers priceless peace of mind and security for your family's future.

If you're unsure where to start or have questions, feel free to reach out. I would love to help.

07/28/2023

If you’ve ever wondered why some people create irrevocable trusts that can’t be changed and that remove assets from the control of the owner, here’s an article explaining the very limited circumstances that may call for an irrevocable trust. In short, irrevocable trusts only make sense in specific, narrow circumstances. Revocable trusts, in contrast, are excellent estate planning instruments and quite useful for most people.

Should you really agree to give up control of your assets? There are some good reasons to get this type of trust, but there are some major drawbacks as well.

09/17/2022

Couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂

A will, power of attorney and trusts are among the most crucial documents for young adults to draft to ensure they have a say after they die or are critically disabled.

08/12/2022

Happy tonight to celebrate the official opening of the new space my firm is in. Alchemy is a fantastic community of inspiring women entrepreneurs, as well as a beautiful place that I enjoy walking into every day.

05/17/2022

Happy to be included as a 2022 "Face of St. Louis" in St. Louis Magazine.

The Face of Wills & Trusts Made Easy: Kirk Estate Planning LLC, 8820 Ladue Road, Ste. 203, St Louis, Missouri 63124