A.D. Litigation & Estate Planning, LLC

03/24/2026

A great result for one of the most deserving clients I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Unfortunately, it can be easy to get jaded when you work in the law where it seems too often justice is easily evaded, so this was a definite win.

10/16/2025

Why and when is it not sufficient to rely on beneficiary designations as your estate plan?

First, and foremost what types of assets have beneficiary designations?

1. life insurance policies
2. retirement accounts

Q: What happens if you and the beneficiary you have designated die at the same time?

A: The proceeds of the life insurance policy or retirement account ends up unclaimed and in the hands of the state if no successor beneficiary is named on the policy or account. If a successor beneficiary is named, they must open a probate estate in the name of the deceased within each state's different deadline for doing so just to be able to receive it. This would be a cost to that beneficiary of between $3 and $5k, and can take between 12 and 16 months to then get.

There are other considerations as well like creditors of the estate eating up the asset that the beneficiary opened the estate to be able to obtain in the first place. The scenarios of what could go wrong are unlimited.

Q: What happens if the beneficiary is a minor child?

A: Since a minor child is incompetent until the age of 18, someone will have to institute an action in the probate court to appoint a conservator to manage the minor child's assets until the minor child reaches the age of 18. There is a cost for the conservatorship action that again ranges between $2,500 to $4,000. Once a conservator is appointed by the court, they will be responsible for providing accountings to the court on a yearly basis of how the child's money was spent and this must be approved by the court each year. The conservator will likely charge $100/hr or so to manage those assets, and this cost will be the minor child's parents' or guardian or will come out of the minor child's inheritance until the age of 18, when the child beneficiary will then be given whatever is left as an outright distribution to them whether or not they are financially ready for that responsibility.

This just illustrates a couple of ways this line of thinking can go wrong and backfire on you. It's maybe a good thought in theory, but it isn't sufficient plan for protecting you and your family.

Give me a call and schedule your free 15 minute consult.

Ph: (816) 643.4152

[email protected]

10/13/2025

Did you know that if your child is 18 and God forbid something bad happens to them while away at school or otherwise, you cannot direct their affairs without a prior power of attorney being in place? How many of you out here would not be prepared for this moment?

I can help. Contact me to set up a free 15 minute consultation.
(816) 643.4152
[email protected]

09/26/2025

The last in the series of estate planning documents and the only one that will help you avoid going through probate court. The Trust Agreement.

09/22/2025

Happy Monday from A.D. Litigation & Estate Planning, LLC

09/17/2025

09/12/2025

From the perspective of an estate planning attorney, this shows that proper planning is everything. If you have a disabled loved one, you can help them a lot by planning for their future. Setting up a trust in their name is preferable in most situations to making them do so for themselves. As the chart clearly shows, it means they don't have to spend all they own to receive the care they need, and it means they never have to worry about whether they will be eligible to set up an SNT based on age, or that you as their loved one will have to payback any benefits they received from Medicare after their death.

09/09/2025

Don't confuse the Living Will with a Last Will and Testament. They are very different. The Living Will is a power of attorney document that specifically deals with your wishes for end of life care or your care regarding a terminal illness.

09/08/2025

So honored to be recognized by Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association as Member of the Day for Member Appreciation Month.

⭐️Member Appreciation Month Spotlight ⭐️

Meet Antonette DuPree – Founder of A.D. Litigation & Estate Planning, LLC. After years of litigating employment discrimination and personal injury cases, Antonette shifted her practice into estate planning and probate administration.

She appreciates the delicate nature of this work and strives to put clients at ease with a comprehensive, yet compassionate approach to problem solving, asset management, and protection strategies.

Antonette has authored articles and training materials on individual constitutional rights, diversity, and inclusion, and provides excellent educational content to her audience through social media posts aimed at informing her potential client base.

Beyond her legal expertise, Antonette is known for her style, professionalism, and sweet, approachable nature — a rare combination that makes clients feel both comfortable and confident while receiving the highest level of guidance. We’re thrilled to spotlight Antonette!