Law Office of Jennifer McKenna

10/22/2026

Did you know that a will is usually just one part of an estate plan? A form can help you put a will on paper, but it can't tell you whether your plan fits your family or whether your documents work together.

Many families also need to consider powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, trusts, and business interests. It's common for someone to have a will in place but still have outdated beneficiaries on a retirement account, or no plan for who would make decisions if they became incapacitated.

At the Law Office of Jennifer McKenna, my practice isn't a document or binder service. You work directly with me, and my first priority is making sure you understand your options before we put anything in place. If your plan came from a form or hasn't been reviewed in years, I'd be glad to help.

Learn more about my estate planning services at jennifermckennalaw.com/services.


The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

10/15/2026

Before holiday plans start filling the calendar, I always encourage my clients in Lee's Summit to make one important appointment with their accountant. An October check-in can give you time to make adjustments before year-end deadlines, and it can also bring up changes that affect your estate plan.

During that meeting, it's a good idea to talk through what's shifted over the past year, including business ownership, charitable giving, major purchases, or changes in income. Updates like these can affect your beneficiary designations, your business succession plans, and how your documents work together.

At the Law Office of Jennifer McKenna, I work directly with accountants and financial planners so you don't have to coordinate everything on your own. Once you know what's changing financially, it may be a good time to review your estate plan, too.

Learn more about how I work alongside your other advisors at jennifermckennalaw.com/about.


The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

07/27/2026

Think having a will avoids probate?

It doesn’t.

A will is important, but in nearly every case, it still has to go through probate court. A will tells the court what your wishes are. It DOES NOT avoid the probate process.

This is one of those “things you didn’t know you didn’t know” moments for a lot of people.

Not sure what your current documents actually do? Let’s review them together. Visit: jennifermckennalaw.com or call (816) 929-8089
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

07/22/2026

No will? Here’s what really happens.

When someone dies without a will in Missouri or Kansas, state law decides who inherits and how everything gets divided. And many families are surprised by those rules.

People often assume everything goes to a spouse or equally to your children, but that’s not always how it works.

On top of that, families are still left navigating probate, paperwork, and court procedures during an already stressful time.

If this sounds confusing, that’s because it is. That’s also why getting guidance early matters.

If you need help after the loss of a loved one, call (816) 929-8089 or visit jennifermckennalaw.com.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

07/17/2026

I am a lawyer and also a mom.

One thing my clients learn pretty quickly is that I’m a real person first. If my kid is sick or life happens, I communicate honestly and treat people the way I’d want to be treated.

Estate planning and probate are personal. The best attorney-client relationships happen when people feel comfortable, understood, and able to ask real questions without feeling judged.

If you want an attorney who keeps things straightforward and human, I’m here. Visit: jennifermckennalaw.com or call (816) 929-8089
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

07/16/2026

Meet the team behind McKenna Law.
Every phone call answered, every document prepared, every client meeting, and every case receives the attention of a team committed to helping families navigate life's most important legal decisions.
Whether you're planning for the future, administering an estate, or facing a legal dispute, we're honored to be part of your journey.
Thank you to our clients for trusting us.

02/18/2026

I’m looking forward to speaking at The Practical Guide to Probate and Estate Administration next Friday, February 20, at UMKC School of Law (in person and webcast options available).
This program brings together experienced probate practitioners and judges from across the KC metro for a practical, start-to-finish look at estate administration — from opening the estate to closing it, including litigation, trust administration, and ethics.
Join us: https://law.umkc.edu/continuing-legal-education/events.html

Stay updated on upcoming CLE events in Missouri. Learn about fee waivers, ethics requirements, and more to enhance your legal education.

07/16/2025

Hi all,
I’m looking to bring on either a paralegal with solid estate planning experience or an associate attorney with at least some background in the area. Ideally, this person would be comfortable working with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate filings, but I’m open to training the right fit who has a strong interest in the field.
This could be a full- or part-time position, and I’m flexible on structure depending on experience and availability. If you know someone who might be a good fit—or if you have someone you’d recommend—I’d really appreciate an introduction.
Thanks in advance!

[email protected]
816-929-8089

12/10/2024

Supporting veterans is a cause that is close to my heart. This Christmas, I am dedicating my efforts to this cause. Please consider making a donation if possible.

Hello! My name is Beth and I recently had the opportunity to le… Elizabeth Bertschy needs your support for Help Fill Christmas Stockings for Homeless Veterans

09/04/2024

Off to good start. My favorite Special Process Server, David Swinford with Right 2 Left, brought me breakfast with my returns.