Author Archives: Jack Peggs
How Kansas Law Limits Relocation by a Custodial Parent
In a divorce, child custody and visitation rights are determined based on the parents’ circumstances at the time. But changes can and do occur afterward. Sometimes a custodial parent decides to relocate, which can significantly impact the overall dynamics of the arrangement. In Kansas, specific legal procedures must be followed in such situations, ensuring that […]
How to Use Life Insurance Trusts in Estate and Tax Planning
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) are a tool used in estate planning to distribute the proceeds of life insurance policies. By transferring ownership of a policy to an ILIT, the insured removes the policy’s death benefit from his or her personal estate, which can have significant tax saving advantages. Forming an ILIT begins with the […]
How Divorcing Parents Can Plan for Their Children’s College Education
When parents get divorced, maintaining their children’s future welfare is a priority, and financing a college education can be a major part of that goal. In Kansas, child support obligations typically end when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. This leaves the costs of higher education, such as tuition, […]
Preparing for the Sunset of the Present Gift and Estate Tax Exemption
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) doubled the federal gift and estate tax exemption. It presently allows an individual to shield up to $13.61 million from estate or gift tax over their lifetime. However, when the provisions sunset at the end of 2025, the exemption will revert to about $5 million per individual […]
Making a Strong Case for Shared Child Custody
When a divorcing parent in Kansas seeks shared physical custody, it’s crucial to present a compelling case that this arrangement is in the best interests of the children. Courts in Kansas prioritize the children’s well-being above all else when making custody determinations, so parents must focus on crafting a solid parenting plan and showing that […]
Who Gets the Family Home in a Kansas Divorce?
For many married couples, the family home often represents not just a significant financial asset but also an emotional centerpiece of the marriage. During a divorce, as part of equitable distribution, Kansas courts strive to divide marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. The division of the family home requires careful consideration of both financial […]
The Duty of a Trustee to Provide an Accounting to Beneficiaries of a Family Trust
Inheritances can be complex matters, especially when they involve family trusts. These legal entities safeguard assets for beneficiaries, who are often designated family members. A trustee is a fiduciary named by the creator of the trust, known as the settlor. The trustee has a duty of loyalty and care to the beneficiaries that includes the […]
Common Disputes That Arise During the Probate Process
The death of a loved one is a difficult time, and the process of administering their estate can be equally challenging. It’s not uncommon for disputes to arise during probate. These disagreements can stem from various issues and can add significant complexity and time to the proceedings. Probate involves identifying and collecting assets, paying debts […]
Gray Divorce: Special Considerations for Couples Splitting Late in Life
Statistics show that couples are divorcing later in life. In fact, the divorce rate amongst older couples has tripled since the 1990s. This type of marriage dissolution between partners over the age of 50 has become known as gray divorce. While the dissolution process generally follows the same legal framework as any divorce, there are […]
Using Your Will to Nominate a Guardian of Your Minor Children
If you have minor children, you may be thinking about their future and considering who would be a good guardian for them. A guardian is a person or couple who will raise your children if you and the other parent die before they reach the age of 18. This is an extremely important decision, as […]