Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Life You’ve Built Together
Unmarried couples face unique risks when it comes to estate planning. Having the right estate plan can ensure your partner is cared for, no matter what.
Work With a Compassionate Wills Attorney Near You
When your family’s future is on the line, you deserve more than a template. You deserve a personal, legally sound Will, crafted by someone who understands your values, your voice, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
About Wills and Probate
A Will is a vital part of your estate plan, it ensures your wishes are honored and gives your family clarity. But it’s important to understand that a Will does not avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of validating a Will and overseeing the distribution of your assets.
With a properly drafted Will, probate is often smoother, with fewer delays and disputes. Without one, probate can become more costly, complicated, and stressful for your loved ones. If your goal is to avoid probate entirely, you’ll need to establish a Trust, which allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.
At Succession+, we’ll help you decide whether a Will, a Trust, or a combination of both is the best fit for protecting your family’s future.
Do You Really Need a Will?
Putting off creating a Will doesn’t just leave loose ends, it creates real risks for the people you love most. Here’s what can happen if you don’t have one in place:
Your family is left guessing: Your loved ones are forced to make tough decisions without guidance.
Children’s guardianship is uncertain: Courts, not you, choose who raises your children.
Family disputes escalate: Without clear direction, families can end up in conflict.
Your legacy may be lost: Sentimental and financial assets may not go where you intended.
Our Will Services, Tailored to You
Writing Your First Will
We’ll guide you through every step of drafting your Will, making sure it reflects your wishes and avoids costly legal mistakes.
Revising an Existing Will
Big life events, new children, a divorce, buying a home, should trigger a review. We’ll help you keep your Will up to date and relevant.
Appointing the Right Executor
Your executor will carry out your wishes and handle sensitive financial matters. We help you select someone reliable and prepare them well.
Adding Specific Requests
Want to leave a donation to a charity? Create a trust for a grandchild? We’ll add special provisions that honor your legacy and goals.
Staying Legally Compliant in Kansas
Kansas laws have specific requirements for Wills. We make sure your plan meets all of them so there are no surprises later.
Coordinating With Your Other Advisors
If you work with financial planners, accountants, or other legal professionals, we’ll collaborate to make sure your Will fits seamlessly into your broader planning strategy.
Benefits of Having a Will in Place
Having a Will brings confidence and calm, knowing that your loved ones will be supported exactly the way you intend. Here’s what life can feel like when your plan is in place:
Your spouse feels secure, knowing the home and assets you built together are fully protected.
Your children grow up with stability, cared for by the guardians you trust most.
Family gatherings stay joyful, because everyone knows your wishes and there’s no room for conflict.
Your business thrives, smoothly transitioning to the next generation or chosen successor.
Your loved ones find comfort, knowing the probate process is simpler and less stressful.
You enjoy peace of mind, confident that your legacy will carry forward with clarity and love.
What It’s Like to Work with Bret
Every family has unique hopes, challenges, and questions when it comes to planning for the future. At Succession+, we make the process clear, comfortable, and centered around what matters most to you—so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Wonderful experience in doing a restatement of our original 10yr old trust. Very helpful in explaining all options to protect us, our family and assets for future generations with all the legal knowledge needed but without the hassles of probate for those that remain after us. Would recommend this company to anyone wanting clear and competent estate planning.”
Bethanie M.
“We are very happy with the guidance and documents provided regarding succession of our property, accounts, etc. Bret Christiansen and Drew LaSalle are extremely helpful, knowledgeable, thorough, and efficient. Thank you!”
Kim B.
The First Step Is Easier Than You Think
Most people put off estate planning because it feels overwhelming. But when you sit down with us, you’ll find something different: clear guidance, a human approach, and deep respect for your time and your story.
Common Questions About Wills
Got any questions? We’re here to help!
What is a Will?
What Are the Benefits of a Will?
What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
Can I change my Will later?
Absolutely. Your Will should grow with your life. We recommend reviewing it every few years or after major life changes.
What happens if I die without a Will in Kansas?
The court distributes your assets according to state law, which may not reflect your wishes. It can also delay the process and increase costs for your loved ones.
