We keep you out of court and out of conflict. At Kirk Law, we guide you to do the right thing by the people you love.
You Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
Do I really need an estate plan if I’m not wealthy?
Yes—because estate planning isn’t just about money. It’s about questions like: Who would raise your kids? Who would handle your finances? Would your family have to go to court? You don’t need to be wealthy to care about those things—you just need to care about your family. You also have to consider what you are worth dead. That number is more than your current net worth if you have life insurance.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will tells the judge where you want things to go—but it still goes through probate. A living trust is a legal tool that passes your property to your loved ones privately, efficiently, and without court involvement. Families who want to avoid court choose a trust-based plan.
What is probate?
Probate is a court case during which the court validates your will (if you have one), chooses who will handle your estate, supervises the payment of debts, and approves how and when your assets are distributed. The process generally takes 6 – 9 months (sometimes longer), involves legal fees, and becomes part of the public record where everyone can see what you owned, who inherited your property, and what or how much each person inherited—which is why many families plan ahead to avoid it by setting up a trust.
How much does an estate plan cost?
It depends on your situation and goals. We’ll walk you through your options clearly before you make any decisions. Our clients pick their fee at the intersection of their needs and their budget.
How long does the process take?
Most clients complete their plan within 6 – 8 weeks. We guide you step-by-step so it’s simple, efficient, and not overwhelming.
Is this going to be complicated?
Our process is designed to be clear, simple, and educational, so you feel confident every step of the way.
What makes Kirk Law different?
We focus on one thing: keeping families out of court and out of conflict. We take an education-first approach, so you understand your options and make confident decisions for the people you love. Our flat-fee plans allow you to ask as many questions as you want without having to worry about getting an invoice for a phone call or email.
Can I just DIY this online?
You can also cut your own hair. Sometimes it works. Sometimes… not so much. Seriously, DIY planning gives you essentially one-size-fits-all documents that don’t take into account many considerations that are unique to your circumstances. Consequently, a lot of those plans fail and result in court and conflict.
Can I control how and when my kids receive money?
Yes. A trust allows you to protect your children from receiving money too early and set guidelines for how it’s used—for education, milestones, or long-term support.
Can I protect my children’s inheritance from divorce or creditors?
Yes—with proper trust planning, you can help ensure your children’s inheritance stays protected, even in difficult life situations.
What if I move?
You don’t need to wait to plan just because you might move.A properly designed estate plan will still work in most states, and any updates after a move are typically quick and straightforward. The bigger risk is not having a plan at all in the meantime.
What’s the next step?
The next step is simple: schedule a consultation. We’ll learn about your family and explain your options in plain English. You can also attend one of our live educational seminars if you want to meet us before a one-to-one meeting.
We keep you out of court and out of conflict. At Kirk Law, we guide you to do the right thing by the people you love.
Where Legacy Meets Peace of Mind
Estate Planning
With our life and legacy planning model, we help you confidently make legal and financial decisions so you know you have a plan to keep everyone you love out of court and out of conflict after you pass.
