Advertise on podcast: The Smart Legacy Podcast: Wills, Trusts & Elder Law

In the final episode of season one of the Smart Legacy Podcast, Glen Stockton and Sophia Kandt discuss the heart of estate planning—going beyond documents to create a lasting legacy of clarity and care. They share compelling stories that highlight why planning ahead is crucial to avoid chaos, confusion, and unnecessary burdens on loved ones. Learn how thoughtful estate planning can replace uncertainty with confidence and ensure your family is protected. This is the episode you can't afford to miss—because by the time you need your plan, it's often too late.

Grief is hard enough without the chaos, confusion, and conflict that can follow the death of a loved one. In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, Glen Stockton offers a compassionate yet practical roadmap to guide families through the estate settlement process. Discover why thoughtful planning transforms uncertainty into peace of mind, how slowing down can prevent costly mistakes, and what every family needs to know to avoid unnecessary burdens. Whether you're navigating a recent loss or preparing for the future, this episode is packed with insights to protect the people you love and the legacy you leave behind.

In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, host Glenn Stockton takes a deep dive into the surprising reasons why most estate plans fail—even when families think they've done everything right. From outdated documents to a lack of asset alignment and transparency, Glenn highlights the critical mistakes that turn well-intentioned plans into burdens for loved ones. Discover practical steps to ensure your estate plan works when it matters most, including the importance of annual reviews, tax planning, and family meetings. Whether you're starting fresh or revisiting an old plan, this episode will help you safeguard your legacy and protect the people you love. Don't miss this essential conversation!

What happens when you don't have a will or trust in place? In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, attorney Glenn Stockton walks you through real-life stories of families caught in the chaos of intestacy laws, probate battles, and disputes from lack of planning. Discover how thoughtful estate planning not only protects your assets but also spares your loved ones from unnecessary stress, confusion, and financial burdens. Glenn shares actionable insights on wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, reminding us why estate planning is about more than just documents—it's about safeguarding your legacy. Tune in, learn, and take the first step toward creating clarity for the people you care about most.

In this insightful episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, host Glenn Stockton, managing partner of Stockton & Kandt, speaks with Aaron and Tabitha Krull of Oasis Senior Advisors Kansas City. Together, they dive into the critical decisions families face when it comes to senior living and aging transitions. Learn about the various levels of senior care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, as well as essential financial and legal considerations. Aaron and Tabitha also share how Oasis Senior Advisors provides free, personalized guidance to families, helping them find the right fit among over 200 senior living communities in the Kansas City metro area.   Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a crisis, this episode will equip you with the tools and resources you need to make informed, confident decisions for your loved ones. Don't wait until it's too late—proactive planning is the key to ensuring clarity, not chaos, for your family's future.   For more information, contact Oasis Senior Advisors at 816-608-3112 or visit their HIPAA-protected webpage at https://www.oasissenioradvisors.com/locations/kansas-city/

You've created a trust to protect your loved ones and your legacy—but is it really working? In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, estate planning attorney Glenn Stockton dives into the critical, often overlooked steps needed to ensure your trust and estate plan actually work when it matters most. Discover why simply signing documents isn't enough and how trust funding, beneficiary alignment, and annual reviews play a vital role in avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, and creating clarity for your family. Don't let an unfunded or misaligned trust leave your loved ones with chaos and confusion—learn how to create a plan that truly works.   Want to ensure your estate plan is structured, funded, and aligned? Contact Stockton & Kandt today. Visit stocktonlaw.com or call their Gardner, Kansas office at (913) 856-2828.

Making senior care decisions for aging loved ones can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, Glenn Stockton sits down with David and Alix Thompson, founders of Sage Senior Care Advisors, to discuss how families can plan ahead, avoid crisis-driven decisions, and find the right care solutions. From understanding the differences between assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing to addressing emotional challenges like guilt and stress, this episode is packed with actionable advice and compassionate guidance. Discover how Sage Senior Care Advisors provides personalized, face-to-face support in the Kansas City area, helping families make confident, informed choices. Whether you're just starting to explore options or facing an urgent need, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and prepared. Visit Sage Senior Care Advisors at www.sageadvisorskc.com or call them at (913) 951-0446 to learn more about their services. Tune in now to take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind.

Are you confident your estate plan can handle life's unexpected challenges? In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, Glenn Stockton, managing attorney at Stockton & Kandt, walks you through the 'Estate Plan Stress Test'—eight essential questions that uncover gaps in your current plan. Learn how to ensure your assets are protected, your wishes are honored, and your family isn't left guessing during critical moments. From funding your trust to aligning beneficiary designations, avoiding guardianships, and planning for long-term care, this episode is your checklist for clarity and peace of mind. Don't leave your legacy to chance—tune in today!   Download your free copy of the Legacy Guide here: https://www.stocktonlaw.com/published-book/   Tune in now to take control of your legacy and ensure your family is prepared for whatever life brings.

In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, Glenn Stockton sits down with Mike Sears, Senior Trust Officer at BOK Financial, to discuss the critical role of trustees in estate planning. Together, they explore the differences between trustees and executors, the challenges family members face when serving as trustees, and when it makes sense to hire a professional trustee. Learn how professional trustees can help reduce family conflict, manage complex assets, and ensure your wishes are honored with clarity and care. Whether you're planning your estate or considering your options for trust management, this conversation is packed with valuable insights that will help you make the best decisions for your family's future.   For more information, you can contact: Michael K. Sears SVP, Senior Trust Officer Email: [email protected] Phone: (913) 307-1657 BOK Financial Private Wealth 7101 College Blvd, Suite 1100, Overland Park, KS 66210

In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, Glenn Stockton, managing attorney at Stockton & Kandt, walks you through the essential steps to create an estate plan that truly works—not just on paper, but in real life. Discover the six-step roadmap to effective planning, the "four-legged stool" framework for stability, and practical advice to protect your loved ones and assets. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, this episode provides clarity, actionable steps, and peace of mind.   Download your free copy of the Legacy Guide here: https://www.stocktonlaw.com/published-book/   Tune in now to take control of your legacy and ensure your family is prepared for whatever life brings.

In this essential Smart Legacy Podcast episode, Kansas City estate planning attorneys Glenn Stockton and Sophia Kandt reveal why having a family meeting is crucial after completing your estate plan. Learn practical strategies for talking to your family about wills, trusts, and estate plans to prevent costly conflicts, reduce family burden, and ensure your plan actually works when needed. Discover their proven red binder system, the benefits of tools like DocuBank, and why transparency is key to estate planning success. Perfect for families in Overland Park, Gardner, and throughout Johnson county, Kansas and Missouri.

Turning 65 and facing Medicare decisions? In this episode of the Smart Legacy Podcast, host Glenn Stockton sits down with trusted Medicare broker Bobby Chien to demystify the complex world of Medicare. Together, they break down the essentials—Parts A, B, C, and D—explain common pitfalls like lifetime penalties, and discuss how to choose between Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. Bobby shares practical advice on enrollment timing, avoiding costly mistakes, and why local expertise matters when picking coverage. Whether you're planning for retirement, helping a loved one, or just want to make sure you're not leaving money on the table, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to protect your health, finances, and peace of mind.

Learn how to choose the right fiduciaries for your estate plan in this comprehensive Smart Legacy Podcast episode. Kansas City attorneys Glenn Stockton and Sophia Kandt explain the roles of trustees, executors, power of attorney agents, and guardians. Discover practical tips for selecting family members vs. professional fiduciaries, common mistakes to avoid, and essential criteria for making these critical decisions. Perfect for families in Kansas and Missouri seeking expert estate planning guidance to protect their legacy and ensure their wishes are carried out properly.

In this episode of The Smart Legacy Podcast, estate planning attorney Glenn Stockton sits down with CPA Carlie Bittel to break down the sweeping changes coming with the 2026 tax law reforms, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. They explain how individuals and small business owners can benefit from new above-the-line charitable deductions, expanded car interest deductions for vehicles assembled in the US, and the innovative Trump accounts for children, plus how small businesses can leverage these as fringe benefits. Glenn and Carlie also discuss the return of 100% bonus depreciation, the evolving landscape for itemized versus standard deductions, and special provisions for retirees, such as the temporary "Social Security deduction." Emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and attorney-CPA collaboration, they offer actionable advice to help listeners navigate phase-outs, maximize credits, and optimize their tax and estate plans before the new rules take effect. Whether you're a business owner, retiree, or someone looking to protect and grow your legacy, this episode provides essential insights to help you stay ahead of the biggest tax changes in years.

What really happens if you're suddenly incapacitated—and don't have a plan? In this essential episode, attorneys Glenn Stockton and Sophia Kandt break down the hidden risks of going without legal documents like powers of attorney or HIPAA authorization. From real-life emergencies with young adults and spouses to the stressful, expensive court process that families must endure, you'll learn why incapacity planning isn't just for the elderly—it's for everyone over 18. Discover the common pitfalls of online forms, how state laws can trip you up, and what simple steps can spare your loved ones from chaos and uncertainty. If you want to protect your family, your finances, and your peace of mind, this episode is a must-listen.