Why Younger Adults in KS and MO Should Start Estate Planning Early

Many people still assume that estate planning is something to worry about only in retirement, or when they start accumulating significant wealth. In reality, the best time to begin thinking about an estate plan is often far earlier—immediately after becoming a legal adult. In Kansas and Missouri, as in the rest of the country, turning 18 means you’re responsible for your own legal, financial, and medical decisions. Without any estate planning documents in place, your loved ones may have no legal authority to assist you in an emergency.

While estate planning for younger individuals typically looks different than it does for retirees, it’s still an essential step in securing your future—and protecting the people (and pets) who matter most. Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a young professional, or just beginning to build your life, here are some key estate planning tips tailored for young adults in Kansas and Missouri.

Consider a Pour-Over Will

For younger adults who decide to create a trust—which can be a smart move even at an early stage of wealth-building—a pour-over Will is an essential component.

Let’s say you set up a revocable living trust today to manage your assets, protect privacy, and avoid probate. You fund the trust with some existing assets—perhaps a vehicle, savings account, or even your first home. But what happens to the additional income and property you accumulate over the next 10, 20, or 30 years?

Unless those new assets are actively transferred into the trust, they remain outside of it—and may be subject to probate when you pass. That’s where a pour-over Will comes in. This special type of Will acts as a safety net, ensuring that any remaining assets not already in the trust at your death are automatically “poured over” into it. This keeps your estate administration consistent and helps preserve the privacy and structure of your trust-based plan.



In both Kansas and Missouri, pour-over Wills are recognized as valid tools to support a living trust—and they’re especially helpful for younger individuals who will likely experience many financial changes over time.

Plan for Your Pets

Many younger individuals may not yet have children, but they often have beloved pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals can live for 10 to 20 years or more, and it’s important to consider who would care for them if something unexpected happened to you.

Under the law in both Kansas and Missouri, pets are considered property—which means they can’t inherit money directly. However, you have several estate planning tools at your disposal to ensure their continued care:

• Pet Trusts: These allow you to set aside funds specifically for your pet’s care. You name a caregiver and a trustee—the person who manages the funds—and ensure that any money in the trust is used solely for your pet’s benefit. Pet trusts are legally recognized in both Kansas and Missouri, making them a practical and enforceable option.
• Will Provisions: At a minimum, you should include a clause in your Will stating who should inherit your pet. You can also leave money to that individual to help with expenses, though a pet trust provides more oversight on how that money is used.

Planning for your pets shows not only responsibility but compassion. It ensures they won’t end up in a shelter—or with someone ill-equipped to care for them—if you’re no longer around.

Choose the Right Trustees and Executors

Choosing fiduciaries—such as trustees, executors, and powers of attorney—is one of the most important aspects of any estate plan. For younger individuals, however, the process can be particularly tricky.

Many young adults instinctively think of their parents or older relatives as their go-to choices. While this may work in the short term, consider the long-term implications:

• Your parents may not outlive you.
• Older relatives may become incapacitated or unavailable.
• Family dynamics may shift over time.

Instead, consider choosing someone closer to your own age—a trusted sibling, cousin, or close friend. Alternatively, you can name a professional fiduciary, such as a financial institution or trust company. These organizations have the benefit of permanence and professional experience, and they can act with continuity regardless of personal circumstances.

Keep in mind that you can always update your estate plan later. What matters most is naming someone today who can act on your behalf if something were to happen tomorrow.

Establish Powers of Attorney Early

Even if you don’t own significant assets yet, having powers of attorney in place is one of the most critical reasons to start estate planning early.

• Financial Power of Attorney: This document allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. They can pay your bills, handle bank accounts, and manage property while you're unable to do so.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization: These allow someone to make medical decisions on your behalf and access your medical records if you're unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate.

Without these documents, your family may be forced to go to court to obtain guardianship or conservatorship to help you—an expensive, time-consuming, and stressful process. In Kansas and Missouri, these forms are straightforward to execute with the help of an estate planning attorney, and they offer tremendous peace of mind.

Prepare for Changing Life Events

As a younger individual, your estate planning needs will almost certainly evolve. You may change careers, buy a home, get married, have children, move across state lines, or inherit money. Each of these milestones should prompt a review—and potentially an update—of your estate plan.

A few tips to keep your plan current:

• Review your plan every 2–3 years or after major life events.
• Update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and financial accounts.
• Ensure your healthcare and financial powers of attorney reflect your current relationships and preferences.
• Refine your trust or Will provisions as your wealth grows.

Estate planning is not a one-time event—it’s a living process that grows alongside your life.

Consider Student Loans and Digital Assets

Younger individuals may also face challenges unique to their stage of life. Two often-overlooked areas include:

• Student Loan Debt: While most federal student loans are discharged at death, private loans may not be. If you have a co-signer (like a parent), they may become responsible for that debt. A good estate plan includes clarity about how debts will be handled and communicates your wishes to your family.
• Digital Assets: From social media to online banking to cryptocurrency wallets, digital assets are an increasingly important part of modern life. Missouri and Kansas both have adopted legislation allowing individuals to authorize someone to manage digital accounts after death. Be sure to include this authorization in your estate plan.

Work with a Local Estate Planning Attorney

No matter your age, working with a qualified estate planning attorney is one of the smartest steps you can take. While online templates may seem convenient, they often fail to account for state-specific laws, long-term changes, or your unique circumstances.

In Kansas and Missouri, estate laws can vary significantly. For example:

• Missouri does not have an estate or inheritance tax, but probate laws can be complex and require formal court oversight.
• Kansas also lacks an estate tax, but probate and guardianship processes require strict compliance with state statutes and timelines.

A local attorney will ensure your documents meet legal standards in your state, are properly executed, and reflect your long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

Estate planning isn't just for older adults or those with large estates. For young people in Kansas and Missouri, it’s an opportunity to protect your future, your loved ones, and even your pets. Whether you're just starting out in your career or already building a life of your own, a well-structured estate plan offers peace of mind and a solid foundation for what’s ahead.

By starting now, you can make sure your wishes are respected, your affairs are in order, and your loved ones aren’t left guessing. Just as importantly, you’ll have the flexibility to adapt your plan as your life evolves—and your future unfolds.