Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate & Fiduciary Litigation
Licensed to practice in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma
Planning for the future and navigating the legal process after a death can feel overwhelming. Our firm provides thoughtful, practical guidance in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and fiduciary litigation. We focus on protecting families, preserving assets, and resolving disputes efficiently and with integrity.
Whether you are planning ahead or responding to a loved one’s passing, we work closely with you to create clarity, reduce risk, and achieve your goals with confidence.
Fill out the form below to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll review your situation and help you understand the next steps with clarity and confidence.
Attorney Profile
Eric Pfanstiel
Eric Pfanstiel has spent more than 25 years in the legal profession helping people solve problems and move forward with confidence. He began his career in civil litigation, representing clients in a wide range of disputes and learning firsthand how stressful legal issues can be for individuals and families. That experience shaped his practical, straightforward approach to the law and taught him the importance of careful preparation, clear advice, and steady guidance.
Eric focuses his practice exclusively on estate planning, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary litigation. He works with individuals and families to put solid plans in place, and he helps executors, trustees, and beneficiaries navigate the process when a loved one passes away. Whether preparing a thoughtful estate plan or helping administer a trust or probate estate, Eric’s goal is to make complicated legal matters easier to understand and easier to manage.
Clients appreciate Eric for his honesty, strong work ethic, and prompt communication. He believes people deserve clear answers and timely updates, not legal jargon or unnecessary delays. Eric takes pride in being approachable and dependable, and he works hard to make sure clients feel informed, respected, and well taken care of every step of the way.
Estate Planning Overview
A well-designed estate plan protects what you have built, provides security for your loved ones, and ensures that your wishes are carried out. We tailor every estate plan to the client’s family, financial picture, and long-term objectives.
Our estate planning services include:
- Wills and revocable living trusts
- Asset protection and incapacity planning
- Powers of attorney and health care directives
- Tax-efficient estate planning strategies
- Planning for blended families and business owners
- Trust planning for children and beneficiaries with special needs
We emphasize clear communication, careful drafting, and forward-thinking strategies that reduce future conflict and administrative burden.
Trust Administration Overview
Administering a trust carries significant legal, tax, and fiduciary responsibilities. We guide trustees through each stage of the administration process to ensure compliance with fiduciary duties and to minimize personal liability.
Our trust administration services include:
- Advising trustees on duties and legal obligations
- Asset valuation, accounting, and reporting
- Distribution planning and implementation
- Tax reporting and coordination with CPAs
- Resolving beneficiary questions and disputes
- Court oversight when required
Our goal is to help trustees administer trusts efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with the settlor’s intent.
Probate & Estate Administration
Probate can be a confusing and emotional process during an already difficult time. We provide steady, practical guidance to personal representatives and families from start to finish.
Our probate services include:
- Formal and informal probate proceedings
- Advising executors and administrators
- Creditor notice and claim resolution
- Real estate and asset transfers
- Final distributions and closing estate
- Small estate and summary administrations when available
We work to reduce delays, avoid unnecessary conflict, and keep families informed at every stage of the process.
Fiduciary & Trust Litigation
Disputes involving trusts, estates, and fiduciaries require both technical legal skill and strategic judgment. We represent beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and fiduciaries in contested matters in state courts and related proceedings.
Our fiduciary litigation practice includes:
- Will and trust contests
- Breach of fiduciary duty claims
- Accounting disputes
- Removal of trustees or executors
- Undue influence and capacity challenges
- Disputes involving trust distributions and administration
We pursue efficient, cost-effective resolution whenever possible, while being fully prepared to litigate when necessary to protect our client’s interests.
Our Approach
We combine technical legal skill with responsive, client-centered service. Clients value our:
- Clear explanations and practical advice
- Prompt communication and accessibility
- Careful attention to detail
- Compassion during difficult transitions
- Cost-conscious strategies and long-term planning
Estate and trust matters often involve highly personal and emotional issues. We approach every case with professionalism, discretion, and respect for the families we serve.