Kelisen Binder

Kelisen is a distinguished family law and estate planning attorney whose expertise is matched only by her passion for helping clients navigate complex legal matters with compassion and precision. Her many years of experience in the legal field, have allowed her to hone her skills to deliver exceptional results for her clients.

As a published author, Kelisen has contributed valuable insights to the legal community, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in her field. Her publications delve into various aspects of family law and estate planning, providing practical guidance and legal analysis.

Kelisen is committed to amicable results for divorcing families. She teaches a mediation course, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring legal professionals. Kelisen believes all families, in every transition of life, should be treated with respect and dignity.

Throughout her career, Kelisen has been recognized with numerous awards, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Among her accolades are the Rising Star Award and the Up-and-Coming Attorney Award. She was also honored to be included in the Marquis Who's Who of 2021, a prestigious acknowledgment of her contributions to the legal field.

Kelisen's commitment to excellence is evident in her consistent track record of success and her unwavering dedication to her clients' best interests. She approaches each case with a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of the nuances of family law and estate planning, ensuring that her clients receive tailored solutions that meet their unique needs and protect their families and financial futures.

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Kansas

Kansas Supreme Court

ID Number: 29491

Since 2022

Missouri

The Missouri Bar

ID Number: 68280

Since 2015

Teacher/Coach

MARCH Mediation

2024 - Current

Attorney

The Binder Firm

2018 - Current

Associate Attorney

Dana Outlaw Law Firm

2017 - 2018

Law Clerk

Jackson County Circuit Court- Division 29

2015 - 2017

Associate Attorney

Boggs, Avellino, Lach & Boggs

2013 - 2015

University of Missouri - Columbia

J.D. (2013) | Law

2010 - 2013

Evangel University

B.S. (2010) | Public Administration

2006 - 2010

Super Lawyer

Super Lawyers

2023

Best Family Lawyers in Kansas City

Expertise.com

2021

10 Rating

Avvo`

Rising Star

Super Lawyers

Kansas State Bar  # 29491

2022 - Current

Collaborative Divorce Practice Kansas City

2022 - Current

International Association of Collaborative Professionals

2022 - Current

Association of Women Lawyers

2017 - Current

Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

2016 - Current

From the New Crew

KC Counselor

October, 2018

Hanging Your Own Shingle, CLE by the Hour | KCMBA, KCMBA

June 2019

Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

Mediation

MARCH

2018

Collaborative Divorce Professional

IACP

Q. How can I prove I was the beneficiary?

April 24, 2024

A: You should open a probate estate in the county where your loved one died. If a will exists, you can file that will with the Court to inform how the estate should be distributed. Without more information I am unable to give any more specific advice. What account? Who is the deceased?

Q. Can I change my mind after mediation if nothing was signed?

April 5, 2024

A: Mediation itself is typically not binding unless the parties involved reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement that is then documented in a binding agreement and submitted to the Court. One of the tenants of mediation is the understanding that the parties may speak to individual counsel after mediation to seek a second opinion regarding the agreement reached.

So long as he has not signed a written agreement, and even then under certain circumstances, adjustments can be made and parties can change their mind.

Q. If I have a will when I pass away, will my beneficiaries have to go to probate court?

April 5, 2024

A: In Missouri, having a will does not allow your heirs to avoid probate court. However, there are strategies to minimize the probate process or bypass it altogether for certain assets. Here are some considerations specific to Missouri:

Small Estate Affidavit: Missouri offers a simplified probate process for small estates. If the total value of the probate assets is below a certain threshold ($40,000), heirs may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer assets without going through full probate. This is usually utilized for assets like bank accounts, vehicles, and personal property.

Revocable Living Trust: Establishing a revocable living trust is the best way to avoid probate. It allows you to transfer assets into the trust during your lifetime. When you die, these assets can pass to beneficiaries named in the trust without going through probate.

Beneficiary Designations: Assets with designated beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts, typically bypass probate and go directly to the named beneficiaries.

Joint Ownership: Assets held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship or as tenants by the entirety pass directly to the surviving joint owner(s) outside of probate.

Real Estate Transfer on Death Deed: Missouri allows for Transfer on Death Deeds for real estate. This legal instrument is called a Beneficiary Deed and it allows real property to pass directly to named beneficiaries upon the owner's death, bypassing probate.

Having a will is crucial to explain your wishes regarding estate distribution. However, combining it with other estate planning tools, like a trust, is the best way to avoid or minimize probate court involvement all together. ... Read More