Cookie Policy

Last updated Dec 15, 2021

INTRODUCTION

Paths Law Firm (“we” or “us” or “our”) may use cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, and other tracking technologies when you visit our website https://pathslawfirm.com, including any other media form, media channel, mobile website, or mobile application related or connected thereto (collectively, the “Site”) to help customize the Site and improve your experience.

We reserve the right to make changes to this Cookie Policy at any time and for any reason. We will alert you about any changes by updating the “Last Updated” date of this Cookie Policy. Any changes or modifications will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Cookie Policy on the Site, and you waive the right to receive specific notice of each such change or modification.

You are encouraged to periodically review this Cookie Policy to stay informed of updates. You will be deemed to have been made aware of, will be subject to, and will be deemed to have accepted the changes in any revised Cookie Policy by your continued use of the Site after the date such revised Cookie Policy is posted.

USE OF COOKIES

A “cookie” is a string of information which assigns you a unique identifier that we store on your computer. Your browser then provides that unique identifier to use each time you submit a query to the Site. We use cookies on the Site to, among other things, keep track of services you have used, record registration information, record your user preferences, keep you logged into the Site, facilitate purchase procedures, and track the pages you visit. Cookies help us understand how the Site is being used and improve your user experience.

TYPES OF COOKIES

The following types of cookies may be used when you visit the Site:

Advertising Cookies

Advertising cookies are placed on your computer by advertisers and ad servers in order to display advertisements that are most likely to be of interest to you. These cookies allow advertisers and ad servers to gather information about your visits to the Site and other websites, alternate the ads sent to a specific computer, and track how often an ad has been viewed and by whom. These cookies are linked to a computer and do not gather any personal information about you.

Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies monitor how users reached the Site, and how they interact with and move around once on the Site. These cookies let us know what features on the Site are working the best and what features on the Site can be improved.

Our Cookies

Our cookies are “first-party cookies”, and can be either permanent or temporary. These are necessary cookies, without which the Site won’t work properly or be able to provide certain features and functionalities. Some of these may be manually disabled in your browser, but may affect the functionality of the Site.

Personalization Cookies

Personalization cookies are used to recognize repeat visitors to the Site. We use these cookies to record your browsing history, the pages you have visited, and your settings and preferences each time you visit the Site.

Security Cookies

Security cookies help identify and prevent security risks. We use these cookies to authenticate users and protect user data from unauthorized parties.

Site Management Cookies

Site management cookies are used to maintain your identity or session on the Site so that you are not logged off unexpectedly, and any information you enter is retained from page to page. These cookies cannot be turned off individually, but you can disable all cookies in your browser.

Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies may be place on your computer when you visit the Site by companies that run certain services we offer. These cookies allow the third parties to gather and track certain information about you. These cookies can be manually disabled in your browser.

CONTROL OF COOKIES

Most browsers are set to accept cookies by default. However, you can remove or reject cookies in your browser’s settings. Please be aware that such action could affect the availability and functionality of the Site.

For more information on how to control cookies, check your browser or device’s settings for how you can control or reject cookies, or visit the following links:

In addition, you may opt-out of some third-party cookies through the Network Advertising Initiative’s Opt-Out Tool.

OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

In addition to cookies, we may use web beacons, pixel tags, and other tracking technologies on the Site to help customize the Site and improve your experience. A “web beacon” or “pixel tag” is tiny object or image embedded in a web page or email. They are used to track the number of users who have visited particular pages and viewed emails, and acquire other statistical data. They collect only a limited set of data, such as a cookie number, time and date of page or email view, and a description of the page or email on which they reside. Web beacons and pixel tags cannot be declined. However, you can limit their use by controlling the cookies that interact with them.

PRIVACY POLICY

For more information about how we use information collected by cookies and other tracking technologies, please refer to our Privacy Policy [CLICK HERE]/posted on the Site. This Cookie Policy is part of and is incorporated into our Privacy Policy. By using the Site, you agree to be bound by this Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy.

CONTACT US

Paths Law Firm
5008 NE Lakewood Way,
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
(816) 524-7999

MAIN OFFICE

816-524-7999
5008 NE Lakewood Way
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
888-512-9247 (fax)

OVERLAND PARK

913-717-0021
7400 W. 132nd St. Suite 150
Overland Park, Kansas 66213
888-512-9247 (fax)

NORTH KANSAS CITY

816-524-7999
2029 Burlington St
North Kansas City, MO 64116
By appointment only
888-512-9247 (fax)

APPOINTMENTS

Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm

Saturdays
Appointment Only

RESOURCES

GENERAL

DISCLAIMER

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. The use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact Paths Law Firm directly.

We improve our services and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Paralegal

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer serves as an Estate Planning Paralegal, providing comprehensive support to the firm’s attorneys and clients. She assists in the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with each client’s objectives.

Before transitioning into estate planning, Jennifer gained extensive experience as a Family Law Paralegal, this background enables her to navigate sensitive client circumstances with professionalism, discretion, and a strong understanding of family dynamics.

Jennifer is recognized for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and commitment to delivering a thoughtful and reassuring client experience. She approaches each matter with integrity and a focus on ensuring clients feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys practicing yoga, watching sunsets, and spending time in nature—activities that provide balance and inspiration in her personal life.

Assistant to Russell Fracassa

Peyton Osborne

Peyton serves as the Assistant to Russell Fracassa, bringing dedication, reliability, and compassion to her role at Paths Law Firm.

With prior experience supporting small businesses in administrative and operational capacities, she has developed strong organizational skills and a sharp attention to detail that help ensure both attorneys and clients are well supported.

She is currently studying at the University of Missouri–Kansas City as an Honors Student, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence in both her academic and professional pursuits. Peyton’s work ethic and drive are reflected in the care she brings to each task and interaction.

Outside of the office, Peyton enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring new places.

Probate Paralegal

Shaye Kotze

Shaye entered the field of civil law in 2022 and has quickly developed a strong foundation in client service and legal support.

Her academic background includes an Associate of Science degree in Healthcare Services and Informatics Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis in Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

This unique blend of legal experience and healthcare-focused education allows Shaye to approach her work with both analytical precision and genuine empathy — especially when supporting families navigating complex and sensitive situations.

Outside of the office, Shaye enjoys spending time with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. Whether she’s baking sourdough, working on arts and crafts, or enjoying time outdoors, she values creating meaningful moments with her family.

Receptionist

Malia Blosser

Malia serves as the first point of contact for many of our clients, helping create a welcoming and supportive experience from the very first phone call. As our receptionist, she assists with scheduling, communication, and ensuring that each interaction reflects the care and professionalism our firm values.

She understands that many families who contact our office may be navigating stressful or uncertain situations, and she strives to make every conversation feel comfortable and reassuring.

Outside of work, Malia enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She loves reading, watching movies, and baking with her kids — creating meaningful memories both at home and at work.

Of Counsel

Janeece L. Dent-Bennett

Janeece Dent-Bennett was born in Lexington, Missouri, in 1960 and graduated from Lexington High School in 1979. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO in 1982.

In 1985, Janeece graduated with distinction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Upon graduation from law school, Janeece joined the former Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C. law firm (now Polsinelli) in Kansas City, Missouri, with a primary practice in corporate and business law.

She started her own law practice in 1989 and has since practiced law in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, serving clients throughout the state of Missouri with a primary emphasis in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, and Business Transactions.

Janeece is married and has 3 children. Jillian Dent is an attorney in Kansas City, Missouri. Nathan Dent is a Certified Public Accountant in Denver, Colorado. Andrew Bennett is an Electrical Engineer in North Kansas City, Missouri. Her husband Mark Bennett is an IT specialist contractor for the USDA.

Recently, Janeece closed her former solo law practice of 36 years and joined Paths Law Firm in Lee’s Summit, MO as Of Counsel.

Legal Assistant

Reese M. Lehr

With a strong background in customer service and a passion for helping others, Reese brings dedication and a positive attitude to her role as a Legal Assistant at Paths Law Firm. She supports the team by managing client correspondence, organizing policies, and stepping in wherever needed to ensure clients receive the highest level of care. Known for her strong work ethic and adaptability, Reese is always ready to tackle new challenges and contribute to the firm’s mission.

Reese is currently enrolled in the Honors Program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she continues to pursue academic excellence. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishing meaningful moments with her family and friends. Her enthusiasm, reliability, and drive make her a valuable part of the Paths Law Firm team.

Office Assistant

Christine G. Yates

Christine serves as the Office Assistant at Paths Law Firm, where she supports day-to-day operations with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. A student at Faith Christian Academy, Christine is passionate about pursuing a future career in both business and law, with a goal of serving her community and making a meaningful impact.

Outside of the office, Christine is a multi-talented individual who enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing musical instruments, practicing martial arts, cooking, exploring the outdoors, and constantly learning new skills. Her energy, curiosity, and dedication make her a valued member of the Paths team.

Legal Assistant

Bailey E. Harrison

Bailey is a skilled Legal Assistant with a focus on elder law, providing dedicated support to both clients and attorneys. With a strong background in customer service and a certification from the University of Arkansas’ paralegal program, Bailey brings exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a client-centered approach to their work.

Committed to efficiency and professionalism, Bailey assists in navigating complex legal matters with compassion and precision. Outside of work, Bailey maintains a balanced lifestyle by reading, staying active, and spending quality time with their cats.

Community Relations

Jeane M. Fracassa

Jeane Fracassa – a dedicated and accomplished professional who retired with an impressive 38-year service record from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. Throughout her illustrious career, Jeane served as a Civian Supervisor in the Communications Unit, where she played a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and effective communication within the department.

Even in retirement, Jeane’s commitment to community service remains unwavering. Currently, she serves in various capacities within Community Relations at Paths Law Firm. Actively engaged in the Lee’s Summit and Overland Park communities, she proudly represents the law firm.

In all aspects of her life, Jeane Fracassa exemplifies the values of community, compassion, and family. Her commitment to making a difference and her love for exploration make her a remarkable individual, whose presence brightens the lives of those she encounters. Whether at work, with family, or during her travels, Jeane’s genuine care for others and her zest for life make her a truly remarkable and inspiring person.

Attorney

Kathleen E. Overton

Kathleen Overton is an attorney and owner at Paths Law Firm. She has more than 17 years of experience advocating for those with special needs and navigating the state and federal agencies formed to help the disabled and elderly. At Paths Law Firm, Kathleen’s practice focuses on helping the elderly qualify for nursing home Medicaid, creating estate plans to protect beneficiaries, as well as a lot of time planning and forming businesses. Kathleen also enjoys helping clients form non-profit organizations and obtain 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

After attending law school at the University of Oklahoma, Kathleen began representing clients before the Social Security Administration. Eventually her practice switched to federal court appeals and Kathleen spent years representing clients before the Eastern and Western District of Missouri, the District of Kansas, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Kathleen has since focused her practice on estate planning and elder law after watching clients struggle to find ways to financially care for loved ones with special needs or aging parents.

Kathleen lives in the Northland with her husband and four children. She spends her free time attending soccer matches and ballet performances with her children and starting endless home improvement projects with her husband.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sydney R. Morris

Sydney serves as the Director of Operations at Paths Law Firm, overseeing the firm’s internal processes, team coordination, and strategic initiatives. Since joining the firm in 2017, she has grown from an experienced paralegal and internal accountant into the central force behind the firm’s operational excellence.

She graduated with honors from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Sydney is also a proud alumni member of Bloch Launchpad, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Honor Society.

Outside of the office, Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, baking, and going on long walks.

FINANCIAL MANAGER

René A. Fracassa

René is the Financial Manager at Paths Law Firm overseeing all aspects of revenue, expenses, and financial planning. She is also responsible for general office management, including assisting in many of the administrative matters that periodically arise.

René earned her Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri and soon thereafter worked her way through management at The American Restaurant where she worked almost 17 years before relocating to the country of China.

In her spare time, René is currently quite active managing multiple generations of her family, including parents and grandkids. René has had great impact on the lives of many women teaching discipling and teaching and abundance of Bible Studies. Her former career in management and event planning trained her well to juggle all the activity.

MARKETING MANAGER

Hilary R. Tichota

Hilary plays a vital role in managing the Marketing Department at Paths Law Firm. She is excellent at bringing new ideas and sharing valuable resources with the law firm and our community. Hilary has been with the law firm since the beginning, working in nearly every role which is invaluable in her marketing endeavors as she brings a unique set of skills into the Marketing Department.

Hilary is nearly complete in her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Marketing at Park University. She has earned the honor of being listed in National Honors Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Dean’s List. Hilary is always looking for new and innovative ways to share the law firm’s message.

ATTORNEY

Russell A. Fracassa (Rusty)

When asked what he wants to do, his reply was “I just want to sit at the kitchen table and work directly with people.” Rusty enjoys working with clients providing experienced advocacy and supporting them through their unfamiliar and overwhelming situations. Due to all the challenges faced by seniors, it is essential to work with an experienced elder law attorney who has expertise in the law, issues, and concerns affecting seniors and their families.

Rusty brings more than 30 years legal experience and expertise working for seniors and their families as an elder law attorney in Kansas City and surrounding. Prior to law school, Rusty was an accountant and his first couple years practicing law was as a tax attorney. This provides invaluable experience in his current practice of law. Rusty’s focus is helping protect seniors’ assets from taxes and long-term care costs, benefit qualification, and navigating more complex family scenarios in their estate planning.

Rusty has personally experienced the loss every parent fears, caring for a spouse suffering with cancer and the treatment, and working with aging parents through all stages of their lives. He intimately understands the challenges faced by individuals and their caretakers when capacity or health declines, how to prepare for it, and the legal matters while in the midst of it. He may not be able to eliminate his client’s grief, but he strives to provide clients with peace of mind.

In 2010, Rusty’s faith and love led him and part of his family to China as Christian missionaries. He and his wife, went permanently, but ended up dedicating 3 years to that ministry. They returned to Missouri to help with grandchildren after a family tragedy and later began anew with Paths Elder Law. The goal is providing compassionate care through legal advocacy.

Rusty has multiple degrees and advanced study spanning his Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration – Accounting at Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University), Masters of Arts in Accounting and in Intercultural Studies, as well as his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law.

When Rusty is not practicing law, he enjoys spending time with his family, grandchildren, and excessive eating at local restaurants.

Practice Areas

Wills and Trusts
Estate Planning
Asset Protection
Medicaid Benefits
VA Benefits
Probate
Guardianship and Conservatorships
Education

BSBA and Master’s in Accounting, Master’s in Inter-Cultural Studies, and Doctorate in Juris Prudence

Rockhurst University
Liberty University
University of Missouri – Kansas City

Admissions to Practice

Missouri

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

State Bar of Missouri
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (long-time Member)
Elder Counsel (Charter and Ongoing Member)
Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (Past Member)
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Missouri State Bar Committees – Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate

Call Now

816-524-7999

913-717-0021

Call Now

INTRODUCTION

USE OF COOKIES

TYPES OF COOKIES

Advertising Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Our Cookies

Personalization Cookies

Security Cookies

Site Management Cookies

Third-Party Cookies

CONTROL OF COOKIES

OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

PRIVACY POLICY

CONTACT US

Paralegal

Jennifer Scott

Assistant to Russell Fracassa

Peyton Osborne

Probate Paralegal

Shaye Kotze

Receptionist

Malia Blosser

Of Counsel

Janeece L. Dent-Bennett

Legal Assistant

Reese M. Lehr

Office Assistant

Christine G. Yates

Legal Assistant

Bailey E. Harrison

Community Relations

Jeane M. Fracassa

Attorney

Kathleen E. Overton

We're here to help!

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sydney R. Morris

FINANCIAL MANAGER

René A. Fracassa

MARKETING MANAGER

Hilary R. Tichota

ATTORNEY

Russell A. Fracassa (Rusty)