Elder Law Attorney in Lee’s Summit, MO

Trust the Elder Law Attorneys at Paths

At Paths Law Firm, we understand the complex and deeply personal legal needs that arise as families age.

Whether you are navigating long-term care planning or already facing an urgent decision, our elder law attorneys in Lee’s Summit, MO, are here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and decades of experience.

We believe that the aging process should be supported with dignity, respect, and strategic legal planning.

Our team specializes in the unique aspects of elder law, including Medicaid planning and estate planning, trust administration, and veterans’ benefits. Every client receives personalized attention.

Our mission is to help Missouri families protect assets, ensure proper care, and reduce legal stress during life transitions.



Why You Need an Elder Law Attorney in Lee’s Summit

The rising cost of long-term care in Missouri makes it critical for families to plan ahead. According to the Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey:

  • The average monthly cost for a semi-private nursing home room in Missouri is $6,357
  • A private room costs even more, averaging $7,148 per month


Without strategic legal planning, many families may find themselves paying out of pocket, quickly exhausting savings intended for retirement, social security, inheritance, or emergencies.

Hiring an elder law attorney ensures that you or your loved ones are not left vulnerable to the financial impact of aging or unforeseen medical issues. — and gives you access to experienced legal counsel for crucial decisions. We can help you:

  • Prepare for long-term care expenses
  • Protect family assets
  • Reduce legal stress during health crises

Local Stats for Lee's Summit

  • Growth of Senior Population: Lee’s Summit’s population aged 65 and older has risen 39.6% since the 2010 Census. This surge highlights the increasing need for elder-focused legal services.

     

  • Multigenerational Households: 1.4% of households in Lee’s Summit are multigenerational. That means grandparents, children, and possibly grandchildren live under one roof. Planning for shared housing, joint property ownership, or family trusts becomes more essential in these complex family dynamics.

     

  • Seniors with Disabilities: Roughly 5% of people aged 65 and older in Lee’s Summit live with some form of disability. That number jumps to 7.3% among those aged 75 and older. This data underscores the need for power of attorney, guardianship arrangements, and professional senior care placement.
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Our Full Range of Elder Law Services

We have a wide range of expertise in Elder Law, which includes the following:

Navigating long‑term care can be both emotionally and financially challenging. Our Medicaid Planning attorneys help Lee’s Summit families protect assets and secure access to nursing home or in‑home support through Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet).

We assist with every step—from eligibility analysis to application submission. 

Our team prepares required documents, including income verification, spousal impoverishment calculations, and asset-spending strategies or transfers timed to avoid Medicaid’s five‑year look‑back penalties.

We also guide families on creating Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts to shelter non‑exempt assets while preserving eligibility. 

If you’re already in a nursing home, we assist with crisis Medicaid planning to classify assets appropriately and expedite care coverage.

Our goal is to reduce financial stress, protect your loved one’s home and legacy, and help you qualify for care at the earliest responsible date.

Secure your legacy, and simplify legal matters for your loved ones, with tailored wills and trusts in Lee’s Summit.

Our experienced trust attorneys specialize in creating comprehensive estate plans designed to avoid probate, ensure clear asset distribution, and minimize tax liabilities. 

We prepare revocable living trusts, family protection trusts to shield assets from creditor claims or divorce, and blended-family trusts to address complex family dynamics. 

We help clients choose between wills-only or trust-centered strategies based on their personal goals. Additionally, we draft clear instructions for executor roles, guardianship of minors, and special concerns like business succession or farm holdings . 

Our attorneys also provide annual or life-event-based reviews to ensure your documents stay current with changes in assets, laws, or family circumstances . With precision and compassion, we provide clarity and control for your family’s future.

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a critical tool for families who want to provide for a loved one with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At Paths Law Firm, we craft first-party and third-party SNTs tailored to your situation.

We ensure that the trust meets Missouri and federal guidelines so that your family member can continue to receive housing, healthcare, and financial assistance while benefiting from additional private resources. 

Funds from the trust can be used for quality-of-life expenses such as education, entertainment, specialized equipment, and personal care.

We also coordinate with other professionals—such as financial advisors and care managers—to ensure a comprehensive plan that supports long-term well-being. Our team walks you through every step, including trustee selection, document drafting, and court approval if needed. You’re not just protecting assets; you’re protecting a life.

Protecting what you’ve built is a key part of forward-thinking elder law. Our Asset Protection service in Lee’s Summit leverages strategies like Domestic Asset Protection Trusts, irrevocable trusts, limited liability entities (LLCs), gifting programs, and exempt assets planning to safeguard wealth from nursing home costs, creditors, or estate delays. 

Whether your assets include real estate, business ownership, investments, or inheritance, we design a plan tailored to your unique structure—minimizing exposure while preserving access.

Our attorneys also integrate asset protection planning with Medicaid qualification strategies, aligning timing and asset design with eligibility rules. 

Unlike reactive solutions, we emphasize proactive protection, establishing shields before long‑term care is needed. This ensures financial security for your spouse, children, and future generations.

Estate planning is more than just creating a will; it’s about crafting a legal and financial blueprint for the future.

At Paths Law Firm, we offer holistic estate planning services that encompass wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and HIPAA authorizations.

Each element of your plan works together to ensure your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated or pass away.

In Lee’s Summit, we see many families who delay estate planning because they believe it’s only for the wealthy. The truth is, every adult can benefit from having a plan in place.

We guide you through tough conversations about end-of-life care, guardianship for minor children, and asset distribution.

Our estate plans are designed to minimize family conflict, avoid probate where possible, and provide tax-efficient asset transfers.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating old documents, we make the process easy, respectful, and legally sound.

Veterans and surviving spouses in Lee’s Summit deserve full access to Aid & Attendance and other VA benefits.

We guide you through eligibility screening, application preparation, claims submission, and appeals—taking on the administrative burden and helping veterans maximize monthly pension payments (often over $2,000). 

We calculate aid coordination with Medicaid & Medicare to enhance long-term care affordability.

Our team gathers required documentation—service records, medical assessments, financial disclosures—and submits clean, detail‑oriented applications that stand up to VA scrutiny . 

We also appeal denials and pursue retroactive payments for months the veteran qualified but didn’t receive benefits.

This dual-focus planning honors your service with financial support for in‑home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care—while preserving your estate for loved ones.

Finding the right senior care facility is one of the most difficult decisions a family can face.

Whether your loved one needs assisted living, memory care, or full-time skilled nursing, our elder law team provides expert placement assistance. We don’t just refer you to facilities; we consider financial, legal, and medical factors to find the best fit.

Our attorneys work closely with care coordinators, social workers, and financial advisors to develop a full placement plan.

We also ensure that your chosen care option won’t jeopardize eligibility for Medicaid or VA benefits. Many families don’t realize that timing, payments, and contracts can affect long-term financial stability.

By engaging us early, you benefit from a seamless transition, reduced out-of-pocket costs, and peace of mind that your loved one is safe and well cared for. Our placement services are part of our commitment to providing holistic elder law solutions.

Power of Attorney (POA) are essential legal documents that allow someone you trust to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

In Lee’s Summit, we help clients create both financial and healthcare POAs that comply with Missouri law. These documents give peace of mind and prevent the need for court-appointed guardianship.

We explain the different types of POAs—including durable, springing, and limited—and help you choose an agent who understands your values.

We also include HIPAA authorizations to ensure your healthcare agent can access important medical records.

Without a valid POA, your family may face delays and legal expenses to gain decision-making authority. We help you avoid these pitfalls by creating clear, enforceable documents that reflect your wishes.

Our POAs work hand-in-hand with your overall estate plan, providing complete legal coverage for any stage of life.

Reasons To Choose Paths Law Firm

  1. Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
  2. Focused Exclusively on Elder Law & Estate Planning
  3. Personalized, Neighborly Service in Lee’s Summit
  4. We Help Families Plan with Clarity and Confidence
  5. 5-Star Rating on Google

Get Started With the Lee's Summit Elder Law Attorneys You Can Trust

Your family’s future deserves protection. Paths Law Firm is ready to guide you with warmth, clarity, and legal expertise. Give us a call, stop by, or fill out the form below to get started.

Address: 5008 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

Phone: (816) 524-7999

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ATTORNEY

Russell A. Fracassa (Rusty)

Attorney Russell A. Fracassa

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

Attorney

Kathleen E. Overton

Kathleen E. Overton, Attorney

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. 

Of Counsel

Janeece L. Dent-Bennett

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.

Paralegal

Jennifer Scott

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 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 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 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.

Legal Assistant

Reese M. Lehr

Reese 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 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
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 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.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sydney R. Morris

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 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 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.