Paths Law Firm specializes in elder law, estate planning, and Medicaid qualification services across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The firm operates from three locations—Lee's Summit, Overland Park, and North Kansas City—serving clients on both the Missouri and Kansas sides of the state line. For families dealing with aging parents, long-term care decisions, or the complexities of protecting assets while qualifying for government benefits, this is exactly the type of practice that addresses those overlapping concerns.

The core service that draws many clients through the door is Medicaid planning. Nursing home care costs can drain a family's savings faster than most people expect, and Medicaid eligibility rules are notoriously tricky to navigate. Paths Law Firm helps families structure their finances in ways that meet Missouri's qualification requirements while still preserving assets for spouses and heirs. It's the kind of work where getting the details wrong can mean the difference between approval and denial, so having attorneys who understand the regulations inside and out matters quite a bit.

Beyond Medicaid, the firm handles wills, trusts, and broader estate planning. Special needs trusts get particular attention here—these are the legal vehicles that let families provide for disabled loved ones without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance. In my opinion, the fact that they offer this alongside Medicaid planning makes sense; both services require understanding how public benefits interact with private wealth. Blended family planning and farm estate planning round out the estate tax services, addressing situations where inheritance gets complicated by remarriage or agricultural operations.

Veterans and their families can access help with VA benefits through the firm. Aid and Attendance, a benefit that helps cover long-term care costs, remains underutilized because the application process confuses many people. Multiple client testimonials mention the firm's success in securing these benefits after families struggled to navigate the VA system on their own. For veterans who served and earned these benefits, having someone who knows the process can make a real difference.

The attorneys leading the practice bring substantial experience. Russell "Rusty" Fracassa has over 30 years in legal practice with a background in accounting and tax law before shifting to elder law. His training as a CPA before becoming an attorney gives him a financial perspective that proves useful when structuring estates or protecting assets. Kathleen Overton brings 17 years of experience, with particular strength in special needs planning and business formation, including helping clients establish 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

What stands out about Paths Law Firm is the flexibility they offer clients who face mobility challenges. The team will meet at hospitals, nursing homes, or private residences when clients can't easily travel to an office. Saturday appointments are available for families juggling work schedules during the week. As a reviewer, I find this kind of accommodation practical rather than gimmicky—elder law clients often include people who genuinely cannot sit in a conference room, and serving them where they are reflects an understanding of the population they work with.

The firm offers a membership program that provides ongoing legal guidance, document reviews, and priority access to the team. For clients whose situations evolve over time—health changes, family circumstances shift, or laws get updated—this creates a continuing relationship rather than a one-time transaction. The model seems designed around the reality that elder law matters rarely wrap up neatly and never need revisiting.

Educational resources on their website include a glossary of legal terms, case studies, and a blog covering topics relevant to their practice areas. Terms like "look-back period," "fiduciary," and "living trust" appear frequently in elder law conversations, and having plain-language explanations available helps clients understand what their attorneys are actually doing. Client testimonials consistently mention the firm's willingness to explain things clearly and to get to know clients personally before diving into legal business.

Paths Law Firm positions itself as a compassionate advocate for families facing difficult transitions. The combination of Medicaid expertise, estate planning services, and VA benefits assistance covers the major legal concerns that tend to surface as people age or care for aging relatives. With multiple office locations across the Kansas City metro and willingness to meet clients where they are, the firm removes some of the logistical barriers that might otherwise keep families from getting the help they need.

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