Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Independence, MO
Since 1985, McElligott Ewan & Hall PC has provided comprehensive legal services to clients in Missouri and Kansas. Our firm combines decades of experience with personalized attention to address complex legal matters, including estate planning, probate, family law, and business litigation. Our attorneys are dedicated to delivering strategic representation grounded in a deep understanding of local and state legal frameworks. We prioritize client needs through transparent communication and tailored solutions for both individuals and businesses.Our practice emphasizes proactive legal planning to protect assets and resolve disputes efficiently. With a reputation built on trust and results, we serve as advocates for clients navigating sensitive legal challenges. Our team maintains active involvement in professional associations and community organizations to stay at the forefront of legal developments. We approach every case with the professionalism and dedication required to achieve favorable outcomes while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Services
Estate Planning
Family Law
Probate Administration
Business Litigation
Guardianship
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined legal experience since 1985
- Our team provides personalized attention to every case
- We serve both Missouri and Kansas jurisdictions
- Our attorneys maintain active professional association memberships
- We combine local market knowledge with comprehensive legal expertise
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and establish clear directives for property distribution. We create customized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents tailored to individual family needs. Our attorneys guide clients through complex decisions about guardianship, tax implications, and long-term care provisions while ensuring compliance with Missouri and Kansas regulations.
Family Law
We handle all aspects of family law including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Our attorneys advocate for clients during property division negotiations and help establish legally sound adoption or guardianship agreements. We provide compassionate representation for sensitive matters like domestic violence protection orders and post-decree modifications.
Probate Administration
Our probate services assist executors in navigating court requirements for estate settlement. We handle asset inventory, debt resolution, and tax filings while ensuring proper distribution of inheritances. The firm provides guidance for contested probate matters and helps families understand their responsibilities during the estate administration process in both Missouri and Kansas jurisdictions.
Guardianship
We establish legal guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults through court proceedings. Our attorneys help families create legally binding arrangements for medical decision-making and financial management. We represent clients seeking guardianship appointments while ensuring compliance with state-specific requirements for conservatorship and protective orders.
Business Litigation
Our business litigation practice resolves commercial disputes through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom representation. We handle contract enforcement, partnership disagreements, and business dissolution matters. The firm provides strategic legal counsel for debt collection cases and defends clients in commercial liability claims across Missouri and Kansas jurisdictions.
People
James E. Ewan
Shareholder, Director, Officer
Practicing law since 1976 with focus areas in estate planning and business litigation. Active member of Missouri Bar Association and local bar organizations. Serves on boards for community service organizations.
William L. Hall
Shareholder, Director, Officer
Litigation specialist with 40+ years of experience in personal injury and business disputes. Admitted to Missouri and Kansas bars. Member of Missouri Trial Lawyers Association and multiple local bar associations.
Tamara A. Veit
Associate Attorney
Family law specialist since 2004 with Super Lawyers recognition. Handles complex custody cases and domestic violence matters. Active in Missouri Association of Family Law Advocates and local bar organizations.
Questions
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, or childbirth to ensure it reflects current wishes and legal requirements.
What determines child custody in Missouri?
Missouri courts prioritize the child's best interests, considering factors like parental stability, caregiving ability, and emotional needs when making custody decisions.
How is child support calculated in Missouri?
Missouri uses a standardized formula considering both parents' incomes, number of children, childcare costs, and health insurance expenses to determine child support amounts.
Can I modify existing custody or support orders?
Yes, modifications are possible with significant changes like relocation or income shifts. Our attorneys help clients legally update court orders to reflect new circumstances.
What documents are essential for estate planning?
Key documents include wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations to ensure comprehensive asset management and distribution.
