Thiessen Michael R

For individuals and families across Missouri, securing a lasting legacy and ensuring the smooth transition of assets requires meticulous planning and expert legal guidance. In Kansas City, Michael R. Thiessen stands as a distinguished attorney, highly regarded for his extensive experience and profound knowledge in sophisticated estate planning and probate matters. This article provides a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Michael R. Thiessen's practice, highlighting his decades of service, areas of specialization, and why he is a trusted resource for those in Missouri seeking comprehensive wealth and legacy management solutions.

Michael R. Thiessen has dedicated his career to helping clients navigate the complexities of estate planning, particularly those involving family-owned businesses and multi-generational wealth transfer. Licensed in Missouri since 1975, his long-standing career reflects a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape surrounding trusts, estates, and taxation. His consistent inclusion in prestigious peer-review publications like The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for his work in Estate Planning & Probate underscores his high standing among legal professionals and his commitment to delivering thoughtful and effective counsel. For Missourians looking to protect their assets, minimize tax burdens, and ensure their wishes are honored for future generations, Mr. Thiessen's expertise offers invaluable peace of mind.

Clients who work with Michael R. Thiessen can expect a personalized approach, tailored to their unique financial and family circumstances. He is particularly knowledgeable in advanced estate planning techniques, such as the utilization of family limited partnerships, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and qualified personal residence trusts, alongside strategic sales to defective trusts. Furthermore, his expertise extends to charitable estate planning, guiding clients through options like charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and the establishment of private foundations. This comprehensive scope, coupled with his deep understanding of the income taxation of estates and trusts, makes him a highly sought-after advisor for complex financial and philanthropic goals within the Missouri community.

Michael R. Thiessen practices at a prominent law firm in Kansas City, Missouri. While previous affiliations include Husch Blackwell LLP, public data indicates his current practice is with Lewis Rice LLC. The contact information provided in the request, 4801 Main St #1000, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA, is the address for Husch Blackwell LLP. For the most accurate current location for Michael R. Thiessen, it is advisable to verify with Lewis Rice LLC. However, generally, his office is strategically located in a key commercial and legal hub of Kansas City.

The location at 4801 Main Street places the office within a well-regarded district, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients from across the Kansas City metropolitan area and other parts of Missouri. Main Street is a central artery, making the office easy to find and reach via various modes of transportation. A central Kansas City location provides convenience, minimizing travel time and logistical hurdles for clients, allowing them to focus on their important estate planning matters. The professional environment of such a reputable office further supports the firm's dedication to serving the Missouri community with readily available, top-tier legal expertise.

Michael R. Thiessen specializes in sophisticated estate planning and related tax matters. His key areas of expertise include:

• Sophisticated Estate Planning: Designing and implementing comprehensive estate plans for a wide variety of estates, with a particular focus on those involving family-owned businesses.
• Family-Owned Business Succession: Providing thoughtful counsel on the transition of ownership for family businesses, ensuring smooth and tax-efficient transfers across generations.
• Multi-Generational Planning: Advising clients on strategies to transfer wealth effectively and securely across multiple generations, often employing advanced trust structures.
• Advanced Trust Utilization: Expertise in various trust vehicles, including irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), and sales to defective trusts, to achieve specific wealth transfer and tax planning objectives.
• Charitable Estate Planning: Guiding clients through philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment and administration of charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, private foundations, and supporting organizations.
• Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts: Providing counsel on the complex income tax implications for estates and trusts, ensuring compliance and optimizing tax outcomes.
• Tax-Exempt Organizations: Advising on compliance and administrative issues facing various tax-exempt organizations, ensuring they meet their legal and regulatory obligations.
• Probate and Trust Administration: Assisting fiduciaries and beneficiaries with the legal process of administering estates and trusts, from navigating probate court to distributing assets.

Michael R. Thiessen’s legal practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his deep expertise and commitment to clients:

• Extensive Experience: Licensed in Missouri since 1975, he brings nearly five decades of dedicated experience in estate planning and related tax law, providing a wealth of knowledge and practical insight.
• Consistent Peer Recognition: Continuously selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (2020-2025) and Super Lawyers (2008-2015) for Estate Planning & Probate. These accolades are based on rigorous peer review and professional achievement, signifying his respected standing in the legal community.
• Fellow of ACTEC: He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), an organization comprising the nation’s premier trust and estate lawyers. Membership is by invitation only and based on reputation, ability, and contributions to the field.
• Specialization in Complex Estates: Particular expertise in handling sophisticated estates, especially those involving family-owned businesses, requiring nuanced legal and tax strategies.
• Focus on Multi-Generational Wealth: Offers thoughtful counsel on long-term wealth transfer strategies, helping clients secure their legacy across multiple generations.
• Community Involvement: Actively involved in philanthropic and independent educational organizations in the Kansas City area, having chaired several development committees. This demonstrates a commitment to the local community beyond his legal practice.
• Strong Educational Background: Holds a J.D. from Stanford University School of Law (1973) and a B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy (1969), providing a robust foundation for his legal career.
• Extensive Legal Background: His professional history includes partnerships at several respected firms, including Husch Blackwell, Blackwell Sanders, and Brown & Thiessen, as well as serving as a Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Air Force, illustrating a diverse and accomplished career.

As a seasoned attorney practicing within a large and established law firm like Lewis Rice LLC (or previously Husch Blackwell LLP), Michael R. Thiessen’s practice generally does not advertise "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional consumer sense. However, it is a standard practice for reputable law firms to offer initial consultations to prospective clients. These consultations provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your specific estate planning needs, assess the complexity of your situation, and determine how Mr. Thiessen's expertise can be best applied. While the firm's policy on complimentary consultations may vary based on the nature of the inquiry, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the office directly to inquire about scheduling a meeting and any associated fees. This allows for a direct and confidential discussion of your legal concerns without an immediate financial commitment.

For individuals and families in Missouri seeking expert guidance on estate planning and related matters, Michael R. Thiessen can be reached through his firm. While the provided address is for Husch Blackwell, it is recommended to verify the current contact details with Lewis Rice LLC for Michael R. Thiessen.

• General Firm Phone: (816) 983-8000
• General Firm Mobile Phone: +1 816-983-8000
• Address: 4801 Main St #1000, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA (Note: This is the address for Husch Blackwell LLP. Please verify the current address for Michael R. Thiessen with Lewis Rice LLC.)

When contacting the office, clearly state that you are seeking assistance with estate planning or related tax matters and wish to speak with Michael R. Thiessen. Scheduling an appointment in advance is highly recommended to ensure dedicated time for your consultation.

For residents throughout Missouri, especially those in the Kansas City area, Michael R. Thiessen offers an unparalleled resource for sophisticated estate planning and wealth management. His nearly five decades of experience, coupled with consistent recognition as a top-tier attorney in the field, makes him an exceptionally suitable choice for anyone seeking to secure their financial future and legacy. His deep expertise in complex areas such as family-owned business succession, multi-generational planning, and charitable giving is invaluable for Missourians with diverse and intricate asset portfolios.

Mr. Thiessen's status as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel is a testament to his elite standing and dedication to the highest standards of the profession. This, combined with his extensive experience advising on the income taxation of estates and trusts, means clients receive comprehensive and strategic counsel designed to minimize tax burdens and ensure their wishes are meticulously carried out. His active involvement in the Kansas City community further underscores his commitment to the well-being of the region he serves.

Whether you are planning for the future of your family business, looking to establish a philanthropic legacy, or navigating the complexities of probate, Michael R. Thiessen provides the specialized knowledge and thoughtful guidance needed. His presence in Kansas City, practicing within a reputable firm, offers convenient access to top-tier legal services. For locals, choosing Michael R. Thiessen means entrusting your most important financial and personal decisions to an attorney with a proven track record of excellence, integrity, and profound understanding of Missouri's estate laws.