Why “Five Wishes” Matters: A Wholesome Approach to Estate Planning in Kansas

When Lance Cochran had a couple of his close friends pass away, something shifted. He realized how important it was—not just to have a plan—but to know that plan would be honored. He’s been a passionate advocate for advance care planning ever since.

At Kennedy Berkley, we believe estate planning should go beyond a legal document with your name stamped on the front and back. It should reflect who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to be remembered. That’s why, we are focusing on a tool that brings clarity, comfort, and compassion to the planning process: Five Wishes.

What Is Five Wishes?

Five Wishes is a nationally respected advance directive that goes beyond the basics. It helps individuals document not only their medical preferences, but also their emotional, spiritual, and personal wishes for how they want to be treated at the end of their life.

Think of it as a guide that asks the real questions—like how comfortable you want to be, what kind of support you want around you, and what you want your loved ones to know.

What Does Five Wishes Cover?

The document is built around five core areas:

1. Who you want to make health care decisions for you

   • Name someone you trust to speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself.

2. The kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want

   • Lay out your wishes around life support, resuscitation, and other interventions.

3. How comfortable you want to be

   • Preferences for pain management, personal care, and soothing measures.

4. How you want people to treat you

   • Who you want by your side, what spiritual practices matter, and how you wish to be supported.

5. What you want your loved ones to know

   • This is your space to leave messages, share funeral preferences, or pass on final thoughts.

Is Five Wishes Legally Binding in Kansas?

Here’s what you need to know: Five Wishes is not legally binding in Kansas on its own. But don’t let that stop you—it can still be a powerful piece of your plan. At Kennedy Berkley, we help clients incorporate their Five Wishes into a legally binding healthcare power of attorney to ensure those preferences carry weight under Kansas law.

Why Consider the Five Wishes Method?

• It’s easy to understand – No legal jargon.

•  It covers more than just medical care – Your values and personality matter, too.

•  It helps families avoid guesswork – Decisions are hard enough—give them peace of mind.

• It’s recognized nationwide – Even if not legally binding in Kansas, it’s respected widely and can be part of your legal plan.

What’s the Right Age to Start Thinking About This?

We get asked this a lot. The truth? There’s no “right age.” If you’re old enough to have preferences about your care, you’re old enough to make them known.

In fact, many people begin thinking about this in their 30s or 40s—especially after seeing friends or family go through tough experiences without a plan in place. The key is not to wait until it’s too late. A Five Wishes document is a loving, thoughtful gift to your family.

Estate Planning at Kennedy Berkley: Stories, Not Just Signatures

When we say “wholesome estate planning,” we mean it. We believe in sitting down with you, listening to your story, and building a plan that’s clear, compassionate, and complete.

If you’ve worked with Kennedy Berkley and created a Five Wishes plan or a healthcare power of attorney, we’d love to hear your story. Reach out or share a testimonial to help others understand the value of this work.

Ready to Start?

Our team is here to guide you through every step—from understanding the Five Wishes document to incorporating it into your legally sound estate plan. Whether you want to keep it simple or go deep into the details, we’ll help you build a plan that reflects who you are and protects what matters most.

Contact Kennedy Berkley today to get started with a personalized estate plan rooted in clarity, compassion, and wholesome care.