Scott Manuel

Scott R. Manuel: Experienced Fiduciary Litigation Attorney in Jackson County, Missouri

For over 30 years, Scott R. Manuel has dedicated his legal practice to providing comprehensive solutions for complex fiduciary matters, estate planning, probate, and guardianship issues. As a seasoned attorney with extensive experience across these critical areas, Mr. Manuel brings a deep understanding of the legal landscape and a commitment to advocating for his clients' best interests. His career has been built on a foundation of meticulous attention to detail, strategic legal counsel, and a genuine desire to provide compassionate and effective representation.

Mr. Manuel’s career began with a strong academic record, earning both Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Economics with honors from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, in 1981. He subsequently attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California, graduating in 1984. This rigorous educational background provides him with a robust understanding of business and economic principles, further strengthening his ability to navigate the intricacies of estate and trust litigation.

Prior to joining Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP, Mr. Manuel served as the Probate Commissioner for the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, beginning in November 2014, initially appointed as the court’s Deputy Probate Commissioner in January 2014. This role provided him with invaluable firsthand experience in the courtroom, observing and managing numerous probate proceedings, further refining his litigation skills. Before this appointment, he was a shareholder with the law firm of Humphrey, Farrington and McClain, P.C. in Independence, Missouri, where he practiced law for 24 years, focusing exclusively on fiduciary litigation, estate planning, probate, trust, and guardianship law.

Throughout his career, Mr. Manuel has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle complex and often contentious matters, particularly in contested probate, trust, and guardianship cases. Notably, for 14 of those years, he served as court-appointed respondent’s counsel on adult guardianships, a role that honed his skills in advocating for individuals facing guardianship proceedings. He accepted numerous court appointments in these contested matters pending before the Jackson County Probate Court, demonstrating his commitment to providing diligent and effective legal representation to all parties. This extensive experience makes him a particularly strong advocate when challenging guardianship orders or representing individuals seeking to establish or modify them.

Scott R. Manuel's expertise encompasses a wide range of services, including:

• Fiduciary Litigation: Handling disputes involving trusts, estates, guardianships, and other fiduciary relationships.
• Estate Planning: Developing tailored estate plans to protect assets, minimize taxes, and ensure wishes are carried out.
• Probate: Managing the legal process of administering estates, including asset valuation, debt payment, and will validation.
• Trust Administration: Providing guidance and support to trustees in managing trust assets and fulfilling their fiduciary duties.
• Guardianship Proceedings: Representing individuals seeking guardianship or challenging existing guardianship orders.

Mr. Manuel’s commitment to his clients extends beyond legal expertise. He understands the sensitive nature of these matters and approaches each case with empathy and respect. His goal is to provide clear, concise legal advice and to guide his clients through what can be a challenging and emotional process. He is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients while upholding the highest ethical standards of the legal profession.

Education & Credentials:

• Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, California (1984)
• Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa (1981) – Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and Economics, with honors
• 1981 – Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and Economics, with honors

Practice Areas:

• Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• Trusts and Estates

Awards:

• Recognized: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• Recognized: Trusts and Estates

Affiliations:

Location: Liberty, Missouri, United States