OCT 2025

A Full Service Business And Estate Planning Law Firm

About Us

Carnahan Evans PC is a full service business, dispute resolution, and estate planning law firm with a depth of 17 attorneys in the areas of corporate, estate planning, litigation, tax, real estate, and marijuana. Founded in 1979, Carnahan Evans is locally owned and operated, noted for its commitment to providing superior client service to a diverse client base, including national and regional businesses, financial institutions, not for profit organizations, and individuals.

Locally Owned. Regionally Known. Nationally Recognized.

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In This Issue

Award Winning Representation

A Primer on Missouri Waterways and Water Laws that Affect Recreational Use

SBJ 2025 Men of the Year: Chip Sheppard

The Importance of Trusts and Wills

Continuing Evolvement of ABLE Accounts Under Missouri Law

5 Reasons to Finalize Your Estate Plan

New Tax Bill is in Effect

Employee Spotlight: Gail Harris

Retirement of Andrew Bennnett and John Price

Award Winning Representation

Congratulations to our award winning attorneys!

2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®

John M. Carnahan, III • Joseph D. “Chip” Sheppard, III • Julie T. Brown • Thomas D. Peebles, Jr. • Douglas D. Lee • Christiaan D. Horton • Jay Preston •

James E. Meadows • Frank C. Carnahan • Courtney L. Fletcher

2026 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®

Andrew T. Peebles • David K. Olive

John M. Carnahan III

Joseph D. Sheppard III

Julie T. Brown

Thomas D. Peebles Jr.

Douglas D. Lee

Christiaan D. Horton

Jay Preston

James E. Meadows

Frank C. Carnahan

Courtney L. Fletcher

Andrew T. Peebles

David K. Olive

A Primer on Missouri Waterways and Water Laws that Affect Recreational Use

By: Christiaan D. Horton

Missouri is a “riparian rights” state when it comes to water law. A riparian right is “[t]he right of a landowner whose property borders a body of water or watercourse to make reasonable use of the water.” Incline Village Board of Trustees v. Edler, 592 S.W.3d 334, 338 (Mo. banc 2019). These rights arise naturally as an incident of owning land that abuts a body of water and are different from those belonging to the public generally.

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The Importance of Trusts and Wills

By: Brett Hodges

Estate planning is a crucial consideration for everyone, regardless of wealth or age. While many avoid discussing end-of-life planning, the reality is that proper preparation can provide invaluable protection for your loved ones. Although there are a countless number of issues surrounding death that cannot be accounted for in advance, smart estate planning through the use of wills and trusts can alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding that one human experience shared by all.

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Continuing Evolvement of ABLE Accounts Under Missouri Law

By: Courtney L. Fletcher

It has now been 11 years since the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (“ABLE Act”), a part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, was signed into law on December 19, 2014. This law has been a welcome addition to special needs planning options as it allows for states to establish their own ABLE programs under the federal guidelines. As of 2024, forty-six states, including Missouri, offer ABLE accounts. It is important to realize that even though the remaining states may not have their own ABLE programs, individuals can still open an ABLE account in a state that accepts out-of-state residents.

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5 Reasons to Finalize Your Estate Plan

By: Andrew T. Peebles

In the fast-paced world of business, where entrepreneurs and executives are often laser-focused on growth, revenue and market share, it’s easy to overlook one critical aspect of long-term security: estate planning.

While it may not carry the same excitement as launching a new venture or closing a major deal, estate planning is a vital process that ensures your wealth, legacy and wishes are preserved and executed with precision.

Here are five compelling reasons why estate planning should be a top priority for every business professional.

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Contact a member of our Estate Plan Group to update your Estate Plan! Call us today!

New Tax Bill is in Effect

By: Justin B. Cantwell

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”), a sweeping tax bill that accomplishes many of our President’s campaign goals, was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The Act aims to make permanent several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that were set to expire at the end of 2025. It also includes some additional temporary and permanent changes to the tax code. This article is intended to summarize some of the primary changes that may impact our clients.

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Employee Spotlight: Gail Harris

Gail Harris joined the Firm as a receptionist in 1998 on the recommendation of a client for her people skills. She also manages conflict of interest processing to protect the Firm’s clients. For the past 27 years, Gail has warmly welcomed clients as the first face they see when they walk through our doors. Her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and dedication to creating a positive first impression have made her an invaluable part of our team. Thank you, Gail!

Retirement of Andrew Bennett and John Price

Carnahan Evans PC proudly honors the retirements of two longtime Shareholders whose leadership, dedication, and expertise have left a lasting mark on our firm.

Andrew K. Bennett – 22 years of service

John E. Price – 26 years of service

This photo was taken at Andy and John’s recent retirement party at Hickory Hills. They are pictured here with their wives, Sharman Bennett and Nancy Price.