Practice areas: Bankruptcy, Estate Planning & Probate
Licensed in Kansas since: 1995
Education: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2023 WM Law
15095 West 116th StreetOlathe, KS 66062 Phone: 816-756-1144 Email: Jeffrey L. Wagoner Visit website
Details 
Jeffrey L. Wagoner is president of Wagoner Maxcy Westbrook, P.C., a seven-lawyer firm that represents hundreds of clients yearly in consumer bankruptcy filings in Kansas and Missouri. He was selected as Best of the Bar for bankruptcy attorneys by Kansas City Business Journal in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association's 1997 Young Lawyer of the Year recipient received a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he was Technical Editor for the UMKC Law Review. He received a Bachelor of Arts with honors in 1986 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Mr. Wagoner is also a decorated veteran of the first Gulf War, serving on active duty in the United States Navy flying the S-3 Viking. He retired in December 2008 at the rank of Captain in the Navy. He served 6 years on active duty and 17 years in the Naval Reserves. Mr. Wagoner has authored numerous published articles on commercial law, business law and legal procedure and is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars. In his spare time, he participates in triathlons and running. He is an avid automobile enthusiast. He and his wife, Pilar, have 3 children, Alex, Max and Sofia.
First Admitted: 1995, Missouri
Professional Webpage: https://kansascitybankruptcy.com/meet-our-staff/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Missouri, 1995
- U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, 1996
- U.S. District Court, W. Dist. of Missouri, 1996
- Kansas, 1996
- U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, 1998
Videos
- Video about the deadlines and legal grounds for contesting a will. , Contesting a Will After Probate: How it Works and When to Act, 2025
- Facing the reality of an aging parent who resists writing a will can be challenging, and it’s often a sensitive topic that brings up complex emotions. It’s not just about planning for the future but about respecting your loved one’s wishes while helping them see the benefits of this important step. If an elderly parent refuses to write a will, there are respectful and proactive ways to encourage them to protect their legacy and ease the process for loved ones left behind., What to Do When An Elderly Parent Refuses To Write A Will, 2024
- Automatic stay is one of the most powerful protections available to those who file for bankruptcy, offering an immediate pause on most creditor actions. This legal safeguard provides much-needed relief for debtors by temporarily stopping wage garnishments, foreclosures, and other collection efforts. However, the automatic stay isn’t a blanket protection for every debt or situation—certain obligations, like child support or some tax claims, remain unaffected. In this article, we’ll explore how the automatic stay works, its limitations, and what debtors and creditors should understand about its exceptions and potential challenges., Does the Automatic Stay Always Apply to Bankruptcy Cases?, 2024
- When planning your estate, one of the most emotionally challenging decisions can involve how to handle an estranged child. The family dynamics at play can make these decisions difficult, but it’s crucial to ensure that your wishes are respected while maintaining fairness among all parties involved. This guide offers information on managing the complexities of dealing with an estranged child in your estate plan., How to Deal with an Estranged Child in Your Estate Plan, 2024
- Missouri’s intestate succession laws define how property is distributed when there’s no valid will. The outcome changes based on whether the deceased parent was married and whether they had children from more than one relationship., What is a Child Entitled to When a Parent Dies Without a Will in Missouri?, 2025
- The Subchapter V reorganization plan offers small businesses a practical way to address financial challenges while maintaining control of their operations. Its unique structure—eliminating the disclosure statement and creditor committee requirements—provides a streamlined approach for businesses to restructure debt, reduce administrative costs, and regain stability. By following the specific requirements and adopting effective strategies, business owners can build a reorganization plan that appeals to creditors and enhances the chances of successful approval., Subchapter V Reorganization Plan, 2024
- Creditor harassment can quickly make a difficult financial situation worse. Frequent phone calls, letters, and other collection efforts add pressure and create ongoing stress. Fortunately, there are clear legal options for stopping creditor harassment before filing for bankruptcy. While bankruptcy provides strong legal protection through the automatic stay, certain actions may help manage harassment in the meantime. Understanding your rights and available options is the first step toward regaining control., Stopping Creditor Harassmens Before Filing for Bankruptcy, 2025
- By leveraging Chapter 12’s protections, crafting flexible repayment plans, and addressing risks proactively, farmers can preserve their operations and secure their family’s legacy for generations to come., Protecting Farm Assets During Chapter 12, 2025
Educational Background
- Bachelor's Degree (Pre-Law/Finance) from University of Missouri-Columbia., 1986
- Captain United State Navy. Active Duty 1986-1992. Reserve 1992-2009 , 1986-2009
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Juris Doctor, 1992-1995
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Frequent CLE lecturer on bankruptcy topics including presentation made for the Missouri Bar CLE, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Kansas City Bankruptcy Bar Association, Platte County Bar, Wyandotte County Bar, University of Missouri-Kansas City CLE. For example, 2016 Bankruptcy Practice Session of UMKC School of Law CLE's Quick Pitches. , Ongoing Continuing Legal Education Speaker
- Chapter 7: Information on the different factors to consider when hiring a bankruptcy attorneys., co-author, How to Hire Lawyers, Book, 2018
- Article by the TIME Magazine. Jeff Wagoner was interviewed about his Law Firm, W M LAW, and bankruptcy, Interview, Foreclosure-Two Tales of Middle Class Heartbreak by David Von Drehle, Time Magazine, 2009
- March 9, 2006. The article on rising bankruptcy filings quotes Jeff Wagoner, Interview, New Chapter for Financially Broken, KCUR/Local news, 2006
- Article explaining the different methods to recover losses due to fraudulent financial information, Author, Alternative Methods to Recover Losses Caused by Fraudulent Financial Information, Business Credit Magazine, 1996
- Information about extending credit & collecting debt in international business, Author, Extending International Credit & Collecting Foreign Debts", Business Credit Magazine, 1997
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Founder of the Kansas City Automotive Museum. The museum was founded in 2011. Jeff has served as President for several years 2011-2015. He is serving on the board of directors since 2015.
- U.S. Navy Officer, retired at the rank of Captain, served on active duty for 6 years, followed by 17 years in the reserves. On active duty, flew S-3 Viking torpedo bomber from various aircraft carriers. In reserves, was Commanding Officer of 3 reserve units. Navy's lead planner for 2004 Athens Olympics and Paralympics International Security Force., 1986
- Eagle Scout, 1978
Honors
- Eagle Scout, Eagle Scout, Eagle Scouts of America, 1977
- Honor Graduate N L J Officer School , Honor Graduate, Navy Legal Justice Legal Officer School, 1990
- Selected as the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association's Young Lawyer of the Year for Professional Achievement and Public Service., Young Lawyer of the Year, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, 1997
- Selected as Best of the Bar for Bankruptcy Attorneys for the years 2002, 2003 & 2004, Best of the Bar, Kansas City Business Journal, 2002
Industry Groups
- Attorney Advisory Committee W.D.Missouri Bankruptcy Court
- Kansas City Bankruptcy Bar Association
- Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Office location for Jeffrey L. Wagoner
15095 West 116th Street
Olathe, KS 66062
Selections
3 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2023