Wisconsin Estate Planning Legal Blog
What if a trustee acts in their own self-interest?
If one of your loved ones went through all of the effort of creating a trust, they likely did so because they had very specific intentions for their legacy. A trust allows people more control over the use of the assets they leave behind and can also have the added...
Can I avoid probate if I have a will?
As you review your will, you may worry about the impact that probate could have on it. Because probate is often lengthy and costly, it can diminish an estate’s value. You may wonder if you can find ways for your assets to avoid it. In some – but not all – cases, they...
Why do young parents need an estate plan?
Some people think of estate planning as a task that only older Americans need to complete, but young parents also need to get this done. The estate plan can outline what is going to happen with your children if you and their other parent both pass away. While this...
Don’t forget important parts of your estate plan
When you ask someone if they have written a will or if they've done any estate planning, the will may be all they really consider. They list everything of value that they own, write down who should get which assets and sign off on the document. A simple will is a good...
How much does a nursing home cost?
Long-term care planning is difficult because it’s not possible to accurately predict every aspect of your future. Many people put aside what they believe is enough money for the future, but then a disease or a medical emergency drains those funds seemingly overnight,...
Estate planning’s biggest myth: “It can wait.”
One of the most common myths with estate planning is that you can wait to do it. You can put it off. You can do it another day. It’s often a myth that people don’t even really vocalize, except perhaps to a spouse who asks them if they have gotten started yet. But...
How does Social Security evaluate a disability benefits claim?
If you are unable to work due to a persistent health condition, you may want to apply for Social Security disability benefits. As such a disability can affect your ability to provide for yourself and your family, submitting the form sooner rather than later is...
Mental toughness during COVID-19
COVID-19 weighs on everyone’s mind. It’s affecting the entire country and there’s no where you can turn without hearing about the virus. With this increased anxiety in our everyday lives, the human response can lead to bigger problems. With the fear of contracting...
Long-term care options for special needs adults
When you have a special needs adult child, you may not know what to do when you can no longer care for them. As a parent, it’s a scary thought to imagine who will take care of your child once you’re gone. This thought becomes more haunting as you age. Until a child is...
What happens to unpaid bills in a probate?
When a person passes away, they will most likely have unpaid bills on credit cards or owe money to medical providers. Probate allows for those debts to be paid after the person’s death. Typically, funds or property from the decedent’s estate is used to pay the debt....
