When many people in Wisconsin hear the terms "probate," "estate" and "probate court," they cringe. They harbor a number of conceptions about the probate process, some that may not be accurate and others that might be at least somewhat overblown. The reality is that...
Time seems to be the one thing we just can’t get enough of. This is especially true if you are one of our nurses or frontline healthcare workers. You work tirelessly caring for others and may not have a lot of free time to work on your estate planning. If you are able...
Millions of citizens throughout Wisconsin and the rest of the country apply for Social Security disability benefits each year. The sad truth is that only 30% of all claims submitted are initially approved. Those who have received a denial need to understand the...
Financial elder abuse is one of the most insidious financial crimes around. Taking advantage of someone who is elderly due to their inability to fend for themselves is more common than many people know. Wisconsin residents who want to prevent financial elder abuse...
An advance medical directive is a straightforward document or a group of documents that details your medical wishes and preferences. A key part of the long-term care planning process, drafting an advance medical directive is something that every aging Wisconsin...
Any assets you own in your name are subject to probate once you pass away in Wisconsin. This includes your real estate property, vehicles, bank accounts, business interests, lands, bonds, and stocks. Additional assets include clothing, artwork, electronics, and...
Your retirement account provides asset protection during your lifetime, but as soon as you pass that account to a loved one, that protection evaporates. When your spouse, child, or other loved one inherits your retirement account, creditors have the power to seize it...
In the most extreme cases, it's not uncommon for probate to take months or even years for your estate to make it through the probate process, leading to staggeringly high legal bills. There are several reasons to try to build an estate plan that avoids probate in...
Once you've written your estate plan in Wisconsin, you should make a plan to revise it every few years. An outdated will can be just as bad as no will at all. Instead of writing your will once and forgetting about it, think of it as a fluid document that changes as...
Medicaid qualification starts with an asset or income assessment. For some Wisconsin residents, this may require a spend down. A sound strategy, but there are confusing and complex restrictions you have to adhere to in Wisconsin. Read on for a brief review to see how...
