Everyone in Wisconsin should have an estate plan in place. These days, there are plenty of ways to develop an estate plan; it's never been easier to find a will template online and fill it out. There are even low- and no-cost forms for people who want to designate...
Estate planning
Funding your trust with life insurance
There are many considerations that come to mind when planning your estate, not the least of which is how and what to leave behind for loved ones and minor children should you no longer be there. Many people decide to set up a trust as a means of having more control...
Do taxes affect inheritances in Wisconsin?
After your loved one passed away, you may have learned that you would inherit part of their estate. As you wait for your share to disburse, you will likely have concerns about whether you will pay taxes on it. Besides federal estate tax laws, some states impose their...
When is it time to update an estate plan?
Updating an estate plan can be as important as initially setting one up. There are several different times in the estate planner’s life that they should consider updating their estate plan, in addition to routinely updating an estate plan to ensure it comports with...
Make certain that you arrange for your pets in an estate plan
Estate planning involves deciding whom you want to receive your assets when you die. It also involves naming people to take over certain responsibilities on your behalf. Most parents are keenly aware of the fact that they need to name a guardian for their children,...
What causes estate distribution confusion?
One of your main goals with estate planning is simply to leave clear instructions for your heirs so that there is no confusion on their end about what you wanted or what should be done with your assets. Confusion, after all, often leads to disputes. If your heirs have...
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...
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...
3 myths we tell ourselves about estate planning
Estate planning isn’t the most fun to think about because it means you have to face the reality that one day, you’ll need to use it. Even though it’s tough to face death, it’s a part of life. Estate planning follows those rules as well: it’s a part of life....