If you're getting ready for estate planning in Wisconsin, you might have heard about using a transfer on death, or TOD, account to avoid the probate process. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of using TOD accounts. What is a TOD account? A transfer on death...
Wisconsin Estate Planning Legal Blog
Should I establish a TOD for my investment assets?
If you want your survivors to avoid probate after your passing, consider incorporating a transfer on death (TOD) account for your investments. Having TOD accounts are viable alternatives for many families in Wisconsin and make the beneficiary process easier after you...
Is the probate process always difficult?
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...
Your Time Is Valuable. Let’s Get a Jump Start on the Estate Planning Process
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...
Common reasons for Social Security disability claim denial
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...
Key Signs of Financial Elder Abuse
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...
What an advance medical directive is and why it matters
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...
What type of assets is subject to probate?
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...
Five Reasons to Protect Your Retirement Accounts Now
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...
Reasons to avoid probate
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...