Category Archive: Powers of Attorney and Wills
- Nov. 30 2016
Estate Plan Review: When Do I Need One?
As estate planning lawyers, we are regularly asked “When do I need to do an estate plan review?” When we draft an estate plan for a client, we attempt to draft with an eye towards the future so that frequent … Read more
- Sep. 13 2016
Tangible Personal Property Distribution
Failure to plan for the distribution of tangible personal property often results in unnecessary conflict and hard feelings among children and other beneficiaries. While tangible personal property normally does not make up a significant percentage of a deceased person’s estate … Read more
- Jul. 12 2016
Why You Should Have a Durable Power of Attorney
As estate planning attorneys, we strongly recommend that our clients have a properly drafted General Durable Power of Attorney and a Power of Attorney for Health Care. Along with a Last Will and Testament or Trust, these Power of Attorney … Read more
- Jun. 28 2016
A Last Will and Testament Does Not Avoid Probate
A Last Will and Testament (will) is a great first step for an estate plan and is often one key part of a quality estate plan. However, a will alone does not avoid probate. Common Misconception As estate planning attorneys, one … Read more
- Jun. 9 2016
Procrastination and Estate Planning
Estate Planning is not a topic that most of us like to think about. After all, who really wants to think about disability, incompetence or dying? Yet the reality is that an estate plan will be used and will be needed … Read more
- Feb. 29 2016
Authorization for Final Disposition: What Happens to Your Body After You Pass?
When preparing or conducting a thorough review of your estate plan, it may be pertinent to discuss your need for an Authorization for Final Disposition. Such an authorization will help ensure that your funeral wishes will be followed and that the … Read more
- Feb. 10 2016
Digital Assets and Estate Planning
Attorneys and legislators in Wisconsin are currently developing a new law covering digital assets upon death. This new law aims to clarify the issues challenging estate planning attorneys and probate courts rearding digital assets. However, this developing legislation will not solve most of the items discussed … Read more
- Dec. 9 2015
When to Have Your Estate Plan Reviewed
Estate plans prove themselves most valuable when they reflect your current life situation and financial position. An out-of-date estate plan can often leave you short, owing unexpected taxes, paying higher fees and protecting yourself and your children less than you had … Read more
- Jul. 27 2015
Estate Planning is a Process
Providing legal counsel for estate planning for more than sixty years, our estate planning attorneys have a deep understanding about what is takes to provide a truly value and client-focused estate plan. Our process is client-focused, collaborative and thorough. Estate … Read more
- Jun. 18 2015
Gift Tax Rules and Long Term Care: Two Common Misconceptions
As estate planning attorneys, we regularly encounter people confusing IRS gift tax rules with the unrelated Long Term Care gift rules. That confusion is pervasive enough that we wanted to publish an article explaining gift tax rules and long term care planning. … Read more