What’s in the article:  This article explains why unmarried couples in Wisconsin do not have the same automatic legal protections as married spouses, how assets can unintentionally leave a partner vulnerable, and what estate planning steps can help protect the person they love most.  For many unmarried couples, life already looks and feels like family. They may share a home, split expenses, raise Read More

What’s in the article:  This article explains what can happen when a spouse in a blended family dies, why children from a prior relationship are often unintentionally disinherited, how conflict can escalate into probate litigation, and how thoughtful estate planning in Wisconsin can help protect both a surviving spouse and children from a first marriage.  For many blended families, the most natural Read More

What’s in the article:  This article explains how retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are handled after death, how current tax laws impact beneficiaries, and how Wisconsin families can plan to reduce taxes while protecting the people they love.  For many Wisconsin families, retirement accounts are not just part of their wealth—they are one of the largest assets they own.  Recent data shows that Read More

What’s in the article:  This article explains how a Revocable Living Trust works in Wisconsin, how it helps families avoid probate, and how it differs from a Trust created in a Will. It also explores the advantages, limitations, and key factors Wisconsin families should consider when deciding which estate planning approach best protects the people they love.  In Part 1 of this series, readers learned how a Trust Read More

What’s in the article:  You’ve likely heard that trusts can help families avoid probate and protect assets for loved ones. But not all trusts work the same way. In this article, you’ll learn how a Trust created inside your Will differs from a Living Trust created during your lifetime, and why the difference can significantly affect your family under Wisconsin law.  Most people don’t realize: a Trust created inside Read More

What’s in the article:  If your estate plan is a few years old, or you created it yourself, you may be wondering whether you can have an estate planning attorney in Wisconsin quickly review your documents. In this article, you’ll learn why a proper estate plan review is never simple, what a comprehensive review actually involves, and how keeping your estate plan current can protect your loved ones from probate, Read More

What’s in the article:  In this article, you’ll learn whether your beneficiaries will owe taxes on what they inherit in Wisconsin, how federal estate taxes apply, and how different types of assets are taxed after death. You’ll also discover how thoughtful estate planning can help preserve more of your wealth for the people you love.  When planning your estate, one of the most common questions we hear from Wisconsin Read More

What’s in the article: In this article, you’ll learn how Wisconsin homeowners can transfer their home outside of probate using a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed, how it compares to the Lady Bird Deed you may have read about online, how it affects Medicaid planning, and why a TOD deed is only one piece of a complete estate plan. If you’ve researched estate planning online, you’ve probably come across something called a Read More

What’s in the article: In this article, you’ll learn about the most common housing and care options available as you age, the legal and financial consequences families often overlook, and why planning ahead matters. You’ll also discover the key documents and strategies that help protect independence, preserve assets, and avoid crisis-driven decisions later. Approximately 70% of individuals turning age 65 today will Read More