Everyone, regardless of family dynamics or financial status, can benefit from having an estate plan. An estate plan provides instructions on how your estate is distributed after your death. It also defines how your assets should be managed if you become disabled and unable to make financial or health care decisions. For legal Wisconsin estate planning documents, you need a Wisconsin estate planning lawyer. With offices in Monroe and New Glarus, our attorneys serve Green, Dane, Lafayette, and Rock Counties in Southern Wisconsin, including the communities of Monroe, Monticello, New Glarus, Belleville, Verona, Madison, Brodhead, Janesville, Darlington, South Wayne, Argyle, and Blanchardville.
Wills and Trusts Lawyer in Wisconsin
Wills and trusts are the foundation of estate planning. They describe how your assets are distributed to your heirs when you pass away.
A last will and testament (will) is a legal document detailing how your assets are to be distributed and who is authorized to administer your estate. Your will can simplify the probate administration process and reduce stress for the beneficiaries. Our lawyers ensure that your will is legal and complies with Wisconsin laws.
There are different types of trusts, each with unique benefits. A properly funded revocable trust will eliminate the need for probate and maintain the privacy of your assets and beneficiaries. An irrevocable trust can protect your assets from nursing home costs, creditors, and legal claims while also eliminating the need for probate and maintaining the privacy of your assets and beneficiaries. A lawyer for trusts helps determine your goals and recommend a revocable or irrevocable trust, depending on your individual circumstances.
If you need a Wisconsin estate planning lawyer for wills or trusts in Southern Wisconsin, including Monroe, Monticello, New Glarus, Belleville, Verona, Madison, Brodhead, Janesville, Darlington, South Wayne, Argyle, Blanchardville, and the surrounding areas, we can help!
Wisconsin Powers of Attorney
Any comprehensive estate plan also includes planning for incapacity during your lifetime. In the event you are unable to handle your financial affairs or make your own medical decisions, well-drafted powers of attorney let you name an agent to act on your behalf and eases the burden on your family in an emergency.
There are two types of powers of attorney that may benefit you and avoid the need for a guardianship proceeding:
- Durable financial power of attorney
- Medical power of attorney (or healthcare power of attorney)
There are also additional proactive planning tools like a HIPAA Release and Authorization and Instructions for Final Disposition. These documents together create a comprehensive estate plan during your lifetime to explain your wishes and guide your family and medical professionals.
Are you ready to get started with your estate planning? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced estate planning attorneys, a lawyer for wills, or lawyer for trusts at our office serving Monroe, WI, Madison, Green County, and surrounding areas.