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Wisconsin Estate Planning: What Happens to Your Kids If You Don’t Have a Plan?

Wisconsin Estate Planning: What Happens to Your Kids If You Don’t Have a Plan?

Wisconsin estate planning helps parents choose guardians, protect children’s inheritance, and reduce court uncertainty with wills, trusts, and family planning.

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: What Are Blended Family Issues and How to Navigate Inheritance Laws

Wisconsin Estate Planning: What Are Blended Family Issues and How to Navigate Inheritance Laws

Wisconsin estate planning helps blended families navigate inheritance laws, protect heirs, and avoid disputes with clear wills, trusts, and planning...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Protecting Your Money and Your Medical Care

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Protecting Your Money and Your Medical Care

Wisconsin estate planning protects your finances and medical decisions with powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and Medicaid planning strategies.

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Earth Day: How Small Actions Create a Lasting Global Impact

Earth Day: How Small Actions Create a Lasting Global Impact

Earth Day highlights how small eco-friendly actions can create global impact through sustainability, environmental awareness, and responsible living practices.

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Probate in Wisconsin: 9 Trust Myths And Surprising Reasons You’ll Still Deal With Probate

Probate in Wisconsin: 9 Trust Myths And Surprising Reasons You’ll Still Deal With Probate

Probate in Wisconsin may still apply even with a trust. Learn 5 surprising reasons trusts fail to avoid probate and...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Beyond the Will, Why Your Successor Trustee Is the Backbone

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Beyond the Will, Why Your Successor Trustee Is the Backbone

Wisconsin estate planning relies on successor trustees to manage trusts, fulfill fiduciary duties, and ensure smooth asset distribution without probate...

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Probate in Wisconsin: Behind the Bench, Understanding Court Oversight

Probate in Wisconsin: Behind the Bench, Understanding Court Oversight

Probate in Wisconsin involves court oversight to ensure fairness and compliance. Learn how probate court works and what to expect...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Will Your Kids Be Left Out? Protecting Biological Heirs in Blended Families

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Will Your Kids Be Left Out? Protecting Biological Heirs in Blended Families

Wisconsin estate planning helps protect biological heirs in blended families, ensuring assets pass as intended while avoiding disputes and unintended...

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Probate in Wisconsin: How to Navigate a Small Estate Without the Headache

Probate in Wisconsin: How to Navigate a Small Estate Without the Headache

Probate in Wisconsin for small estates can be simplified. Learn about transfer by affidavit, asset limits, and how to avoid...

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National Gardening Day: The Benefits of Gardening for Mental and Physical Wellbeing

National Gardening Day: The Benefits of Gardening for Mental and Physical Wellbeing

National Gardening Day highlights gardening benefits for mental health, stress relief, and physical wellbeing through outdoor activities and healthy living...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Wait or Weight? Managing the Heavy Lifting of Inheritance

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Wait or Weight? Managing the Heavy Lifting of Inheritance

Wisconsin estate planning explains inheritance delays, probate costs, and executor duties, helping families reduce the wait and manage the weight...

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Probate in Wisconsin: Is Avoiding Probate Actually Possible? The Honest Truth

Probate in Wisconsin: Is Avoiding Probate Actually Possible? The Honest Truth

Probate in Wisconsin can sometimes be avoided with trusts and planning. Learn the honest truth about probate avoidance, timelines, and...

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National Scrabble Day: How Word Games Improve Cognitive Skills and Vocabulary

National Scrabble Day: How Word Games Improve Cognitive Skills and Vocabulary

TL;DR: Every year, National Scrabble Day celebrates more than just a beloved board game, it highlights the power of words,...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why Pour-Over Wills Are the Safety Net You Didn’t Know You Needed

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why Pour-Over Wills Are the Safety Net You Didn’t Know You Needed

Wisconsin estate planning explains pour-over wills, helping capture overlooked assets, support trusts, and ensure complete, secure estate management.

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Probate in Wisconsin: From Discovery to Filing, How to Successfully Catalog Estate Assets

Probate in Wisconsin: From Discovery to Filing, How to Successfully Catalog Estate Assets

Probate in Wisconsin requires accurate asset inventory and filing. Learn how to catalog estate assets, meet deadlines, and avoid costly...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: A Roadmap to Protecting Loved Ones with Special Needs Trusts

Wisconsin Estate Planning: A Roadmap to Protecting Loved Ones with Special Needs Trusts

Wisconsin estate planning explains special needs trusts, helping protect assets, preserve benefits, and secure long-term care for loved ones with...

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Probate in Wisconsin: Why It’s Taking So Long and Common Estate Hurdles Explained

Probate in Wisconsin: Why It’s Taking So Long and Common Estate Hurdles Explained

Probate in Wisconsin can be delayed by creditor claims, disputes, and court backlogs. Learn common hurdles and how to speed...

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World Health Day: Why Global Health Awareness Matters More Than Ever

World Health Day: Why Global Health Awareness Matters More Than Ever

World Health Day highlights the importance of global health awareness, preventive care, and strong healthcare systems for a healthier future...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Wills vs. Trusts for Protecting Your Home-Grown Assets

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Wills vs. Trusts for Protecting Your Home-Grown Assets

Wisconsin estate planning compares wills vs trusts, helping you protect assets, avoid probate, and create a clear, secure plan for...

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Wisconsin Probate and Property: A Guide to Real Estate Transfers

Wisconsin Probate and Property: A Guide to Real Estate Transfers

Wisconsin probate explains real estate transfers, property distribution, and title changes, helping families navigate estate property and avoid costly delays.

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Understanding Trust Distributions for Control and Structure

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Understanding Trust Distributions for Control and Structure

Wisconsin estate planning explains trust distributions, helping you control asset distribution, protect beneficiaries, and structure your legacy with clarity and...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why It’s Essential When Intestacy Laws Take Over

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why It’s Essential When Intestacy Laws Take Over

Wisconsin estate planning helps you avoid intestacy laws, control asset distribution, protect your family, and reduce probate risks with a...

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April Fools Day: The History of April Fools’ Day and Why We Love Practical Jokes

April Fools Day: The History of April Fools’ Day and Why We Love Practical Jokes

April Fools Day explores the history, traditions, and humor behind practical jokes, revealing why this global celebration continues to bring...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning 101: Why an Unfunded Trust Often Fails

Wisconsin Estate Planning 101: Why an Unfunded Trust Often Fails

Wisconsin estate planning explains why an unfunded trust fails, how to properly fund it, and how to avoid probate while...

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Wisconsin Probate: How Unpaid Taxes and Government Claims Are Handled

Wisconsin Probate: How Unpaid Taxes and Government Claims Are Handled

Wisconsin probate explains how unpaid taxes and government claims are handled, helping executors manage debts, protect assets, and settle estates...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: 5 Medicaid Myths That Could Cost You Thousands

Wisconsin Estate Planning: 5 Medicaid Myths That Could Cost You Thousands

Wisconsin estate planning helps you avoid costly Medicaid myths, protect assets, and qualify for benefits while securing your long-term financial...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Asset Protection Tips to Prevent Family Feuds and Maximize Security

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Asset Protection Tips to Prevent Family Feuds and Maximize Security

Wisconsin estate planning helps protect assets, avoid probate, and secure your wealth with proven strategies for long-term financial and legal...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning for Blended Families: Preventing Family Feuds Before They Start

Wisconsin Estate Planning for Blended Families: Preventing Family Feuds Before They Start

Wisconsin estate planning for blended families helps prevent disputes, protect assets, and ensure fair inheritance for spouses and children.

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National Medal of Honor Day: Understanding Its History, and the Heroes Behind It

National Medal of Honor Day: Understanding Its History, and the Heroes Behind It

Honor National Medal of Honor Day while learning how estate planning helps preserve your legacy, values, and family’s future.

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Wisconsin Power of Attorney: A Complete Guide to Financial, Medical, and Durable Forms

Wisconsin Power of Attorney: A Complete Guide to Financial, Medical, and Durable Forms

Wisconsin Power of Attorney explained. Learn financial, medical, and durable POA forms to protect your decisions and estate planning needs.

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National Cocktail Day: Classic Cocktails and the Stories Behind Their Origins

National Cocktail Day: Classic Cocktails and the Stories Behind Their Origins

Celebrate National Cocktail Day while learning how estate planning helps preserve your legacy, assets, and family traditions for the future.

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Wisconsin Probate: How Trusts Can Minimize Probate Court Involvement

Wisconsin Probate: How Trusts Can Minimize Probate Court Involvement

Wisconsin Probate can be minimized with trusts. Learn how revocable living trusts help avoid probate court and simplify estate planning.

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Spring Equinox: Celebrating Seasonal Renewal and Planning for What’s Ahead

Spring Equinox: Celebrating Seasonal Renewal and Planning for What’s Ahead

Celebrate the Spring Equinox with smart planning. Learn how seasonal renewal is the perfect time to update your estate plan...

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Wisconsin Probate: When Probate Goes Wrong and Common Causes for Litigation

Wisconsin Probate: When Probate Goes Wrong and Common Causes for Litigation

Wisconsin Probate can lead to disputes if plans fail. Learn common causes of probate litigation and how to protect your...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Protecting Special Needs Heirs Without Losing Benefits

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Protecting Special Needs Heirs Without Losing Benefits

Wisconsin Estate Planning helps protect special needs heirs without losing benefits. Learn how trusts preserve SSI and Medicaid eligibility.

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St. Patricks Day: From Religious Feast to a Global Celebration

St. Patricks Day: From Religious Feast to a Global Celebration

Explore St. Patricks Day history and its global roots while learning how estate planning helps preserve your family’s legacy and...

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How to Prevent a “Digital Lock-Out” with Smart Wisconsin Estate Planning

How to Prevent a “Digital Lock-Out” with Smart Wisconsin Estate Planning

Protect your legacy with Wisconsin Estate Planning. Learn how to prevent digital lock-outs and secure your online assets for your...

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Which Trust Fits Your Life? A Deep Dive into Wisconsin Estate Planning

Which Trust Fits Your Life? A Deep Dive into Wisconsin Estate Planning

Compare Wisconsin revocable vs. irrevocable trusts. Learn how to avoid probate, protect assets from nursing home costs, and maximize Wisconsin...

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Wisconsin Probate Simplified: Choosing Between Formal and Summary Administration

Wisconsin Probate Simplified: Choosing Between Formal and Summary Administration

Navigating Wisconsin probate? Compare formal vs. summary administration, learn the $50,000 small estate threshold, and find the fastest way to...

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Wisconsin Probate: How Heirs Are Identified When Beneficiaries Can’t Be Located

Wisconsin Probate: How Heirs Are Identified When Beneficiaries Can’t Be Located

Dealing with missing heirs in Wisconsin probate? Learn about PR-1806 forms, notice by publication, and how the state handles unclaimed...

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Estate Planning Wisconsin: Comprehensive Strategies for Families and Business Owners

Estate Planning Wisconsin: Comprehensive Strategies for Families and Business Owners

Master estate planning in Wisconsin. Learn about marital property laws, avoiding probate, and business succession strategies for Madison and Milwaukee...

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Navigating Wisconsin Probate: 10 Essential Documents to Gather Today

Navigating Wisconsin Probate: 10 Essential Documents to Gather Today

Navigating Wisconsin probate? Learn the 10 essential documents you need, from Domiciliary Letters to the $50,000 small estate affidavit. Get...

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Understanding Wisconsin Elder Law: Why Healthcare Directives Are Non-Negotiable

Understanding Wisconsin Elder Law: Why Healthcare Directives Are Non-Negotiable

Learn why healthcare directives are vital in Wisconsin elder law. Protect your medical wishes and avoid court guardianship with a...

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Probate Disputes Explained: How and Why Will Contests Arise

Probate Disputes Explained: How and Why Will Contests Arise

Probate disputes explained: Learn how will contests arise, common legal grounds for challenging a will, and how contested estates affect...

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Wisconsin Elder Law: 3 Errors That Could Cost You Your Family Home

Wisconsin Elder Law: 3 Errors That Could Cost You Your Family Home

Wisconsin Elder Law guide: 3 Medicaid planning mistakes that could cost you your family home and how to protect it...

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Wisconsin Probate: How Out-of-State Assets Can Complicate Your Case

Wisconsin Probate: How Out-of-State Assets Can Complicate Your Case

Wisconsin Probate guide to handling out-of-state assets. Learn about ancillary probate Wisconsin rules and multi-state estate administration.

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Read Across America Day: Why Reading Still Matters in the Digital Age

Read Across America Day: Why Reading Still Matters in the Digital Age

Celebrate Read Across America Day: explore the importance of reading, fostering lifelong learning habits, and building routines in the digital...

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Brookfield Estate Planning: Managing Your Digital Legacy After You’re Gone

Brookfield Estate Planning: Managing Your Digital Legacy After You’re Gone

Brookfield Estate Planning for digital assets. Learn how to manage digital legacy, protect online accounts, and secure your cryptocurrency and...

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Wisconsin Probate: A Guide to the Final Steps of Closing an Estate

Wisconsin Probate: A Guide to the Final Steps of Closing an Estate

Wisconsin Probate guide to the final steps of closing an estate. Learn how to distribute assets, handle taxes, and secure...

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Brookfield Probate: 5 Ways Executors Risk Their Own Assets

Brookfield Probate: 5 Ways Executors Risk Their Own Assets

Brookfield Probate guide: 5 ways executors risk personal liability. Learn executor liability risks and how to protect your assets during...

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Elder Law Wisconsin: When to Step In and Support Aging Parents

Elder Law Wisconsin: When to Step In and Support Aging Parents

Elder Law Wisconsin guidance on when to step in for aging parents. Learn signs parents need help, legal options, and...

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Estate Planning Brookfield: Protecting Blended Families and Issues That Need Extra Care

Estate Planning Brookfield: Protecting Blended Families and Issues That Need Extra Care

Estate Planning Brookfield families need for blended households. Learn how to protect spouses, stepchildren, and assets while avoiding disputes under...

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Wisconsin Probate: How Family Disputes Can Affect the Outcome

Wisconsin Probate: How Family Disputes Can Affect the Outcome

Family disputes can complicate Wisconsin Probate. Learn how inheritance conflicts, contested wills, and litigation risks affect timelines and estate outcomes.

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: How Powers of Attorney Work Together in a Complete Estate Plan

Wisconsin Estate Planning: How Powers of Attorney Work Together in a Complete Estate Plan

Wisconsin Estate Planning requires both financial and healthcare powers of attorney. Learn how these documents work together to protect you...

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Long-Term Care Planning in Brookfield: A Local’s Guide to Protecting Your Future

Long-Term Care Planning in Brookfield: A Local’s Guide to Protecting Your Future

Long-Term Care Planning in Brookfield helps families protect assets, qualify for Medicaid, and secure quality care. Learn your options for...

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Wisconsin Probate: What Usually Causes Delays, and How to Expedite the Process

Wisconsin Probate: What Usually Causes Delays, and How to Expedite the Process

Learn what causes delays in Wisconsin Probate and how to speed up the process, including timelines, creditor claims, disputes, and...

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Long-Term Care Planning in Wisconsin: Legal Options Families Should Compare

Long-Term Care Planning in Wisconsin: Legal Options Families Should Compare

Learn how Long-Term Care Planning in Wisconsin works, including Medicaid options, asset protection strategies, and legal tools families should compare.

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Estate Planning Wisconsin: Why Generic Estate Planning Documents Often Create Legal Problems

Estate Planning Wisconsin: Why Generic Estate Planning Documents Often Create Legal Problems

TL;DR Online templates and DIY kits promise quick, affordable solutions for protecting your family’s future. But when it comes to...

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Wisconsin Probate: Understanding Intestate Succession and No-Will Inheritances

Wisconsin Probate: Understanding Intestate Succession and No-Will Inheritances

Learn how Wisconsin Probate works when someone dies without a will, including intestate succession, heirs, and estate distribution rules.

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Brookfield Estate Planning: Trusts vs. Wills — A Practical Guide for Brookfield Families

Brookfield Estate Planning: Trusts vs. Wills — A Practical Guide for Brookfield Families

Brookfield Estate Planning guide to trusts vs wills. Learn how Wisconsin trust and will planning protects family assets and avoids...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Adjusting After a Major Medical Diagnosis

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Adjusting After a Major Medical Diagnosis

Wisconsin Estate Planning after a medical diagnosis: update documents, protect assets, plan for long-term care, and preserve your family’s future.

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Wisconsin Probate: The Role of the Probate Judge and What Decisions the Court Actually Makes

Wisconsin Probate: The Role of the Probate Judge and What Decisions the Court Actually Makes

Learn how Wisconsin Probate judges oversee estates, what decisions courts actually make, and when judge involvement is required in probate...

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Brookfield Elder Law: Legal Tools That Protect Your Independence

Brookfield Elder Law: Legal Tools That Protect Your Independence

Brookfield Elder Law helps seniors protect independence, plan for long-term care, and safeguard autonomy with trusted legal tools.

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How Estate Planning Protects Adult Children From Legal Chaos Later

How Estate Planning Protects Adult Children From Legal Chaos Later

Estate Planning protects adult children from legal chaos, disputes, and confusion. Learn how clear planning safeguards families long-term.

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The Complete Guide to Handling Wisconsin Probate Real Estate Without a Trust

The Complete Guide to Handling Wisconsin Probate Real Estate Without a Trust

Wisconsin Probate Real Estate can be complex without a trust. Learn how selling, timelines, and court rules affect property during...

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Choosing the Right Fiduciary: Trustees, Agents, and Personal Representatives Explained

Choosing the Right Fiduciary: Trustees, Agents, and Personal Representatives Explained

Choosing the Right Fiduciary is critical to estate planning. Learn how trustees, agents, and personal representatives differ, and how to...

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Is Your Estate Planning in Wisconsin Up to Date? A Guide to Keeping Your Legacy Secure

Is Your Estate Planning in Wisconsin Up to Date? A Guide to Keeping Your Legacy Secure

Is your estate planning in Wisconsin up to date? From the Marital Property Act to digital assets, learn why refreshing...

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Probate in Wisconsin: What Families Wish They Had Known Earlier

Probate in Wisconsin: What Families Wish They Had Known Earlier

Probate in Wisconsin often surprises families. Learn what families wish they knew earlier and how proactive planning can reduce stress...

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Planning With Heart: Estate Planning Tips to Protect Your Loved Ones

Planning With Heart: Estate Planning Tips to Protect Your Loved Ones

Estate planning tips that focus on protecting loved ones, preserving values, and creating peace of mind through thoughtful, family-focused planning.

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Probate in Wisconsin: Steps That Save Families Time and Stress Before a Loss

Probate in Wisconsin: Steps That Save Families Time and Stress Before a Loss

Probate in Wisconsin doesn’t have to be stressful. Learn how pre-loss planning can save families time, reduce court delays, and...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Conversations Families Avoid, and Why That Creates Bigger Problems Later

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Conversations Families Avoid, and Why That Creates Bigger Problems Later

Wisconsin Estate Planning guide on conversations families avoid, and how silence creates inheritance conflicts, delays, and bigger legal problems later.

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Estate Planning Madison WI: How Madison Residents Can Reduce Legal Delays

Estate Planning Madison WI: How Madison Residents Can Reduce Legal Delays

Estate Planning Madison WI guide to reducing legal delays. Learn how trusts, beneficiaries, and proactive planning help families avoid probate...

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Wisconsin Probate: What Happens After Probate Is Filed — A Plain-English Breakdown

Wisconsin Probate: What Happens After Probate Is Filed — A Plain-English Breakdown

Wisconsin Probate explained in plain English. Learn what happens after probate is filed, key deadlines, and how the estate administration...

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Why Power of Attorney Should Be Reviewed at the Start of Every Year

Why Power of Attorney Should Be Reviewed at the Start of Every Year

Power of Attorney documents should be reviewed yearly. Learn why updates matter, how laws change, and how to keep your...

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Estate Planning Madison WI: Legal Issues for Multigenerational Families

Estate Planning Madison WI: Legal Issues for Multigenerational Families

Estate Planning Madison WI for multigenerational families. Learn how to protect family assets, avoid common mistakes, and preserve your legacy.

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Wisconsin Probate: A Guide to Which Jointly Owned Assets Transfer Automatically

Wisconsin Probate: A Guide to Which Jointly Owned Assets Transfer Automatically

Wisconsin Probate rules vary by asset type. Learn which jointly owned assets transfer automatically and which may still require probate...

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Elder Law Planning: How It Protects Independence as Families Age

Elder Law Planning: How It Protects Independence as Families Age

Elder Law Planning helps protect independence, dignity, and financial security as families age through proactive legal planning and care strategies.

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National Hugging Day: Why Human Connection Still Matters

National Hugging Day: Why Human Connection Still Matters

National Hugging Day reminds us why human connection, physical affection, and emotional well-being still matter for families and mental health.

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What Makes Probate In Madison Different From Other Wisconsin Cities

What Makes Probate In Madison Different From Other Wisconsin Cities

Learn what makes Probate In Madison different, from local court practices to timelines, costs, and filing requirements in Dane County.

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National Cheese Lover’s Day: Why Wisconsin’s Cheese Culture Matters

National Cheese Lover’s Day: Why Wisconsin’s Cheese Culture Matters

Celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day by exploring why Wisconsin’s cheese culture, dairy traditions, and local heritage continue to matter.

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Wisconsin Probate Timeline: How Court Filings Impact the Probate Process

Wisconsin Probate Timeline: How Court Filings Impact the Probate Process

Learn how court filings shape the Wisconsin Probate Timeline, including deadlines, delays, and what impacts how long probate takes.

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National Popcorn Day: Why the Best Ideas Start Small

National Popcorn Day: Why the Best Ideas Start Small

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with a fresh perspective on how small ideas and simple planning steps can create a big...

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Legal Planning Priorities for Madison Families: Tips from an Estate Planning Attorney in Madison

Legal Planning Priorities for Madison Families: Tips from an Estate Planning Attorney in Madison

An Estate Planning Attorney in Madison shares legal planning priorities to protect families, children, and assets under Wisconsin law.

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Probate Red Flags: What Do Families Need To Watch Out For

Probate Red Flags: What Do Families Need To Watch Out For

Learn the most common Probate Red Flags, from executor misconduct to missing assets, and when families should seek legal help...

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Estate Planning for Blended Families in Madison: A Comprehensive Guide from a Madison Estate Planning Attorney

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Madison: A Comprehensive Guide from a Madison Estate Planning Attorney

A Madison estate planning attorney explains how blended families can protect children, spouses, and assets under Wisconsin marital property law.

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10 Things Your Madison Wisconsin Probate Attorney Wants You to Know

10 Things Your Madison Wisconsin Probate Attorney Wants You to Know

A Madison Wisconsin probate attorney explains the probate process, costs, timelines, executor duties, and how to avoid common probate mistakes...

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Estate Planning Wisconsin: How to Update Your Estate Plan After Moving to the Wisconsin

Estate Planning Wisconsin: How to Update Your Estate Plan After Moving to the Wisconsin

Estate Planning Wisconsin guide for families moving to the state. Learn how Wisconsin laws affect wills, trusts, powers of attorney,...

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Creditors and Probate: How Outstanding Debts Are Handled in Wisconsin

Creditors and Probate: How Outstanding Debts Are Handled in Wisconsin

Learn how creditors and probate work in Wisconsin, including handling outstanding debts, creditor claims, and estate settlement rules during probate.

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Madison Homeowners: Legal Considerations When Property Changes Hands

Madison Homeowners: Legal Considerations When Property Changes Hands

Madison homeowners can avoid legal pitfalls by understanding property transfer rules, probate risks, and estate planning strategies when ownership changes.

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National Clean Off Your Desk Day: Why Clear Spaces Create Clear Thinking

National Clean Off Your Desk Day: Why Clear Spaces Create Clear Thinking

National Clean Off Your Desk Day highlights how decluttering improves focus, mental clarity, and productivity by creating calm, organized workspaces.

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Probate and Executor Authority: What You Can and Cannot Do

Probate and Executor Authority: What You Can and Cannot Do

Probate and Executor Authority explained: learn what executors can and cannot do, their legal limits, and how probate rules protect...

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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Community Trust

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Community Trust

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day honors service, sacrifice, and community trust while highlighting the importance of supporting those who protect us.

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A Local’s Guide to Madison Probate Procedures and Court Rules

A Local’s Guide to Madison Probate Procedures and Court Rules

Learn how Madison probate procedures work, including local court rules, timelines, and tips for navigating Dane County probate with confidence.

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National Joy Germ Day: How Positivity Spreads Faster Than You Think

National Joy Germ Day: How Positivity Spreads Faster Than You Think

National Joy Germ Day shows how positivity spreads through kindness, small actions, and community connection—often faster than we realize.

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7 Essential Tips for Handling Probate with Multiple Accounts

7 Essential Tips for Handling Probate with Multiple Accounts

Probate with multiple accounts can be complex. Learn 7 essential tips to manage assets, avoid delays, and simplify estate administration.

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Probate In Madison: Estate and Probate Trends We’re Seeing Among Residents

Probate In Madison: Estate and Probate Trends We’re Seeing Among Residents

Probate in Madison is evolving. Learn current estate and probate trends affecting local families and how proactive planning can make...

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National Bean Day: Small Ingredients That Power Big Outcomes

National Bean Day: Small Ingredients That Power Big Outcomes

National Bean Day highlights how small ingredients like beans create big impact through nutrition, symbolism, and everyday value.

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Probate Wisconsin: Triggers to Identify and Situations Families Often Overlook

Probate Wisconsin: Triggers to Identify and Situations Families Often Overlook

Probate Wisconsin families often face surprises. Learn common probate triggers, overlooked estate situations, and when probate is necessary under Wisconsin...

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National Bird Day: What Birds Teach Us About Balance, Focus, and Adaptability

National Bird Day: What Birds Teach Us About Balance, Focus, and Adaptability

National Bird Day highlights lessons from birds about balance, focus, and adaptability and how nature’s wisdom applies to everyday life.

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Legal Planning Madison: Why Are More Madison Families Choosing to Plan Ahead Now?

Legal Planning Madison: Why Are More Madison Families Choosing to Plan Ahead Now?

Legal Planning Madison families rely on proactive estate planning to protect assets, plan ahead legally, and secure their family’s future...

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Estate Planning: Starting the Year Right With Smart Legal Moves in January

Estate Planning: Starting the Year Right With Smart Legal Moves in January

Estate Planning in January helps Wisconsin families update wills, trusts, and legal documents while starting the year with clarity and...

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New Year’s Day: A Fresh Start for Legal and Life Planning Resolutions

New Year’s Day: A Fresh Start for Legal and Life Planning Resolutions

New Year’s Day is the perfect time for legal and life planning resolutions that support long-term goals, estate planning, and...

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Legal Checklist Wisconsin: The Year in Review and Essential Legal Steps Every Wisconsin Family Should Take

Legal Checklist Wisconsin: The Year in Review and Essential Legal Steps Every Wisconsin Family Should Take

Legal Checklist Wisconsin families can follow to review essential legal steps, update estate plans, and protect their family legacy before...

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New Year’s Eve: How to Reflect, Reset, and Step Into the New Year With Purpose

New Year’s Eve: How to Reflect, Reset, and Step Into the New Year With Purpose

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to reflect on the past year, reset priorities, and step into the new...

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Estate Planning Madison: Why Residents Benefit From Localized Guidance

Estate Planning Madison: Why Residents Benefit From Localized Guidance

Estate Planning Madison residents trust benefits from local guidance. Learn how Wisconsin laws and personalized planning help protect families and...

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Financial Wellness Month: How Legal Planning Protects More Than Just Your Money

Financial Wellness Month: How Legal Planning Protects More Than Just Your Money

Financial Wellness Month highlights how legal planning supports financial health beyond money, protecting assets, family stability, and long-term security.

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Probate Wisconsin: What Wisconsin Families Should Prepare For the New Year

Probate Wisconsin: What Wisconsin Families Should Prepare For the New Year

Probate Wisconsin families face in the new year can be simpler with preparation. Learn how to prepare for probate filing...

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Trust Planning Madison: Why Residents Turn to Trusts for Greater Protection

Trust Planning Madison: Why Residents Turn to Trusts for Greater Protection

Trust Planning Madison families rely on trusts for asset protection, estate planning for 2026, and long-term strategies under Wisconsin trust...

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Boxing Day Explained: From Old-World Customs to Modern Shopping Frenzies

Boxing Day Explained: From Old-World Customs to Modern Shopping Frenzies

Boxing Day explained—from British holiday origins and traditions to modern shopping frenzies and post-Christmas sales around the world.

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Estate Plan: How Holiday Gatherings Are the Perfect Time to Discuss

Estate Plan: How Holiday Gatherings Are the Perfect Time to Discuss

Discover why holiday gatherings are the perfect time to discuss an estate plan and start meaningful family conversations with confidence.

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Christmas Eve Traditions: Why the Night Before Christmas Still Feels Magical

Christmas Eve Traditions: Why the Night Before Christmas Still Feels Magical

Explore why Christmas Eve feels magical, from cherished family traditions to seasonal rituals that create lasting holiday memories.

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Legal Questions Madison Families Ask During the Holidays

Legal Questions Madison Families Ask During the Holidays

Discover the top legal questions Madison families ask during the holidays, from estate planning to probate, and how to prepare...

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Festivus Holiday: The Unofficial Holiday That Became a Cultural Phenomenon

Festivus Holiday: The Unofficial Holiday That Became a Cultural Phenomenon

Learn about the Festivus Holiday, its quirky traditions, and how this unofficial celebration became a cultural phenomenon in modern society.

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Closing Estates Wisconsin: The Final Step and How to Properly Do It

Closing Estates Wisconsin: The Final Step and How to Properly Do It

The probate process can feel long and overwhelming, especially for families already coping with loss. While much attention is given...

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Forefathers’ Day: Traditions and Truths Behind This Early American Holiday

Forefathers’ Day: Traditions and Truths Behind This Early American Holiday

Forefathers’ Day explores early American holidays, Pilgrim history, and traditions that shaped family legacy and American heritage.

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Wills in Madison: Why Every Family Needs a Will Before the New Year

Wills in Madison: Why Every Family Needs a Will Before the New Year

Wills in Madison help families protect children, assets, and future plans. Learn why creating or updating a will before the...

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Madison Probate: How It Works When There Are Multiple Heirs

Madison Probate: How It Works When There Are Multiple Heirs

Madison probate with multiple heirs can be complex. Learn how shared inheritance works, common disputes, and how families can navigate...

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Twin Day Fun: Celebrating the Science, Stories, and Mystique of Twinhood

Twin Day Fun: Celebrating the Science, Stories, and Mystique of Twinhood

Twin Day celebrates the science, stories, and special bonds of twinhood—exploring twin science, relationships, fun facts, and why twins fascinate...

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Estate Planning: Why Updating Beneficiaries Before January Is a Smart Move

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Probate Lawyer in Madison WI: Preserving Your Family’s Legacy

Work with an experienced probate lawyer in Madison WI to navigate probate, protect assets, and preserve your family’s legacy for...

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School Picture Day: Why Capturing Moments Matters

School Picture Day: Why Capturing Moments Matters

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Elder Law Attorney Oregon WI: Helping Families Share the Care

Elder Law Attorney Oregon WI: Helping Families Share the Care

An elder law attorney in Oregon, WI helps families share the care through Medicaid planning, asset protection, and elder law...

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The Importance of Sharing Care: Why It’s More Powerful Than Ever

The Importance of Sharing Care: Why It’s More Powerful Than Ever

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Estate Planning Lawyer Madison WI: Charting Your Family’s Future

Estate Planning Lawyer Madison WI: Charting Your Family’s Future

Looking for an estate planning lawyer Madison WI? Discover how estate planning services help families chart their future and protect...

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Lessons About Legacy: Exploring New Worlds with Star Trek

Lessons About Legacy: Exploring New Worlds with Star Trek

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Probate and Trust Administration Madison WI: Preparing for the Big Game of Life

Probate and Trust Administration Madison WI: Preparing for the Big Game of Life

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Tailgating Traditions: Why Community and Connection Still Matter

Tailgating Traditions: Why Community and Connection Still Matter

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Estate Planning Lawyer Oregon WI: Delivering Peace of Mind to Families

Estate Planning Lawyer Oregon WI: Delivering Peace of Mind to Families

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Newspaper Carrier Day: Delivering Trust and Reliable Guidance

Newspaper Carrier Day: Delivering Trust and Reliable Guidance

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Probate Lawyer Brookfield WI: Striking the Right Balance for Families

Probate Lawyer Brookfield WI: Striking the Right Balance for Families

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What Bowling Leagues Teach Us About Teamwork and Longevity

What Bowling Leagues Teach Us About Teamwork and Longevity

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Elder Law Attorney: A Second Look at Protecting Your Loved Ones

Elder Law Attorney: A Second Look at Protecting Your Loved Ones

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Taking Another Look: How Fresh Perspectives Shape Better Decision Making

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Estate Planning Lawyer Madison WI: Why Labor Day Is the Perfect Time to Plan Ahead

Estate Planning Lawyer Madison WI: Why Labor Day Is the Perfect Time to Plan Ahead

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The Power of Forgiveness: Why Letting Go Strengthens Families

The Power of Forgiveness: Why Letting Go Strengthens Families

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What Documents are Needed for Estate Planning?

What Documents are Needed for Estate Planning?

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What is Medicaid Planning?

What is Medicaid Planning?

At Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, we offer comprehensive Medicaid planning services designed to help families protect their...

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How to Talk to Parents About Estate Planning?

How to Talk to Parents About Estate Planning?

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What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

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What makes a will valid in Wisconsin?

What makes a will valid in Wisconsin?

Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center is a trusted law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive estate planning and elder...

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What is a child entitled to when a parent dies without a will in Wisconsin?

What is a child entitled to when a parent dies without a will in Wisconsin?

When a parent passes away without a will, also known as dying “intestate,” Wisconsin’s intestacy laws govern how the deceased...

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What are the duties of an executor of an estate?

What are the duties of an executor of an estate?

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How to avoid probate in Wisconsin?

Probate is a court-supervised process that oversees the transfer of assets from a deceased person to their heirs or beneficiaries....

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Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

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Can a will be contested after death?

Can a will be contested after death?

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Can a surviving spouse change a joint will?

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When Should You Start an Estate Plan?

When Should You Start an Estate Plan?

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What should be done if a sibling does not sign a probate?

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What is a Probate Bond Waiver?

What is a Probate Bond Waiver?

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to...

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Understanding Medicaid: How to Qualify Without Losing Your Assets

Understanding Medicaid: How to Qualify Without Losing Your Assets

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Why Now Is the Best Time to Create Your Will

Why Now Is the Best Time to Create Your Will

Life is full of uncertainties, and while we can’t predict the future, we can protect our loved ones and ensure...

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Executor Responsibilities: What Adult Children Need to Know When Parents Name Them in Their Estate Plans

Executor Responsibilities: What Adult Children Need to Know When Parents Name Them in Their Estate Plans

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Estate Planning for Aging Parents: Important Questions for Adult Children to Ask

Estate Planning for Aging Parents: Important Questions for Adult Children to Ask

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How Adult Children Can Support Their Parents in Estate Planning

How Adult Children Can Support Their Parents in Estate Planning

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Power of Attorney Documents

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Power of Attorney Documents

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When and Why Should You Update Your Power of Attorney?

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Top 5 Common Misconceptions About Powers of Attorney

Top 5 Common Misconceptions About Powers of Attorney

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When Do I Need to Change My Estate Plan During Divorce?

When Do I Need to Change My Estate Plan During Divorce?

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Attorney Dan Krause Featured on The Morning Blend to Shed Light on Long-Term Care Financing

Are you worried about the potential burden of long-term care costs threatening your financial stability? If so, you’re not alone....

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How to Successfully Pass On Heirlooms

How to Successfully Pass On Heirlooms

Navigating the world of estate planning can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to passing on cherished family heirlooms....

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Can I Leave Family Members Out of My Will?

Can I Leave Family Members Out of My Will?

When writing a will, you might find yourself confronting difficult decisions. One such decision could be excluding certain family members...

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The Emotional Impact of Probate: Coping with Grief and Estate Settlement

The Emotional Impact of Probate: Coping with Grief and Estate Settlement

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Common Probate Mistakes to Avoid

Common Probate Mistakes to Avoid

Probate, the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, can be fraught with pitfalls if not handled correctly. Missteps...

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Prioritizing Payments in Probate

Prioritizing Payments in Probate

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Decoding Asset Inclusion: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Key Items for Your Estate Plan

Decoding Asset Inclusion: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Key Items for Your Estate Plan

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most critical steps is identifying the key assets that will form...

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Trust Certification: No Need to Disclose Your Entire Trust to Your Banker

Trust Certification: No Need to Disclose Your Entire Trust to Your Banker

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Medical Power of Attorney

Medical Power of Attorney

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Limited Power of Attorney

Limited Power of Attorney

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The Power of Empathy in Estate Planning

The Power of Empathy in Estate Planning

Empathy is not just the ability to understand and share the feelings of another; it’s about acting based on that...

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Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: What Happens to Your Property After You’re Gone

Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: What Happens to Your Property After You’re Gone

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Protecting Your Legacy: Understanding Wisconsin Probate Laws

When it comes to estate planning, understanding Wisconsin probate laws is essential to ensure that your legacy is protected and...

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Peace of Mind for Your Loved Ones: The Importance of Estate Planning in Wisconsin

Peace of Mind for Your Loved Ones: The Importance of Estate Planning in Wisconsin

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The Benefits of a Living Trust: A Comprehensive Guide

The Benefits of a Living Trust: A Comprehensive Guide

As you get older and start considering your long-term financial security, it’s essential to understand the variety of options available....

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What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

Older adults looking to give back and reduce their tax burden may find a solution with a qualified charitable distribution...

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How Alzheimer’s and Dementia Impact Estate Planning

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Why Estate Planning is for Everyone

Why Estate Planning is for Everyone

Estate planning is often considered a priority reserved for the elderly, but it should be approached proactively at any age....

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Can I Be Enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare at the Same Time?

Can I Be Enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare at the Same Time?

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How the Medicaid Spend Down Works

How the Medicaid Spend Down Works

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Most Common Questions About Medicaid

Most Common Questions About Medicaid

Medicaid is one of the most important social welfare programs in the U.S. The program helps millions of Americans get...

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Mistakes to Avoid in Asset Protection Planning

Mistakes to Avoid in Asset Protection Planning

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Why You Need Asset Protection

Why You Need Asset Protection

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Protecting Your Assets After a Second Marriage

Protecting Your Assets After a Second Marriage

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Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid

Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid

As individuals near retirement, one of many questions they will ask themselves is how to pay for medical care. Two...

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Questions to Ask if You Suspect Financial Elder Abuse

People will try to target the most vulnerable, including older individuals. In fact, the FBI estimates that $3 million is...

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Is it Beneficial to Hire an Elder Law Attorney?

It’s a common phrase – “Hope for the best, plan for the worst.” But planning for a future where someone...

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Facts and Fiction About Living Trusts

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Advantages of a Single vs. Joint Trust

Married couples may feel obligated to be together for various activities or combine many aspects of their lives. Whether that’s...

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Trusting a Trust: Which Trust Option is Best For Your Family?

Trusting a Trust: Which Trust Option is Best For Your Family?

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An Essential Document For Your Estate Plan

An Essential Document For Your Estate Plan

Having an estate plan is critical to ensure your final wishes are upheld. No two estate plans are drawn up...

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Planning Ahead – Paying for Long-Term Care

Planning Ahead – Paying for Long-Term Care

If everyone had a crystal ball, they would be able to predict whether they would need to pay for long-term...

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How to Discuss Your Estate Plan with Your Family

The holidays usually mean families spending time together. While death may not be a good conversation to have at the...

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Avoiding Probate – What You Need to Know About Assets

Avoiding Probate – What You Need to Know About Assets

As part of creating an estate plan, one goal individuals or couples may have is to make sure their loved...

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Can I Go Through Probate Without an Attorney?

Can I Go Through Probate Without an Attorney?

Probate is an experience no one hopes they have to go through as it is usually a burden and time-consuming...

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Mental Capacity Requirements in Estate Planning

Mental Capacity Requirements in Estate Planning

Attorney Dan Krause talks about mental capacity and what it means for estate planning. The threshold for mental capacity to...

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What Does Fiduciary Duty Mean for a Trustee?

What Does Fiduciary Duty Mean for a Trustee?

Attorney Dan Krause explains to trustees what their responsibilities and fiduciary duties are. Being a trustee means putting their personal...

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Medicaid’s $15,000 per year Gifting Rule Explained

Medicaid’s $15,000 per year Gifting Rule Explained

Many people believe they can gift $15,000 per year and be OK when it comes to applying for Medicaid. Unfortunately,...

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Difference Between a Living Will and a Living Trust

Difference Between a Living Will and a Living Trust

Attorney Dan Krause explains the differences between a Living Will and a Living Trust. While both are estate planning documents,...

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5 Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney

5 Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney

A probate attorney is not someone you usually have on speed dial – they are instead usually needed after a...

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Why Choose a Trust Over a Will?

Why Choose a Trust Over a Will?

Attorney Dan Krause discusses the top 4 important reasons why families choose a Living Trust over a Will for estate...

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Asset Limits for Couples When a Spouse Qualifies for Medicaid

Asset Limits for Couples When a Spouse Qualifies for Medicaid

Attorney Dan Krause talks about Wisconsin Medicaid rules for a couple. There are asset limits for what a spouse can...

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Limitations of Wisconsin’s Statutory Power of Attorney

Limitations of Wisconsin’s Statutory Power of Attorney

Attorney Dan Krause talks about the Wisconsin statutory power of attorney and its limitations especially with regard to elder planning...

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Is it Legal to Plan for Medicaid?

Is it Legal to Plan for Medicaid?

Dan Krause, Wisconsin author and Elder Law Attorney, talks about the legality and ethics of doing Medicaid planning to leverage...

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Wisconsin Medicaid Asset Requirements

Wisconsin Medicaid Asset Requirements

While Medicaid is a federal program, the states have extra options they can choose to offer. Similarly, each state has...

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5 Things You Need to Know About Medicaid Planning in Wisconsin

5 Things You Need to Know About Medicaid Planning in Wisconsin

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “Wisconsin Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides high-quality...

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10 of the Benefits Medicaid Can Provide

10 of the Benefits Medicaid Can Provide

Each state has its own set of Medicaid benefits that can be provided to anyone who qualifies medically and financially,...

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This Is How You Can Avoid Probate in Wisconsin

This Is How You Can Avoid Probate in Wisconsin

Probate can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, even under the best of conditions. However, your family may not need...

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This Is the Purpose of Probate

This Is the Purpose of Probate

You’ve likely heard of probate before, but do you know its purpose? Grieving the loss of a loved one is...

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Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center Becomes a Carbonfree® Partner

Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center Becomes a Carbonfree® Partner

Making an estate plan is largely about protecting future generations, and at Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, we...

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4 Things You Need to Know About Probate

4 Things You Need to Know About Probate

When your loved one passes on, their estate will need to go through a process referred to as probate. Probate...

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Elder Law: Planning for Medicaid & Nursing Home Expenses

Elder Law: Planning for Medicaid & Nursing Home Expenses

One of the most important aspects of estate planning includes determining long-term elder care. Since traditional health insurance plans don’t...

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When Can a Parent Legally Make an End-Of-Life Decision?

When Can a Parent Legally Make an End-Of-Life Decision?

Twenty-one-year-old Damaire was brought to Erie County Medical Center in the early morning hours. Damaire’s father was told that the...

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How a Charitable Remainder Trust Works

How a Charitable Remainder Trust Works

A couple lives well on their incomes, but the biggest asset they own is a tract of unimproved real estate...

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What Estate Planning Documents Do You Need for Protection?

What Estate Planning Documents Do You Need for Protection?

Wouldn’t your children be relieved to learn that you’ve done all the necessary advance estate planning so that if you...

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What Mistake Did Hollywood Director John Singleton Make with his Estate?

What Mistake Did Hollywood Director John Singleton Make with his Estate?

John Singleton’s Estate Complications After Death Hollywood director John Singleton didn’t do his family any favors by committing the most...

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What Do I Do with My Investments if I Get a Divorce?

What Do I Do with My Investments if I Get a Divorce?

Money problems in a marriage can be a big part of a couple’s decision to divorce. In fact, a recent...

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What is a Special Needs Trust and How Can It Benefit My Family?

What is a Special Needs Trust and How Can It Benefit My Family?

For the many people with special needs, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid are critical sources of support for those with...

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A Last Will or Living Trust: What’s Better To Accomplish My Goals?

A Last Will or Living Trust: What’s Better To Accomplish My Goals?

Everyone knows what a last will and testament are. However, a will is not always the best way to distribute...

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Probate: What’s Your Experience Been in Handling These Matters?

Probate: What’s Your Experience Been in Handling These Matters?

Probate matters can be simple in some cases, while others are much more complicated. Some probate cases involve will contests,...

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What Do I Need in My Estate Plan in Addition to a Will?

What Do I Need in My Estate Plan in Addition to a Will?

American Legion’s recent article, “Planning beyond the will,” says that it’s important that your estate planning papers are synced with...

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Consider A Power of Attorney as a Parent’s Condition Takes a Turn

Consider A Power of Attorney as a Parent’s Condition Takes a Turn

An 80-year-old man had seizures several months ago. He was treated in the hospital and since then, has had some...

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What Will New Acts of Congress Mean for Stretch IRAs?

What Will New Acts of Congress Mean for Stretch IRAs?

The SECURE and RESA acts are currently being considered in Congress. These acts may impact stretch IRAs. A stretch IRA...

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Death Happens when We’re Not Looking – Be Prepared

Death Happens when We’re Not Looking – Be Prepared

There are hard topics, like sickness and death, that estate planning prepares for. Then there’s the unexpected, says Wicked Local...

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Why are Senior Citizens So Vulnerable to Scammers?

Why are Senior Citizens So Vulnerable to Scammers?

The amount of money stolen from seniors is absolutely stunning, but what makes this worse is that victims are often...

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How Can Beneficiary Designations Wreck My Estate Plan?

How Can Beneficiary Designations Wreck My Estate Plan?

It’s not uncommon for the intent of an individual’s will and trust to be overridden by beneficiary designations that weren’t...

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What Did a CA Couple’s Grandkids Say That Led to a $750-mil Donation?

What Did a CA Couple’s Grandkids Say That Led to a $750-mil Donation?

A substantial donation followed the events described by Stewart Resnick. He saw that, after some unusual winter weather in 2015,...

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Managing an Aging Parent’s Financial and Legal Life

Managing an Aging Parent’s Financial and Legal Life

As parents age, it becomes more important for their children or another trusted adult to start helping them with their...

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Should I Move All My IRAs to a Roth?

Should I Move All My IRAs to a Roth?

Medical expenses-often more a factor for retirees-can be taken as an itemized deduction, if you have taxable income to count...

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‘Aging in Place’ Presents Several Issues that Require Preparation

‘Aging in Place’ Presents Several Issues that Require Preparation

If aging in place is your goal, then long-term planning needs to be considered, including how the house will function...

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What Documents Are Part of My Estate Planning “Must Have’s”?

What Documents Are Part of My Estate Planning “Must Have’s”?

Many people think that having an estate plan just means drafting a will or a trust. However, there’s much more...

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Does a Beneficiary of an Estate Need to Live in the U.S. to Inherit?

Does a Beneficiary of an Estate Need to Live in the U.S. to Inherit?

When a person dies without a will, who inherits and receives a distribution of his or her estate assets is...

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Trusts: How Does it Work in My Estate Plan and Which Type is Best?

Trusts: How Does it Work in My Estate Plan and Which Type is Best?

A trust can be a useful tool for passing on assets, allowing them to be held by a responsible trustee...

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In This World Nothing is Certain but Death and Taxes

In This World Nothing is Certain but Death and Taxes

No one actually enjoys paying taxes, and few of us really want to think about our own death, but both...

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How to Help Your Elderly Parent Without Ruining Your Relationship

How to Help Your Elderly Parent Without Ruining Your Relationship

If you have elderly parents, you might have to step in at some point and provide caregiving services. Whether that...

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Can a Transaction Occur if One Spouse is Incapacitated?

Can a Transaction Occur if One Spouse is Incapacitated?

An elderly married couple wished to sell their home, but they had a big problem. The notary public refused to...

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Understanding Beneficiary Designations and Your IRAs

Understanding Beneficiary Designations and Your IRAs

If you’re like most people, you opened that IRA many years ago. You may not have any idea who you...

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Dark Side of Medicaid Means You Need Estate Planning

Dark Side of Medicaid Means You Need Estate Planning

A woman in Massachusetts, age 62, is living in her family’s home on borrowed time. Her late father did all...

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Your Spouse Just Died … Now What? Tips for the Surviving Spouse

Your Spouse Just Died … Now What? Tips for the Surviving Spouse

In many relationships, it’s common for one spouse to play money manager and the other to take a more passive...

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What Can I Do with Unspent Money in a 529 Plan?

What Can I Do with Unspent Money in a 529 Plan?

Los Altos Online’s recent article, “How to use up leftover money in a 529 college savings plan,” says there several...

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Estate Planning: What’s Best for You, a Will or a Trust?

Estate Planning: What’s Best for You, a Will or a Trust?

That may be an idealistic portrayal, but there is some truth to it. It is no longer unusual for families...

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What’s the Difference Between a Quitclaim and a Warranty Deed?

What’s the Difference Between a Quitclaim and a Warranty Deed?

When you buy, sell, or transfer ownership of a property to another, you need to be aware of what type...

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What are Some Estate Planning Tips for People Without Kids?

What are Some Estate Planning Tips for People Without Kids?

If you and your spouse don’t have children, you still need to think about estate planning, as the focus of...

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How Joint Tenancy Creates Estate and Tax Problems for Seniors

How Joint Tenancy Creates Estate and Tax Problems for Seniors

As parents age, families sometimes struggle with how to best keep their parents’ financial affairs in order. One common approach...

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How Does a Probate Proceeding Work?

How Does a Probate Proceeding Work?

A Will, also known as Last Will and Testament, is a legal document that is used in probate court, if...

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Why is Estate Planning So Important to Black Americans?

Why is Estate Planning So Important to Black Americans?

End-of-life planning or estate planning is something the black American community should tie into discussions with families. Many famous black...

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Succession Planning For Business Owners

Succession Planning For Business Owners

A business owner without an estate plan, is a business owner whose business and personal estate are both in jeopardy,...

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Can You Protect Your Home If You Need Medicaid?

Can You Protect Your Home If You Need Medicaid?

Anyone who owns a home, whether a magnificent mansion or a modest ranch, worries about the possibility of losing the...

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Estate Planning for Small Business Owners is a Necessity

Estate Planning for Small Business Owners is a Necessity

Just as small business owners must plan for their own personal estate to be passed onto the next generation, they...

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Planning Ahead: How Much Will Long-Term Care Cost?

Planning Ahead: How Much Will Long-Term Care Cost?

The recent article from MarketWatch, “This is how much long-term care could cost you, and don’t expect Medicare to help,”...

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How Elder Law Estate Planning for the Future Can Help Your Children

How Elder Law Estate Planning for the Future Can Help Your Children

Seniors who are parents of adult children can make their children’s lives easier, by making the effort to button-down major...

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Get the Most from Your Veterans Benefits

Get the Most from Your Veterans Benefits

You probably take full advantage of the health services the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides. However, you might be...

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So, What Does an Elder Law Attorney Really Do?

So, What Does an Elder Law Attorney Really Do?

A knowledgeable elder law attorney will make certain that he represents the best interests of his senior client in a...

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Estate Planning With Trusts: How Can They Help My Kids?

Estate Planning With Trusts: How Can They Help My Kids?

Young people like to keep things simple. Millennials don’t want their parents’ furniture or antiques. They want to be able...

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Avoiding a Family Feud When Choosing a Power of Attorney

Avoiding a Family Feud When Choosing a Power of Attorney

The challenge in tasking a family member or trusted friend as power of attorney is not just making sure they...

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As We Age, Why Planning Ahead Is Always Better

As We Age, Why Planning Ahead Is Always Better

Two stories of two people who managed their personal lives very differently illustrate the enormous difference that can happen for...

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How to Design an Estate Plan with a Blended Family?

How to Design an Estate Plan with a Blended Family?

There are several things that a blended family needs to consider when updating their estate plans, says The University Herald...

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Why the Secure Act May Make Your Retirement Less Secure

Why the Secure Act May Make Your Retirement Less Secure

Congress can’t wait to get its hands on America’s retirement account assets, says The Wall Street Journal in the article...

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What Happens When You Inherit Real Estate?

What Happens When You Inherit Real Estate?

The number one question on most people’s minds when they inherit a real estate is whether they have to pay...

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Think of Estate Planning as Stewardship for the Future

Think of Estate Planning as Stewardship for the Future

Despite our love of planning, the one thing we often do not plan for is the one thing that we...

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Estate Planning: Get Your Ducks in a Row for Your Surviving Loved Ones

Estate Planning: Get Your Ducks in a Row for Your Surviving Loved Ones

Families can get ripped apart permanently, because of problems with a close relative’s estate. Many problems are avoidable, by taking...

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Review How Life Insurance Trusts Fit in with Estate Plans

Review How Life Insurance Trusts Fit in with Estate Plans

Life insurance trusts have long been hailed as a smart way to provide financial protection for loved ones, while simultaneously...

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Nursing Home Care Costs and Your Estate Plan: Myth vs. Fact

Nursing Home Care Costs and Your Estate Plan: Myth vs. Fact

Remember that the role of an elder law attorney is to be a client-centered advocate, which is a different assignment...

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What’s the Importance of Having a Financial Power of Attorney?

What’s the Importance of Having a Financial Power of Attorney?

Imagine that tomorrow you suddenly become severely ill or incapacitated. Who would take care of your finances? How would they...

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What If My Beneficiary Isn’t Ready to Handle an Inheritance?

What If My Beneficiary Isn’t Ready to Handle an Inheritance?

A recent Kiplinger article asks: “Is Your Beneficiary Ready to Receive Money?” In fact, not everyone will be mentally or...

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Here’s Why a Basic Form Doesn’t Work for Estate Planning

Here’s Why a Basic Form Doesn’t Work for Estate Planning

However, some want you to believe that you need only purchase a form to have an effective estate plan. Using...

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What is a Medicaid Annuity?

What is a Medicaid Annuity?

What Is a Medicaid “Spend Down”? We see a common problem for many seniors as they age: They end up...

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How Do I Include My Digital Assets in My Estate Plan?

How Do I Include My Digital Assets in My Estate Plan?

It seems that every day we conduct more of our daily activities online. We increasingly all have a digital presence...

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Will Contests May Be Rare, but They Do Occasionally Happen

Will Contests May Be Rare, but They Do Occasionally Happen

In an ideal world, wills and estate plans are created when people are the sound of mind and body, just...

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Common Estate Planning Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Common Estate Planning Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Estate planning attorneys see them all the time: the mistakes that people make when they try to create an estate...

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What You Need to Know about Trusts for Estate Planning

What You Need to Know about Trusts for Estate Planning

There are many different kinds of trusts used to accomplish a wide variety of purposes in creating an estate plan....

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Wisconsin Rules for Intestate Succession. No Will? Now What?

Wisconsin Rules for Intestate Succession. No Will? Now What?

What Happens If a Person Dies Without a Will in Wisconsin? If a person dies leaving no will, the Wisconsin...

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Illinois Rules for Intestate Succession: No Will? Now What?

Illinois Rules for Intestate Succession: No Will? Now What?

If a person dies leaving no will, the probate court follows the state’s rules for Intestate Succession. The following is...

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What Can I Do When My Aging Parent Refuses to Give Up Control?

What Can I Do When My Aging Parent Refuses to Give Up Control?

It’s a common problem for families when a parent in charge of finances develops cognitive impairment and needs help managing...

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Why is Angelina Jolie Leaving Her Total Estate to Just One of Her Kids?

Why is Angelina Jolie Leaving Her Total Estate to Just One of Her Kids?

Angelina Jolie has made the decision to reward her son Maddox for supporting her during her divorce from Brad Pitt...

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Here’s How You Know You’re an Adult: 10 Important Documents

Here’s How You Know You’re an Adult: 10 Important Documents

Fifty is a little on the late side to start taking care of these important life matters. However, it is...

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Estate Planning Hacks Create More Problems In The Long Run

Estate Planning Hacks Create More Problems In The Long Run

My idea: put our accounts in my wife’s name and put the land in our children’s names. The way I...

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Estate Planning Documents and Medicaid Planning

Estate Planning Documents and Medicaid Planning

The conversation that you have with an estate planning attorney, when you are in your thirties with a new house,...

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Here’s Why You Need an Advance Health Care Directive

Here’s Why You Need an Advance Health Care Directive

elAs a cognitively healthy adult, you have the right to be informed about the state of your health and make...

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Why Do I Need an Executor (or Personal Representative)?

Why Do I Need an Executor (or Personal Representative)?

One of the main components of a Will is the portion where the person making the Will (the Testator) names...

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What Are the Five “Must Have” Estate Planning Documents?

What Are the Five “Must Have” Estate Planning Documents?

It’s important to have certain binding legal documents in place if you become disabled due to an illness or accident....

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What’s Happening with Tom Petty’s Estate?

What’s Happening with Tom Petty’s Estate?

A legal battle between Tom Petty’s widow and his two daughters is reportedly holding back the release of the expanded...

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Estate Planning with the Surviving Spouse In Mind

Estate Planning with the Surviving Spouse In Mind

There are several major considerations that need to be evaluated before any provisions in the trust document are drafted with...

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Celebrity Estate Battles Provide Valuable Lessons on Estate Planning

Celebrity Estate Battles Provide Valuable Lessons on Estate Planning

The biggest issues in inheritance and estate planning battles stem from Alzheimer’s disease, widowed stepmothers, and estate crime. Certain issues,...

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Why Are Wills So Important In Estate Planning?

Why Are Wills So Important In Estate Planning?

Estate planning can be tricky, which is why many people turn to attorneys to get the job done right. Drafting...

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The Big Problem with Do-It-Yourself Online Wills

The Big Problem with Do-It-Yourself Online Wills

An estate planning attorney would much rather not see a family undergoing unnecessary stress and expenses. Do-it-yourself wills and online...

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Estate Planning is Important, Even If You’re Single

Estate Planning is Important, Even If You’re Single

Are you single with no kids and approaching retirement? If so, you probably have not given much thought to estate...

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Powers of Attorney: What Are the Common Myths?

Powers of Attorney: What Are the Common Myths?

While most of us have heard of a power of attorney, or POA, many have misconceptions about them. The Lubbock...

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Wills v. Trusts: What’s Right for Your Estate Planning Needs?

Wills v. Trusts: What’s Right for Your Estate Planning Needs?

While we are young, many of us neglect to consider what will happen to our family and property after we...

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How Do Family Relationships Mess Up Estate Planning?

How Do Family Relationships Mess Up Estate Planning?

According to a recent Key Private Bank poll of financial advisors, 80% said that working through family issues is the...

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What is the Best Way to Leave an Inheritance to a Grandchild?

What is the Best Way to Leave an Inheritance to a Grandchild?

While everyone from brand new parents to great grandparents can benefit from the advice of a competent estate planning lawyer,...

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Estate Planning to Avoid Hurt Feelings, Family Battles, and A Royal Mess

Estate Planning to Avoid Hurt Feelings, Family Battles, and A Royal Mess

Without an estate plan in place, and that includes a will, power of attorney, and health care directives, dividing up...

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Creating a Will: Estate Planning for Parents with Young Children

Creating a Will: Estate Planning for Parents with Young Children

What would happen with your kids, should something happen to you? It’s a question that most parents don’t like to...

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Making an IRA Part of the Estate Plan

Making an IRA Part of the Estate Plan

You’re hoping to leave your loved ones a nice legacy and something that can enhance their financial security or help...

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Guns and Dementia: A Dangerous Combination

Guns and Dementia: A Dangerous Combination

Having a loved one with dementia can be scary. However, if you add in a firearm, it can also get...

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Estate Planning Attorneys Ask: Have You Accomplished This Critical Task?

Estate Planning Attorneys Ask: Have You Accomplished This Critical Task?

There’s one critical move that a large number of older Americans have yet to make: creating a will. Motley Fool’s...

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What Are the New Rules for Veterans’ Benefits?

What Are the New Rules for Veterans’ Benefits?

Under the new rules, veterans will be given three options for their benefits appeals. All three are designed to streamline...

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What is a Failed Testamentary Transfer and How Do I Prevent it From Happening?

What is a Failed Testamentary Transfer and How Do I Prevent it From Happening?

What then happens when gifts made in a testamentary instrument, such as a will or a trust, lapse (fail) because...

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In Estate Planning Does Anyone Really Need a Trust?

In Estate Planning Does Anyone Really Need a Trust?

The simplest definition of trust is a three-party fiduciary relationship between the person who created the trust and the fiduciary...

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Why is Estate and Succession Planning a Process?

Why is Estate and Succession Planning a Process?

Succession planning is a process. 10 years of time goes by very quickly, so the earlier you can start having...

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Power of Attorney: Do You Have One?

Power of Attorney: Do You Have One?

Wise incompetency planning usually includes the execution of a power of attorney. This document names an agent who can sign...

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No Estate Taxes? You Still Need an Estate Plan

No Estate Taxes? You Still Need an Estate Plan

Increases in the estate tax exemption has an impact on how some people are thinking about life insurance, says ThinkAdvisor...

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How Caregiving Can Impact Older Women

How Caregiving Can Impact Older Women

Whenever significant numbers of people are unemployed or under-employed, the economy loses those wages, the income taxes, and everything that...

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Who Pays What Taxes on an Inherited IRA?

Who Pays What Taxes on an Inherited IRA?

I’m the executor of my mother’s estate. She has an IRA where the beneficiary is her estate. When I withdraw...

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How Do I Include Retirement Accounts in Estate Planning?

How Do I Include Retirement Accounts in Estate Planning?

While most estate planning focuses on the physical property, like your home, and liquid assets, such as investment accounts, retirement...

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How Do I Handle an Inherited IRA?

How Do I Handle an Inherited IRA?

With an inherited IRA, in many cases, the parent is the original beneficiary and the children are the successor beneficiaries....

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How Can I Protect a Loved One From Elder Abuse?

How Can I Protect a Loved One From Elder Abuse?

The (Lorain OH) Morning Journal’s recent article, “How to protect elder loved ones from abuse,” reports that the National Center...

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Estate Planning Review for 2019

Estate Planning Review for 2019

Your estate plan has a big impact on your finances and should be considered as important as your investment portfolio,...

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How Can I Simplify the Probate Process for My Family? Beneficiary Designations

How Can I Simplify the Probate Process for My Family? Beneficiary Designations

Many investments allow an investor to name a beneficiary of the asset upon death. The proper use of these beneficiary...

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Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?

Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?

Estate planning isn’t only for the rich. Without a plan in place, there could be a long-lasting impact on your...

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How Do I Discuss Care With My Aging Parents?

How Do I Discuss Care With My Aging Parents?

The holidays can be a wonderful time spent with family you don’t get to see often. However, it can be...

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Can I Give Real Estate to a Charity in my Estate Plan?

Can I Give Real Estate to a Charity in my Estate Plan?

In unpredictable economic times, many donors may be wary of making large donations of cash, even to charities they would...

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Time for a Series of Conversations with Aging Parents

Time for a Series of Conversations with Aging Parents

Just as parents know that at some point, the time will come to talk to their kids about “the birds...

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Can a Substitution Be Named for a Power of Attorney?

Can a Substitution Be Named for a Power of Attorney?

Historically, the purpose of a power of attorney is to select an agent (and ideally, successor agents) to act, in...

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Incapacity Management: Do I Have All The Right Documents?

Incapacity Management: Do I Have All The Right Documents?

A Power of Attorney is a vital document for every adult. This document allows you to appoint another person as...

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What Should I Do for Retirement When I’m 50?

What Should I Do for Retirement When I’m 50?

If you haven’t done these things by age 50, it could be too late to do them well. The year...

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He’s 60. She’s 48. What Does Their Retirement Plan Look Like?

He’s 60. She’s 48. What Does Their Retirement Plan Look Like?

The Pew Research Center looked at the age gap in couples. For the most part, people marry someone close in...

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Will My Medicare Premiums Go Up Next Year?

Will My Medicare Premiums Go Up Next Year?

A new surcharge tier will kick in for 2019 for people with the highest incomes. The Centers for Medicare &...

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How Do I Calculate My Estate Taxes?

How Do I Calculate My Estate Taxes?

Most people are aware that estate taxes are owed on asset transference, but people tend to be foggy on the...

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Did Microsoft Founder Paul Allen Have an Estate Plan?

Did Microsoft Founder Paul Allen Have an Estate Plan?

The question isn’t whether the secretive Microsoft founder structured his finances for maximum posthumous impact. It’s whether the estate plan...

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The Retirement Money Question: How Much Is Enough?

The Retirement Money Question: How Much Is Enough?

“Most of us vastly underestimate the percentage of income we’ll need (for retirement). Here’s how to make sure you get...

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Be Cautious If You’ve Inherited a Sizeable Amount

Be Cautious If You’ve Inherited a Sizeable Amount

“My favorite aunt passed away last year, and I inherited $2,500,000 after her probate. The check came last week. It...

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Aging as a Solo Presents Unique Challenges

Aging as a Solo Presents Unique Challenges

“Over 30 years ago, researchers and geriatricians identified an “elder orphan” (sometimes called a “solo ager”), as a person aging...

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Preparing for the Inevitable: End of Life Decisions

Preparing for the Inevitable: End of Life Decisions

“Are you ready for the end of life? Many of us can resolutely answer “no.” I am not implying preparation...

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Legal Challenges for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Legal Challenges for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

“As opiate addiction has ravaged our communities, children are often left in the lurch, and grandparents and others trying to...

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Mind the Gap: Estate Tax Cliff

Mind the Gap: Estate Tax Cliff

“When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act went into effect, many clients and advisors assumed that their days of worrying...

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Ready To Retire? Worried About A Bear Market? Here’s How To Prepare

Ready To Retire? Worried About A Bear Market? Here’s How To Prepare

“For each year in which a bull market persists, workers become likelier to retire. However, those who leave the workforce...

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The Time to Plan is Now and Not Later

The Time to Plan is Now and Not Later

“The client wanted her surviving spouse to have access to her work email, but her employer shut down the email...

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BIG Retirement Mistakes You Might Make

BIG Retirement Mistakes You Might Make

Though retirement can be a fulfilling time in people’s lives, it can also be a stressful one. This especially holds...

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A Completely Different View of 401(k)s and Retirement Savings

A Completely Different View of 401(k)s and Retirement Savings

“A 401(k) plan ensures that you have money to spend during your retirement years. However, there are reasons why a...

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Planning for the Sad Truth of Growing Old Together

Planning for the Sad Truth of Growing Old Together

“If you’re part of a married couple, it’s highly likely that one of you will become a widow or widower...

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Celebrated Your 50th Birthday? Retirement Savings Considerations

Celebrated Your 50th Birthday? Retirement Savings Considerations

The 50s are the time of life when your kids are starting to become more independent and may have already...

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Why You Should Have an Advance Directive

Why You Should Have an Advance Directive

“An advance directive comes up frequently in conversations about health care decision-making, as people age. Their purpose is to provide...

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Retirement Savings: Focus on Flexibility Instead of That 4% Rule

Retirement Savings: Focus on Flexibility Instead of That 4% Rule

There is a longstanding 4% rule of thumb that was developed in the mid-1990s, outlining how much a person could...

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Making Sure Spouse Receives the Most Social Security

Making Sure Spouse Receives the Most Social Security

Losing a spouse at any time in life is difficult. However, losing a spouse while you are retired also presents...

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Waited Too Long to Save for Retirement? Here Are Six Things You Can Still Do

Waited Too Long to Save for Retirement? Here Are Six Things You Can Still Do

In a perfect world, we’d all have saved enough by age 60 to relax about money and start planning our...

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Retirement Savings: Ahead of the Curve or Behind the Eight Ball?

Retirement Savings: Ahead of the Curve or Behind the Eight Ball?

Are you saving enough for retirement, asks US News & World Report in the article “Are Your Retirement Savings Ahead...

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Who can Serve as the Executor to My Estate?

Who can Serve as the Executor to My Estate?

Picking an executor to your estate is an important part of your estate planning process and should be done with...

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Can a QTIP Trust Help You and Your Spouse Save on Estate Taxes?

Can a QTIP Trust Help You and Your Spouse Save on Estate Taxes?

Creating a QTIP trust is not necessarily difficult, but it is something that must be done carefully to ensure there...

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Why do Wisconsin Estates Publish “Notice to Creditors” in the Newspaper?

Why do Wisconsin Estates Publish “Notice to Creditors” in the Newspaper?

Assuming you are the type of person who still reads local print newspapers, you might wonder what those “Notice to...

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Seniors: Working on Your Bucket List? First, Finish Your Estate Plan

Seniors: Working on Your Bucket List? First, Finish Your Estate Plan

“Many seniors may be more focused on their bucket lists, than worrying about having their financial affairs in order.” Seniors...

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Does My Living Trust Shield My Assets From Creditors?

Does My Living Trust Shield My Assets From Creditors?

Do you remember that episode of the U.S. version of “The Office” where Michael Scott thinks he can seek bankruptcy...

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Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Estate Planning

Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Estate Planning

“Our inherent nature to delay the inevitable can lead the ones we care about into financial chaos. To avoid chaos,...

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Who Would You Trust with Your Life? Health Care Power of Attorney

Who Would You Trust with Your Life? Health Care Power of Attorney

Selecting someone to make health care decisions for you when you are unable, requires a great deal of trust and...

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Who is Responsible for Planning My Funeral?

Who is Responsible for Planning My Funeral?

Most of us do not want to think about our own funeral, but it is an issue we should all...

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5 Reasons to Protect Your Retirement Accounts Now

5 Reasons to Protect Your Retirement Accounts Now

During your lifetime, your retirement account has asset protection, but as soon as you pass that account to a loved...

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VA Pension Planning – Wartime Veterans Pension

VA Pension Planning – Wartime Veterans Pension

The Veterans Administration has a program for wartime veterans and their widowed spouses to guarantee a minimum income for veterans...

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Does a Divorce Invalidate My Estate Plan?

Does a Divorce Invalidate My Estate Plan?

Changes in the law can affect your estate plan without you realizing it. This is one reason why it is...

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Can I Really Leave My House to My Cats?

Can I Really Leave My House to My Cats?

In an early episode of the long-running family sitcom “The Simpsons,” Homer and Marge are looking to buy their first...

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Is a Guardianship Necessary if I Already Have Estate Planning Documents?

Is a Guardianship Necessary if I Already Have Estate Planning Documents?

One of the common goals of Wisconsin estate planning is to avoid the need for guardianship. A guardian in this...

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What is a Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed?

What is a Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed?

There are many estate planning tools available in Wisconsin to individuals who want to transfer property without going through the...

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How Does Federal Law Affect My Estate Plan?

How Does Federal Law Affect My Estate Plan?

One of the more complicated aspects of estate planning is that while probate, or the process of transferring property upon...

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Naming the Wrong Trustee can Cost Your Estate in Both Time and Money

Naming the Wrong Trustee can Cost Your Estate in Both Time and Money

When you are creating a will or revocable trust as part of your estate plan, you need to think carefully...

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What is an Estate Inventory?

What is an Estate Inventory?

What is an Estate Inventory? The estate inventory, as the name suggests, is a listing of all property owned by...

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Using a Wisconsin Living Trust to Keep Family Members From Controlling Your Estate

Using a Wisconsin Living Trust to Keep Family Members From Controlling Your Estate

A Living trust is a flexible estate planning device that you can amend, modify, or revoke at any point during...

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When is Ancillary Probate Necessary in Wisconsin?

When is Ancillary Probate Necessary in Wisconsin?

When someone passes away with property titled out of state, transferring those assets to their rightful owner can become more...

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How Right of Survivorship can Affect Your Estate Planning Goals

How Right of Survivorship can Affect Your Estate Planning Goals

Right of Survivorship in Wisconsin Wisconsin is one of nine states with community property laws that can have a major...

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Create an Authorization for Final Disposition to Ensure Your Burial Wishes are Carried Out

Create an Authorization for Final Disposition to Ensure Your Burial Wishes are Carried Out

Planning for your burial is another important part of one’s estate that can often be overlooked when it comes time...

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How a Life Estate Deed can Help You Transfer Property but Stay in Your Home

How a Life Estate Deed can Help You Transfer Property but Stay in Your Home

When it comes time to plan your estate, there are many ways to pass on real estate to avoid paying...

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Wisconsin Man, Penpal Fight Over Manson Estate

Wisconsin Man, Penpal Fight Over Manson Estate

A Wisconsin man who claims that notorious California cult leader Charles Manson, who orchestrated the gruesome Manson Family murders in...

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Do Not Forget to Update Your Retirement Account Beneficiaries

Do Not Forget to Update Your Retirement Account Beneficiaries

Reviewing your estate plan and updating the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts is important anytime you have a major life...

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Health Care Power of Attorney: What Are Your Intentions During Incapacity

Health Care Power of Attorney: What Are Your Intentions During Incapacity

While planning for a catastrophic accident is something we may never want to think about, creating a health care power...

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What is at Stake if You Pass Away Without a Will?

What is at Stake if You Pass Away Without a Will?

Creating a will and planning your estate is an incredibly important process that all adults need to think long and...

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How Long Does Probate Take in Wisconsin?

How Long Does Probate Take in Wisconsin?

The time it can take for an estate to pass through a probate court in Wisconsin depends on many factors...

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Avoiding Formal Probate in Wisconsin

Avoiding Formal Probate in Wisconsin

If the probate court decides the estate needs to undergo formal probate, it could take much longer and become more...

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Which Of These Powerful Secrets Could You Use To Build Your Ideal Estate Planning Legal Program

Which Of These Powerful Secrets Could You Use To Build Your Ideal Estate Planning Legal Program

Keep your estate settlement simple; Avoid the court-supervised Probate process when you die; Avoid federal and state estate and gift...

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Are You Making Some of the Biggest Estate-Planning Mistakes

Are You Making Some of the Biggest Estate-Planning Mistakes

Are You Making Some of the Biggest Estate-Planning Mistakes? There are some things we just don’t like to think about,...

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The Difference Between a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust.

The Difference Between a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust.

People often ask us to explain the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust. That’s a tough one because...

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Protecting Assets When Parent Already in the Nursing Home

Protecting Assets When Parent Already in the Nursing Home

The timing of your legal planning to avoid losing assets to nursing home expenses is so critical, we are not...

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Consequences Of Not Addressing The Nursing Home and “Medicaid Planning” Issue

Consequences Of Not Addressing The Nursing Home and “Medicaid Planning” Issue

One of the biggest problems that senior citizens ages 65 and older face are that they are frustrated by the...

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How To Avoid Income Tax on IRA Distributions After You Die

How To Avoid Income Tax on IRA Distributions After You Die

Charities don’t pay income tax when they are the beneficiary of an IRA. Leave your non-IRA assets to individuals –...

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What Are Some Options Besides A Full Probate?

What Are Some Options Besides A Full Probate?

Alternatives to Full Probates in Wisconsin A lot of people have a fear of probate. Technically speaking it is a...

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Does A Retirement Plan Pass Through Probate? Part One.

Does A Retirement Plan Pass Through Probate? Part One.

Much like life insurance that goes to the individual named in the policy, the retirement plan goes to the individual...

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Forget About The Estate Tax. Capital Gains Tax Is The New Tax To Avoid

Forget About The Estate Tax. Capital Gains Tax Is The New Tax To Avoid

But almost every family who engages in estate planning has assets that have appreciated in value. That means there is...

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What Are Options That People Consider When Attempting to Protect Their Estate from Nursing Home Poverty?

What Are Options That People Consider When Attempting to Protect Their Estate from Nursing Home Poverty?

We’ve talked to many Wisconsin families about things that they had done in an effort to protect their money from...

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Why Are IRA Assets The Biggest Surprise People Get In Estate Planning?

Why Are IRA Assets The Biggest Surprise People Get In Estate Planning?

A lot of people do not understand the landscape of how an IRA or retirement plans pass to beneficiaries. They...

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The Most Important Thing You Can Do For Your Aging Parents

The Most Important Thing You Can Do For Your Aging Parents

The Most Important Thing You Can Do For Your Aging Parents How to Ensure Your Parents Don’t Lose Their Home,...

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The Best Retirement To-Do List for 2017 Onwards

The Best Retirement To-Do List for 2017 Onwards

The best retirement to-do list should always include estate planning. However, the first step is to make that decision to...

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What Actually Is Probate?

What Actually Is Probate?

Probate is a court case that one file against themselves on behalf of their creditors. Here’s some history of probate:...

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Advanced Care Directives, Name the Team to Assist You in a Time of Need

Advanced Care Directives, Name the Team to Assist You in a Time of Need

Advance care directives are not just for the aging and disabled. Anyone can become incapacitated unexpectedly whether by accident, stroke,...

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The Role of Incapacity in Wisconsin Estate Planning

The Role of Incapacity in Wisconsin Estate Planning

Incapacity Considerations For Comprehensive Estate Planning Recognizing the potential for incapacitation as part of your Wisconsin estate plan is important...

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What You Need to Know About Estate Planning

What You Need to Know About Estate Planning

It’s one of the most emotional topics to deal with, yet the last thing you want to do is leave...

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End of Life Health Care: What You Need to Know

End of Life Health Care: What You Need to Know

As you begin planning for retirement and doing general estate planning, do not overlook the importance of end of life...

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Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)with Your IRA

Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)with Your IRA

IRA’s can be complex and confusing sometimes. There are so many rules and laws that must be followed to avoid...

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Planning Your 2016 Retirement Plan Contributions

Planning Your 2016 Retirement Plan Contributions

Retirement planning and contributions have been a part of America since 1875 when they were first introduced to the workforce...

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Traveling? The Eight Estate Planning Must-Dos before Departure

Traveling? The Eight Estate Planning Must-Dos before Departure

In 2014, the World Health Organization revealed that globally, there were 1.24 million road deaths, 1,320 deaths from airplane crashes,...

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Do I Need a Will or other Estate Planning Documents if I Do Not Have Any Children?

Do I Need a Will or other Estate Planning Documents if I Do Not Have Any Children?

Estate planning is usually low on a person’s list of priorities until a life event occurs that forces the person...

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Using Bankruptcy to Protect Retirement Funds and Other Assets for Seniors

Using Bankruptcy to Protect Retirement Funds and Other Assets for Seniors

Seniors are facing several financial issues as they near retirement age – they are living longer and they are entering...

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Estate Planning in the Digital Age

Estate Planning in the Digital Age

When computers are being used in kindergarten classes to teach computer skills, it is a glaring sign that our society...

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Facebook Legacy Contact – What Happens to my Facebook Account When I Die?

Facebook Legacy Contact – What Happens to my Facebook Account When I Die?

Digital assets have become one of the leading problems in estate planning because attorneys are rushing to catch up with...

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No Estate Tax, No Worries?

No Estate Tax, No Worries?

Will I Owe Estate Tax? You may have read recently a great deal about the debate regarding estate tax making...

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Including a Business Succession Plan in Estate Planning

Including a Business Succession Plan in Estate Planning

Owning and operating a small business is the dream of many Americans. Through hard work and dedication, this dream comes...

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Caring for Elderly Parents

Caring for Elderly Parents

It can be difficult caring for elderly parents, especially if your parents are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Caring...

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Estate Planning Tips for the Single Person

Estate Planning Tips for the Single Person

When you read articles or blogs about estate planning, they mostly focus on married couples or people with children. Very...

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The Fight Over Robin Williams’ Estate Continues

The Fight Over Robin Williams’ Estate Continues

It has been a bit over a year since the tragic death of actor and comedian Robin Williams; however, the...

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Long-Term Care Planning, Part 2

Long-Term Care Planning, Part 2

Your Funding Options The first part of planning for long-term care is realizing that, a) most of us will need...

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Leaving Assets to Minor Children

Leaving Assets to Minor Children

Minor Children as Beneficiaries No parent wants to think about leaving their minor children behind in the event of a...

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Making Awkward Financial Discussions Easier for Everyone

Making Awkward Financial Discussions Easier for Everyone

Making Awkward Financial Discussions Easier for Everyone Do you have someone in your life such as a spouse, a parent,...

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Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Unintended Consequences

Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Unintended Consequences

One common way to avoid probate of real estate after the owner dies is to hold the title to the...

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Social Security Traps That Cost You Money

Social Security Traps That Cost You Money

Social Security Traps That Cost You Money Most people assume that Social Security will take care of them when they...

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The Best Inheritance is Still Family Values and Family History

The Best Inheritance is Still Family Values and Family History

According to a 2012 study sponsored by Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America, baby boomers and senior citizens considered...

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Planning for Long-Term Care of Veterans and Surviving Spouses with VA Benefits

Planning for Long-Term Care of Veterans and Surviving Spouses with VA Benefits

When a wartime veteran or a surviving spouse needs long-term care, VA benefits will help pay for this long-term care....

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Estate Planning Tips for Young Families

Estate Planning Tips for Young Families

When we are young, we think that we have all the time in the world to do “adult” things such...

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Travel Smart: Update Your Estate Plan Before You Travel

Travel Smart: Update Your Estate Plan Before You Travel

Are you planning a big trip this year? If so, you may have already begun jotting down your travel to-do...

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How Qualifying for Medicaid Will (or Won’t) Affect Your Estate Plan

How Qualifying for Medicaid Will (or Won’t) Affect Your Estate Plan

For many seniors, few things are more intimidating than the thought of a required stay in a nursing home. In...

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Landmark case holds that Inherited IRAs are NOT PROTECTED from creditors

Landmark case holds that Inherited IRAs are NOT PROTECTED from creditors

In the next few weeks, we will be reaching out to our clients and referral partners to inform them of...

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Is A Trust The Best Way to Avoid Probate and Transfer Assets Upon Death?

Is A Trust The Best Way to Avoid Probate and Transfer Assets Upon Death?

One common objective among people planning their estates is avoiding probate and many of the people who seek to avoid...

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Another Added Benefit: Using Your Estate Plan to Protect You From Unwanted Guardianships

Another Added Benefit: Using Your Estate Plan to Protect You From Unwanted Guardianships

In recent years, many studies and reports have discussed the problem of the abuse of the legal procedures of guardianship...

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Who’s in Your Corner: Your Estate Planner, Your Estate Plan and You

Who’s in Your Corner: Your Estate Planner, Your Estate Plan and You

The Attorney General for Minnesota, Lori Swanson, has recently opened a new chapter in an ongoing battle waged by her...

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More Reasons to Ensure You Review Your Estate Plan Regularly

More Reasons to Ensure You Review Your Estate Plan Regularly

Today, many people have very diverse assets. Ever-increasing numbers of people have more and more assets that distribute outside a...

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Estate Litigation: Can Your Personal Representative Handle It?

Estate Litigation: Can Your Personal Representative Handle It?

Everyone who creates an estate plan hopes that the settling of their estate will proceed smoothly and quickly. Unfortunately, though,...

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‘No Contest’ Clause: Could Be a Good Idea

‘No Contest’ Clause: Could Be a Good Idea

One concern many people have when they set about to plan their estates revolves around a challenge to their wills...

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Family Feud: Children Lose Claim Seeking Partial Ownership of Late Father’s Property

Family Feud: Children Lose Claim Seeking Partial Ownership of Late Father’s Property

A man’s death without an estate plan triggered a protracted legal squabble between his children and their stepmother over a...

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Timeshares and Living Trusts: Funding Issues

Timeshares and Living Trusts: Funding Issues

The weather this time of year inspires many to contemplate warm, sunny escapes. For some, this involves a timeshare property....

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Special Plans for Disabled Children: Estate Planning for Families with Children with Special Needs

Special Plans for Disabled Children: Estate Planning for Families with Children with Special Needs

Every family has its own unique set of needs and goals in relation to estate planning, and every family needs...

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No More Outright Distributions; Give Your Heirs Protected Assets

No More Outright Distributions; Give Your Heirs Protected Assets

When your heirs receive their inheritance, will the gift be vulnerable to attack in bankruptcy, divorce, or fortune-seeker’s lawsuit? It...

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Always a Good Decision: Health Care Providers Join in Extolling the Benefits of Planning for Incapacity, End-of-Life Choices

Always a Good Decision: Health Care Providers Join in Extolling the Benefits of Planning for Incapacity, End-of-Life Choices

Medical practitioners and social workers across Wisconsin have joined the chorus of estate planning attorneys throughout the state in hailing...

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It’s Not Too Late: Estate Planning and End-Stage Terminal Illness

It’s Not Too Late: Estate Planning and End-Stage Terminal Illness

It is perhaps the most traumatic and stressful news a person can receive: you or a loved one has been...

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More Medicaid Recovery: New State Law Could Change How Wisconsinites Plan Their Estates

More Medicaid Recovery: New State Law Could Change How Wisconsinites Plan Their Estates

A component of the new state budget that cleared the state legislature back in June could have a substantial impact...

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Assisted Reproduction and Your Wisconsin Estate Plan

Assisted Reproduction and Your Wisconsin Estate Plan

Today, more and more families rely upon assisted reproduction technologies in order to conceive a child or children. According to...

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Proper Wisconsin End-of-Life Planning Documents Can Save Your Family Anguish… and Money

Proper Wisconsin End-of-Life Planning Documents Can Save Your Family Anguish… and Money

Wisconsin law permits Wisconsinites to create a “Declaration to Physicians,” often commonly known as a “living will,” to provide instructions...

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The Importance of Selecting the Right Agents for Your Wisconsin Powers of Attorney

The Importance of Selecting the Right Agents for Your Wisconsin Powers of Attorney

Many Wisconsin residents, as they set about creating an estate plan, give considerable thought to the distribution of their assets....

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Death of NY Real Estate Developer Contains Important Estate Planning Lesson for Wisconsin Residents

Death of NY Real Estate Developer Contains Important Estate Planning Lesson for Wisconsin Residents

New York City may be a long way from Madison, both literally and figuratively, but the facts surrounding the death...

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Powers of Attorney Serve as an Indispensible Part of Your Estate Plan

Powers of Attorney Serve as an Indispensible Part of Your Estate Plan

While your living trust or will is a very important document, a comprehensive estate plan goes beyond just a plan...

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The Usefulness of Trusts in the Medicaid Planning Process

The Usefulness of Trusts in the Medicaid Planning Process

For many people, especially seniors, one of their greatest goals is to leave a legacy for their families, be it...

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Using Trusts to Continue to Provide for Your Loved Ones, Even After You’re Gone

Using Trusts to Continue to Provide for Your Loved Ones, Even After You’re Gone

You’ve spent a lifetime accumulating wealth with the hope of leaving a legacy after you pass away. However, you know...

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Elderly Are Targets Of Financial Exploitation

Elderly Are Targets Of Financial Exploitation

We hear of scam artists taking advantage of the elderly far too often. These incidents tend to involve caregivers, persons...

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Make Estate Planning Your First Resolution For 2013

Make Estate Planning Your First Resolution For 2013

As we begin the new year, we resolve to do things to make our lives better in 2013. Usually, resolutions...

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Don’t Forget About Estate Planning Issues When Getting Divorced

Don’t Forget About Estate Planning Issues When Getting Divorced

Estate planning is probably not something that seems to be relevant when a couple is going through a divorce. People...

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Planning In Advance For Incapacity Helps Your Loved Ones

Planning In Advance For Incapacity Helps Your Loved Ones

Nobody likes to think about incapacity but it is something that everyone must deal with, as they age. This is...

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Explore Your Estate Options Before January 1, 2013

Explore Your Estate Options Before January 1, 2013

As we ring in the year 2013, millions of individuals will face as much as a 20% increase in estate...

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Cohabiting In Lieu of Marriage May Affect Your Estate Plan

Cohabiting In Lieu of Marriage May Affect Your Estate Plan

Americans over 60 are increasingly choosing to live with a romantic partner in lieu of marriage. According to the 2008-2010...

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Your Estate Plan Should Include Much More Than a Will

Your Estate Plan Should Include Much More Than a Will

The question of who will inherit your money or property when you die is an important one. Too often, individuals...

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Many Property Owners Would Benefit From a Revocable or Other Trust

Many Property Owners Would Benefit From a Revocable or Other Trust

Although nearly all property owners choose to protect their investment in the event of an unexpected catastrophe by purchasing insurance,...

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Estate Planning for Deployed Military Members

Estate Planning for Deployed Military Members

Servicemen and women facing deployment obviously have a lot to think about, including estate planning. With proper legal and financial...

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Your Estate Plan Should Also Consider Your Digital Assets

Your Estate Plan Should Also Consider Your Digital Assets

Do you have a plan in place to protect all of your assets following your death? Before you answer, consider...

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Protecting the Financial Health of a Surviving Spouse

Protecting the Financial Health of a Surviving Spouse

On average, women in the United States live five years longer than men do. Up to 70 percent of the...

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A Living Will May Still Leave Loved Ones With Questions

A Living Will May Still Leave Loved Ones With Questions

The concept of creating living wills began about 50 years ago. A living will is a document that outlines your...

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The Role of Incapacity in Estate Planning

The Role of Incapacity in Estate Planning

Because people are living longer, their chances of incapacity before they die has increased dramatically in recent years. Recognizing the...

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Taking Advantage of the Current Federal Gift-Tax Exemption as Part of Your Estate Plan

Taking Advantage of the Current Federal Gift-Tax Exemption as Part of Your Estate Plan

The federal government’s $5.12 million lifetimes gift-tax exemption for individuals and $10.24 million exemption for married couples is currently scheduled...

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Making Modifications to Your Estate Plan

Making Modifications to Your Estate Plan

A comprehensive estate plan should be dynamic and will often require modifications as your circumstances and wishes change over time....

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Everyone Can Benefit From an Advance Care Directive

Everyone Can Benefit From an Advance Care Directive

Many people are reluctant to discuss their end of life wishes. Unfortunately, unexpected health problems like a heart attack often...

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Estate Planning is Important for Same-Sex Domestic Partners in Wisconsin

Estate Planning is Important for Same-Sex Domestic Partners in Wisconsin

Increasingly, states in the U.S. are permitting domestic partnerships, civil unions, and marriage for same-sex couples. Although New York, Iowa,...

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Formal and Informal Probate Administration in Wisconsin

Formal and Informal Probate Administration in Wisconsin

Probate is the legal procedure used to transfer someone’s assets after their death. Any Wisconsin estate that is valued in...

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Common Wisconsin Estate Planning Mistakes

Common Wisconsin Estate Planning Mistakes

Have you thought about how your death will affect the financial health of your loved ones? Proper estate planning is...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Essential Strategies to Protect Your Family Farm

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Essential Strategies to Protect Your Family Farm

TL;DR: Wisconsin estate planning for family farms requires careful attention to estate administration, as proper planning can help avoid probate,...

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Things to Know About The Probate Process in Wisconsin?

Things to Know About The Probate Process in Wisconsin?

The Probate Process in Wisconsin TL;DR; In Wisconsin and other states, probate is the legal procedure through which a person’s...

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Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why an Advance Care Directive is Essential for Success

Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why an Advance Care Directive is Essential for Success

TL;DR: Millions of Americans act as caregivers, yet many lack legal authority to make critical decisions—highlighting the importance of advance...

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Wisconsin Probate Law: Court Rules Gifts in Contemplation of Death Were Not Delivered

Wisconsin Probate Law: Court Rules Gifts in Contemplation of Death Were Not Delivered

TL;DR: In a recent Wisconsin Probate case, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled that an 88-year-old man’s intent to forgive...

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