Brookfield, WI Wills Attorney

Krause Estate Planning knows that creating a will can be overwhelming. It is not always easy to consider what will happen when we are no longer here. 

That’s why our team is here to help you take this important step in your life. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. Our goal is to make sure your wishes are met appropriately. You can trust us to provide specific, direct advice when creating a will that reflects your needs and goals. Let us help you create a plan that gives you peace of mind and protects your legacy.

To schedule a free consultation with our Brookfield wills attorneys, call our office at (608) 344-5491.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how to distribute a person's assets after their death. It allows you to determine who inherits your property and belongings. A will can also appoint guardians for minor children and specify funeral arrangements. 

The Importance of Having a Will

Creating a will is an important part of estate planning. Doing so ensures that you have control over how your assets are distributed, and it provides for your loved ones after you’re gone. 

Without a will, your property and possessions may not go to the right people. Instead, the state will make those decisions on your behalf. Furthermore, your will can protect your minor children. You can use it to name guardians, keeping them out of the system.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process that manages your assets in accordance with your will. During probate, the court determines whether or not the will is valid. Then, an executor begins managing your estate. You can name an executor in your will, or the court can appoint one.

If there is no will, the court decides how to divide the assets fairly, according to state law. Probate includes inventorying the deceased individual's property, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Our team can oversee the probate process, helping make sure everything is done correctly and matches your wishes.

Intestate Succession in Wisconsin

When someone dies without a will in Wisconsin, their property goes through the process of intestate succession. Intestate succession involves dividing the deceased's estate among their closest living relatives.

In Wisconsin, the surviving spouse typically receives the largest portion of the estate, with any remaining assets divided among the deceased's children and other relatives. When the deceased has no surviving children or parents, their parents or siblings receive the assets, and the chain goes further down to aunts, uncles, etc.

This system seems fair on paper, but it does not always reflect someone’s wishes. Many people are estranged from their families, and they would prefer their assets go to close friends or distant relatives. Let our team help you craft a will to make sure your assets go where they belong.

When Should I Update My Will?

Updating your will is just as important as creating one. Several life events should prompt a review and possible update of your will:

• Marriage or Divorce: Changes in marital status can significantly affect your estate plan.
• Birth or Adoption of Children: Ensure your new children or adopted children are included in your will.
• Significant Financial Changes: Major changes in your financial situation, such as receiving an inheritance, should be reflected in your will.
• Relocation: Moving to a different state or country may affect the validity and execution of your will.
• Changes in Relationships: Reevaluate your will if your relationships with beneficiaries or executors change.
• Death of a Beneficiary or Executor: Update your will to reflect the passing of anyone named in your will.

Should I Create a Will Even if I Don’t Have a Large Estate?

No matter how much property you own, having a will in place can provide peace of mind. A will can help protect those you leave behind, even if you have modest means. It can also help alleviate potential legal issues that arise, making life easier for them in an already challenging time.

Furthermore, a will makes sure the right people get what they deserve. Everything you own is part of your estate, no matter how much or how little you have. Perhaps you don’t own expensive collections, but you have accumulated many sentimental items during your life. That’s where a will comes in handy. It can make sure that your close friend or relative receives something that will mean the world to them, even if it doesn’t seem valuable to people on the outside.

Contact Our Brookfield Wills Attorney Today

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Brookfield wills lawyer at Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center provides the expertise and support you need to create and maintain a will that protects your loved ones and respects your wishes. With a deep understanding of Wisconsin’s estate laws and a commitment to personalized service, we are ready to assist you at every stage of the estate planning process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your family’s future.

Let our experienced Brookfield wills lawyer work with you, creating a will that accurately reflects your wishes and provides for your loved ones. You can schedule time with us online.