Wisconsin Wills Attorney

Safeguarding Your Legacy with a Comprehensive Will

A last will and testament, often referred to as a "will," is a fundamental legal document that allows individuals to outline their final wishes and ensure the orderly distribution of their assets. At Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, we serve clients throughout Wisconsin by providing expert guidance in creating and updating wills to protect their legacy.

At Krause Estate Planning, we provide comprehensive estate planning services, including will drafting. To learn more about our will drafting services, call us at (608) 344-5491 or contact us online.

Unpacking Last Wills and Living Wills

Understanding a Last Will and Testament:

A last will and testament is a legal document that outlines how an individual's assets and property should be distributed after their passing. It also allows the naming of guardians for minor children and selecting an executor to oversee estate management.

Exploring the Living Will:

A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, addresses medical treatment decisions if an individual becomes incapacitated. It details preferences concerning life-sustaining procedures, organ donation, and end-of-life care.

Crafting a Valid Will in Wisconsin

Creating a legally valid will in Wisconsin entails adhering to specific requirements and formalities. Our skilled wills attorneys will ensure your will complies with state laws, encompassing elements such as testamentary capacity, the testator's signature, and the presence of witnesses.

How Do I Make Sure My Wishes Are Followed After I Die?

You may think that your family knows your wishes. However, you may be wrong. You may have never discussed your wishes with your family. You may have expressed your wishes in a way that your family didn't understand. You may have expressed your wishes in a way that your family didn't agree with.

You can make sure that your wishes are followed after you die by having a will. A will describes how you want your property distributed after you pass. It also names someone to be responsible for your minor children or your disabled adult children, and can name someone to administer your estate or the process of distributing your property. If you don't have a will, the state will decide how your property is distributed. For these reasons, it is important that you have a will.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Drafting a Will

Benefits of Drafting a Will:

• Asset Protection: A well-constructed will enables you to dictate how your assets are allocated, ensuring the financial well-being of your beneficiaries.
• Guardianship Designation: You can nominate guardians for your minor children, guaranteeing their welfare in the event of your passing.
• Executor Nomination: Appoint an executor to manage your estate, simplifying the probate process.
• Avoiding Intestacy: Without a will, Wisconsin's intestate laws determine asset distribution, which may not align with your intentions.

Drawbacks of Drafting a Will:

• Probate Process: Wills go through probate, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Public Record: During probate, wills become public record, potentially exposing your estate details to anyone.
• Complex Estates: For intricate estates, additional planning tools, such as trusts, may be necessary.

How Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center Can Assist

At Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, we understand that individuals and families have unique needs and wishes. Our services encompass:

Customized Guidance: Our attorneys work closely with you to tailor your will, ensuring it accurately reflects your desires.

Comprehensive Estate Planning: In addition to crafting wills, we offer full-scale estate planning services, including trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, to provide complete protection for your assets and loved ones.

Probate Support: For those serving as executors or administrators of an estate, we provide expert guidance throughout the probate process to honor the deceased's wishes.

Secure your legacy and protect your family's future with a thoughtfully crafted will. Your legacy deserves preservation, and we are here to help make it a reality.

To schedule an appointment at one of our Madison, Milwaukee, Oregon, or Brookfield, WI locations, contact us online or call us at (608) 344-5491.