Most people associate estate planning with older individuals preparing for retirement or people with significant wealth. This perception can mislead people into passing up the opportunity to put their affairs in order when they still can. Creating an estate plan at...
Estate Planning
Common estate planning mistakes
Estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of age or wealth. It ensures that your assets get distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. However, many people make mistakes in their estate planning process that can lead to unintended...
Life changes that warrant updating your will
A will serves as an important document in outlining how your assets are after your passing. While you might not give yours much thought on a daily basis, it should come into focus any time you experience a major life change. Following certain significant events, it is...
At what age should you start estate planning?
Many people think of estate planning as something to do when they’re in their senior years and ready to codify who will get their assets when they die. Unfortunately, this mindset can leave individuals – and their loved ones – unnecessarily vulnerable for a large...
How should you talk to your parents about estate planning?
Discussing estate planning with your parents might feel like a difficult task, but it is an important one for you both to complete. Having a clear plan in place helps them feel at peace and know that people will respect their wishes and manage their assets well. Being...
3 tips for choosing the right executor or personal representative
It can be as important to choose the right person to handle estate administration as it is to put together an estate plan that reflects someone's values and closest relationships accurately. An executor, referred to in Wisconsin probate statutes as the personal...
What you need to add to your will before you retire
It is a good idea to regularly update your estate plan throughout your life, particularly at major milestones. Retirement is one of the most significant milestones you can reach and also marks a time when your personal needs will change the most. As retirement draws...
Handling property in an estate plan
If you’re passing property down in your estate plan, it can be a bit more complicated than simply passing on financial assets. You need to know exactly how to address this real estate and what options you have. Of course, everyone is in a unique situation. Therefore,...
Essential documents every estate plan needs
Creating a formal estate plan is the best way to ensure the distribution of your assets goes as you wish after your death. Every estate plan is personal, but there is some basic documentation any estate plan should include. Will or trust You can use a will or trust to...
Do I need a trust?
When you’re doing your estate planning, you may find yourself wondering if you need to include a trust. This is a different type of financial tool than just using a will. It allows you to create a separate trust that you fund with assets from your estate. You can do a...