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Grieve Civil Law – Practice Areas

Estate planning is a highly personalized process, and we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs. Our goal is to give you confidence and peace of mind, knowing your affairs are in order and your wishes will be carried out as intended.

Estate Planning

Estate planning in Wisconsin involves preparing for the future by making key financial and healthcare decisions in advance. This includes creating legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure assets are distributed properly and medical preferences are honored.

Wills

A last will and testament is a keystone in estate planning. It specifies how assets should be distributed after death. A will also names a guardian for any minor children and appoints an executor to manage the probate process.

Trusts

Trusts are a vital part of estate planning in Wisconsin, offering benefits such as protecting assets, minimizing taxes, and avoiding probate. The two primary types of trusts are revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts. Wisconsin law dictates who can establish a trust and outlines a trustee’s responsibilities.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) allows a designated individual to make decisions on someone’s behalf if they become incapacitated There are two main types: healthcare POAs, which cover medical decisions, and financial POAs, which handle financial matters and legal decisions. These can be structured as either limited or durable, depending on when they take effect.

Estate Plans in Use

An estate plan ensures a smoother transition when the time comes to put it into effect. Whether assets go through probate, are managed through a trust, or are distributed according to a will, an estate plan minimizes complications for loved ones.

Probate Court

Probate is Wisconsin’s legal process for transferring a deceased person’s assets to their heirs. It is generally required if the estate is valued at $50,000 or more. However, assets held in a trust or other exempt arrangement can bypass probate.

Trust Administration

Trust administration involves managing and distributing a trust’s assets, often after the settlor’s passing. A trustee is responsible for securing assets and ensuring they are distributed in accordance with the trust’s terms. The trustee also settles any debts or tax matters.

Civil Practice Areas

Beyond estate planning, we offer legal services to protect your rights and financial interests. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, planning for your business’s future, or ensuring compliance with firearm regulations, legally sound agreements provide long-term security.

Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements establish how assets and debts will be handled if a marriage ends. These agreements help protect each spouse’s financial interests and ensure that liabilities remain separate. To be legally enforceable, the agreement must meet Wisconsin’s legal requirements.

Business Succession Planning

Business succession planning ensures a company’s stability if an owner retires or passes away. By combining estate planning with business strategy, owners can create a plan aligned with their long-term goals and ensure a smooth transition.

NFA Gun Trusts

An NFA gun trust provides legal protection for the owner, trustees, beneficiaries, and firearms under the National Firearms Act. Given evolving firearm laws, an NFA trust helps ensure compliance and long-term security.