Southeast Wisconsin Estate Planning Lawyers | Grieve Civil Law

Estate Planning Attorneys at Grieve Civil Law

Life is unpredictable, but you can help your loved ones navigate dark days by preparing for the future now. Powers of attorney, wills, and trusts, are all components to a robust estate plan that ensures your wishes are fulfilled.

Get in touch with one of our attorneys today

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Location

Message / Description

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Call-In Phone

This field is hidden when viewing the form

First Name Party B

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Last Name Party B

This field is hidden when viewing the form

First Name OP

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Last Name OP

This field is hidden when viewing the form

County

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Legal Division

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Tracking Source

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Contact Type

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 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. These can be structured as either limited or durable, depending on when they take effect.

Who Should Have an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is crucial for anyone who wants to protect their assets, ensure their wishes are honored, and provide clarity for loved ones. Whether you have a few cherished possessions you want to protect or significant investments and a business, an estate plan can help prevent disputes and legal complications after your passing.

Here are some key groups who should consider having an estate plan:

Parents with Minor Children

Part of estate planning is designating a guardian for any children, ensuring they are cared for by someone they trust if the unexpected happens. Estate planning can also ensure there are no arguments amongst children about who inherits what. This is especially important in blended families.

Homeowners and Property Owners

If you own a home or other real estate, an estate plan can help ensure a smooth transfer of ownership and prevent probate complications.

Business Owners

A business succession plan can protect your company’s future and determine who will take over operations. Because the estates of business owners can impact so many people, it is especially important to have these decisions made ahead of time.

Individuals with Specific Healthcare Wishes

This includes older individuals, people who have health complications, or people who just want to be prepared. Advance healthcare directives, such as a living will or healthcare power of attorney, ensure your medical preferences are followed if you become incapacitated.

Anyone with Assets or Loved Ones

Whether you have savings, investments, or sentimental belongings, an estate plan helps ensure your possessions go to the people or causes you care about most.

Regardless of age or financial status, having an estate plan in place can provide peace of mind and security for both you and your loved ones.

Common Goals of an Estate Plan

As detailed above, estate planning is for many people in many different situations. Here are some common goals people look to accomplish in their estate planning:

Financial Security – For those that rely on you
Arrangements for Minor Children – Designating guardians
Assigning Assets – From heirlooms to businesses
Fairness – For surviving family members
Minimize Tax & Probate Costs – Protecting what you’ve earned