As a single person, you may find yourself wondering who will step in to make important decisions for you if you become unable to do so or who will receive your money and property after your death. Although parents, siblings, or other loved ones may be the first people who come to...
Your Family’s Estate Road Map: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Assets and Wishes in Wisconsin
Maps help us get where we are going. Nowadays, phone apps provide detailed directions, making it nearly impossible to get lost. A physical map may seem outdated, but in an emergency, it can be a lifesaver.
An estate plan without a “road map” leaves your loved ones guessing what...
Saving for School: Planning for Your Family’s Education in Madison, Wisconsin
According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year are $11,950 for a four-year in-state public institution; $31,880 for a four-year out-of-state public institution; $45,000 for a four-year nonprofit private institution; and $4,150 for a two-year public institution.[1] If postsecondary education is in your...
The Family Meeting: Not Just for Billionaires in Madison, Wisconsin
For some people, the term family meeting may not bring to mind a pleasant gathering where everyone shares fond memories and warm feelings. When someone says, “We need to talk,” it often implies that something is wrong or that tough decisions need to be made or discussed.
However, in...
Raising Stewards, Not Mere Beneficiaries: Preparing the Next Generation for Inheritance in Madison, Wisconsin
Steward—a term for someone entrusted with the care of something that does not personally belong to them—is commonly used in such realms as business, public service, and environmentalism.
Conservationists may be referred to as stewards of the land. Business leaders may describe themselves as stewards charged with acting in...
The “Death Box”: One Step That Can Make a Difficult Time Easier for Your Loved Ones in Madison, Wisconsin
Losing a loved one is challenging enough without added complications. One way you can take some of the pain out of administering your estate is by preparing a death box, also called a death binder, next-of-kin box, or legacy folder. It serves as a centralized place to organize important information and documents...
Important Things Your Agent Under a Medical Power of Attorney Needs to Know in Madison, Wisconsin
Even if you are currently in good health, an unexpected illness or injury could leave you unable to make your own medical decisions. A medical power of attorney is a crucial component of your estate plan that allows you to designate a trusted individual (your agent) to make healthcare choices on your...
Why Title of Real Estate Matters in Madison, Wisconsin
Real estate can be owned in several different ways. The form of ownership, or how your property is titled, can determine how much control you have over it, how vulnerable your property is to creditor claims and lawsuits, and what will happen to it at your death.
Individual Ownership
How to Own Your Real Estate in Madison, Wisconsin
Your real estate encompasses not only your primary residence but also any vacation homes, rental properties, or even vacant land you may own. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of property and your individual circumstances.
Your Primary Residence
How you own your...
Your Legacy in Living Color in Madison, Wisconsin
There is a famous scene in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy steps into the magical Land of Oz and is transported from a black-and-white world to a Technicolor one.
The phrase in living color originates from TV and film advertising in the mid-20th century, when black-and-white imagery was...