Digital assets can and should be addressed in a Wisconsin revocable living trust, but a trust by itself does not automatically give a trustee access to all online accounts. Access is governed by a combination of trust language, Wisconsin law, federal privacy laws, and the terms of service of the platforms that...
Wisconsin Estate Planning FAQ’s: Your Personal Property in Estate Planning
Even a well-crafted estate plan that handles your home, savings, and investments can leave loose ends when it comes to your personal belongings. Most people do not name a recipient for every single item they own, and that can lead to confusion or conflict among loved ones. Take time now to think...
Wisconsin Estate Planning: Why can an outdated estate plan create a bigger problem than no plan at all in Wisconsin?
An outdated estate plan can create more problems than having no plan because it can direct assets in ways that no longer reflect your circumstances, leading to confusion, disputes, and litigation costs. In Wisconsin, an old will or trust is especially risky when family relationships, assets, or laws have changed since the...
Wisconsin Estate Planning FAQ’s: Estate Planning for Young Families
For young families, estate planning isn’t about wealth, it’s about making sure the right people can act quickly for your children and that your assets are managed responsibly if something unexpected happens. A well‑designed plan typically combines a will (to name guardians for minor children) with a living trust to manage money...
Wisconsin Probate: Can a house be sold before a Probate ends in Wisconsin?
Yes. In Wisconsin, a house can often be sold before probate is completed, but it depends on how the property is owned, whether probate has been opened, and the personal representative’s authority. When a house is titled solely in the deceased person’s name and becomes part of the probate estate, the personal...
Wisconsin Estate Planning FAQ’s: What happens to an Estate After a Person Dies?
When a person dies, their estate generally follows one of two paths: probate (if the plan relies on a will) or trust administration (if a funded living trust is in place). In a probate case, the will typically names a Personal Representative who must open the estate and give public notice, often...
Wisconsin Probate: What happens when one sibling won’t cooperate during a Probate in Wisconsin?
What happens depends on the sibling’s role in the probate and the nature of the noncooperation. In Wisconsin, probate generally continues even if one heir or beneficiary is difficult, although a lack of cooperation can cause delays, added costs, and court hearings.
If the sibling is just a beneficiary...
Wisconsin Estate Planning FAQ’s: Should I Name All of My Children as Successor Trustees?
It can be tempting to name all of your adult children to serve together, but that isn’t always the best way to keep your plan running smoothly. A practical alternative is to list them in order of who you think will do the best job so that only one steps in at...
Wisconsin Probate: How do I find missing assets during an Estate Administration in Wisconsin?
Finding missing or undisclosed assets during a Wisconsin estate administration often requires a combination of document review, probate procedures, and, if necessary, court intervention.
Start with the Personal Representative’s Inventory. In Wisconsin probate, the personal representative must identify and inventory probate assets. Review the Inventory filed with the probate...
Wisconsin Estate Planning FAQ’s: Common Mistakes with Living Trusts
A well‑prepared and fully funded living trust can spare your family court interference at incapacity and death, but several recurring mistakes keep trusts from working as intended. Here are five to watch for, plus practical ways to avoid them.
Using a poorly prepared document....