One goal of estate planning is to ensure that your assets, including your home, pass to your chosen beneficiaries quickly and with minimal expense. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate (the court process of validating a will and distributing assets) is to add others to the title.
Category: Estate Planning
Why Retirement Is the Right Time to Revisit Your Madison, WI Estate Plan
Retirement can mean many different things to different people. For some, it opens up a new world of travel, experiences, and creative pursuits. For others, it may herald quiet days at home with a good book, a steaming mug of tea or coffee, and no other plans for weeks.
When Your Parent Plans to Disinherit Your Sibling in Madison, WI
Your parent has made the difficult decision to omit your brother or sister from their estate plan. While this decision will undoubtedly land heavily on your sibling, the decision also places you in a complicated position.
As the child who was not cut out of the estate plan, you...
How to Get Organized to Meet with Your Madison, WI Estate Planning Attorney
You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your affairs in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized and prepare for the first meeting.
Before You Meet with Your...
Why Receiving an Inheritance Changes Your Madison, WI Estate Plan
Receiving an inheritance can be a meaningful and transformative experience, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage newly acquired assets, face creditor or tax issues, or lack the financial experience needed to preserve and grow what was left to...
Committed, Protected, Prepared: Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Partners in Madison, WI
More couples than ever are building deep, lasting relationships without ever walking down the aisle. Whether by choice, circumstance, or principle, many Americans are opting out of marriage—but not out of commitment. Data indicate that cultural norms regarding marriage in the United States have undergone significant shifts over the past several decades....
Avoid Living Probate in Madison Wisconsin: How to Keep Guardians and Conservators Out of Your Estate
While many proactive individuals understand the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan, they often assume that their plan addresses only what happens after they pass away. However, a comprehensive estate plan is also meant to positively impact your life by planning for and providing necessary protections while you are still around...
Retirement Planning for Madison, WI Business Owners
Many employees save for retirement by participating in their employer’s 401(k) plan and maybe even opening an individual retirement account (IRA) or Roth IRA for additional savings.
As a business owner, planning for retirement requires more effort, foresight, and strategy. In addition to navigating the wide range of retirement...
Wondering Whether You Need to Update Your Madison, WI Estate Plan? You Do. Here Is Why.
Since creating your estate plan, have you thought about updating it? If you are like most people, probably not. However, the carefully thought-out plan you created years ago may not meet your current goals or family circumstances. To put things in perspective, consider a family that may sound similar to yours.
Mission Accomplished: Your Guide to Veterans’ Planning Essentials
Joining the military often sets individuals on a path that is distinctly different from pursuing higher education or entering the civilian workforce. Every year around Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices of those who have served our country. However, we do not always pause to consider the unique experiences and challenges Veterans...