A home is often one of the most important assets that people own. Therefore, most people want to stay in their home until they die and then have a loved one receive it. One common way to pass a home to loved ones is through a will. However, transferring property with a...
Category: Property
The Passing of James Earl Jones
“No, I am your father.”
These words, uttered by James Earl Jones in his voice-over role as Darth Vader, are indelible in the minds of Star Wars fans. Jones is also well known for voicing Mufasa in The Lion King and a series of cable news promotions in which...
Caution: Using a DIY Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Unintended Consequences in Madison, Wisconsin
One common way to avoid the probate requirement for real estate after the owner dies is to add children or other individuals to the property title as joint owners with rights of survivorship. When joint owners have survivorship rights and one joint owner passes away, the remaining owners automatically receive the entire...
Will My Revocable Living Trust Avoid Probate? In Madison, Wisconsin … it Depends.
If you have established a revocable living trust (which we will refer to simply as a trust), congratulations! You are on the right track in creating a comprehensive estate plan. However, you are only halfway there. Many people believe that because they took the time to create a trust, their estate will...
The Perils of Joint Property in Madison, Wisconsin
People often set up bank accounts or real estate so that they own them jointly with a spouse or other family member. The appeal of joint ownership, specifically with survivorship rights, is that when one owner dies, the other owner(s) will automatically inherit the property without it having to go through probate....
Navigating the Fiscal Year 2025 Greenbook: Key Trust and Estate Tax Proposals
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released its General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue Proposals. Commonly referred to as the Greenbook, this document lays out tax proposals that would support President Biden’s policy priorities if he is reelected to a second term.
A major focus...
What Happens to An Adult Child Living at Home When Their Parents Pass Away?
Today more young adults are living at home with their parents than at any time since the 1940s. While there are many different opinions about this trend and the cause of its recent prevalence, the primary motivation for young adults staying at home with their parents is usually related to finances.
Navigating the Fiscal Year 2025 Greenbook: Key Trust and Estate Tax Proposals
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released its General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue Proposals. Commonly referred to as the Greenbook, this document lays out tax proposals that would support President Biden’s policy priorities if he is reelected to a second term.
A major focus...
Sun, Sand, and Succession: Estate Planning Tips for Your Vacation Property
A vacation property can be one of the most valuable things you can pass down to your loved ones, from both a sentimental and financial standpoint.
However, mixing money and family can be tricky. Without a well-thought-out strategy for the ownership transition, hard feelings and disputes could arise, and...
What Happens to Real Estate With a Mortgage When I Die?
Your mortgage, like the rest of your debt, does not simply disappear when you die. If you leave your home that has an outstanding loan to a beneficiary in your will or trust, your beneficiary will inherit not only the property but also the outstanding debt. They may have the right to...