Estate Planning Protects You and the People You Love
Jan 30, 2026
Estate Planning Keeps You In Control
Estate planning gives you the power to decide who will manage your finances, who will make medical decisions for you, who will care for your minor children and who will receive your property when you pass away. In Wisconsin, a complete estate plan may include a Last Will and Testament, a Revocable Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Declaration to Physicians and appropriate Beneficiary Designation. These documents work together to protect you during your lifetime and after your death by ensuring your wishes are honored and not left for the court to decide. Estate planning helps you stay in control when life takes an unexpected turn.
Estate Planning Protects You When You Cannot Act
Many people assume their closest loved ones can step in to help during an emergency, but neither parents nor spouses have automatic legal authority to act on your behalf. At age eighteen, your parents lose the ability to access your medical information, make health care decisions, or manage your finances. The same is true for married couples. A spouse cannot automatically make medical decisions for you and may have no authority over accounts held in your name alone. A Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Declaration to Physicians give the people you trust the legal authority to act on your behalf when you cannot. Without these documents, your loved ones may need to petition the court for guardianship, which can be time consuming, expensive, and emotionally difficult. Estate planning ensures the people you choose can act for you and that your care and finances are managed smoothly and according to your wishes.
Estate Planning Protects the People You Care About
Estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways to look out for the people you love. For parents, it provides the critical ability to name a guardian for minor children. In Wisconsin, the only way to legally designate a guardian is through your will. Without it, the court will decide who will raise your children, and that decision may not reflect your wishes.
If you have a loved one with special needs, the right planning can make a significant difference. A special needs trust allows you to provide long‑term support without putting their essential government benefits at risk.
Estate planning also helps prevent conflict among family members. Without a will or trust, Wisconsin law determines how your assets are divided, and the result may not align with your intentions or protect the people you care about. This is especially important in blended families, where many people are surprised to learn how Wisconsin law divides an estate. Estate planning ensures your spouse and children from prior relationships are protected the way you intend. By clearly outlining your wishes, you reduce confusion, prevent disputes, and give your family a clear path to follow during a difficult time.
Comprehensive Estate Planning
A complete estate plan is more than just your will, trust, or powers of attorney. It also needs to address all your assets, including those that transfer by beneficiary designation. These designations are often misunderstood and can significantly impact how your estate is handled. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and accounts with payable on death or transfer on death designations are not controlled by the terms of your will or trust. Instead, they pass directly to the beneficiaries you name. This surprises many people and can lead to unintended outcomes if designations are overlooked or outdated. Reviewing and coordinating your beneficiary designations as part of your estate plan helps protect your wishes, ensures your assets go where you intend, and can even be a helpful way to avoid probate.
Estate Planning Helps Avoid Probate Court
Estate planning can help protect your family from the time, cost, and stress of probate court. In Wisconsin, an estate must go through the probate process if the value of the assets subject to probate is $50,000 or more. One way to avoid probate is by using beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. This allows those assets to pass directly to the beneficiaries you name, keeping them out of probate and lowering the total value of probate assets. A Transfer on Death Deed can offer similar protection for real estate by allowing your property to transfer at your death without going through probate. Additionally, a revocable trust can manage and distribute assets outside of probate while providing added flexibility and greater control. Proper estate planning helps spare your loved ones unnecessary stress and delays while they are grieving and gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind.
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Estate planning is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and the people you love. It ensures your wishes are honored and gives your loved ones the authority and guidance they need during difficult times. At Pedersen Law Office, LLC, we offer free consultations to discuss your circumstances and help you create an estate plan that protects you and your loved ones. Our law office proudly serves the communities of Appleton, Kimberly, Kaukauna, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, Green Bay, De Pere, and the surrounding areas.
