Wills and Trust
Preparing for the unexpected is difficult but a necessary process. Good preparation with a lawyer will eliminate the questions of who will make your major health care or financial decisions if you are not able to do so, who will take care of your children, and who will receive your property at the time of your death. What type of preparation is good for you depends on your unique circumstances.
Give us a call. Our law firm offers free consultations in all of our areas of practice and would be more than happy to meet with you and see how we can help you. Our law office serves the communities of Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh, Green Bay and their surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I need a Will?
If you don’t have a Will, a court decides who gets your assets and who will be the caretaker of your children, regardless of what you have told your friends and family. A properly drafted will is the only document the court will follow regarding your desires.
Why do I need a power of attorney?
If for some reason you are unable to make your own financial or healthcare decisions, the person you have appointed as your power of attorney can make those decisions on your behalf without having to petition the court. If you do not have a power of attorney your family would be required to start a guardianship case which requires petitioning the court, having a Guardian ad Litem appointed, having a court ordered doctor evaluate you, and other expensive and time consuming processes.
Do I Need a Trust?
A trust is a helpful tool if you are looking to avoid probate, benefit a special needs person, want to avoid death taxes or want to keep your estate private. There are several difference types of trust with individual benefits. To determine which one is right for you, you need to speak with a lawyer.
Do I Need an Attorney to Draft my Estate Forms?
Legally, no. Practically speaking, yes. You are hiring an attorney not just to draft the estate forms but for the knowledge and guidance as to what information and decisions need to be included in your estate forms.