Like Christmas, the back-to-school season seems to creep up faster every year. While you might be focusing on more typical school supplies for your college student (like a new computer, clothes, dorm supplies, etc.), don’t forget about the legal issues a new school year can bring. Remember, though they’ll always be our kids, we don’t […]
There are several tools available to accomplish estate planning goals. One of the most frequently used tools by estate planning attorneys is referred to as a “trust.” Trusts come in all shapes and sizes. You can create a trust during your lifetime (called a “living” trust). Alternatively, you can have your trust come into existence […]
At least two or three times a year I will get a phone call from a client with questions about cosigning a loan on their child’s behalf. Invariably, the parent has received a notice that their child has defaulted on the loan. The client then proceeds to ask, “Could I possibly be on the hook […]
We have already discussed a bit of background on WisPACT trusts. WisPACT trusts are useful tools for disabled beneficiaries, allowing them to set aside assets that normally would push them over an asset limit and make them ineligible for various government programs. Today, I want to explain a bit more about the who, what, and […]
Wisconsin, like many states, has several different requirements to create a valid Will. The particular rules for signing a Will are contained in Wis. Stat. § 853.03. These rules require that a Will be: Signed by the creator (or by another person at the specific direction of the creator); and Signed by at least two […]
Long term care costs present a significant financial stress to many families. For certain veterans (and their surviving spouses) the VA offers a pension program that can provide additional monthly income to offset some of the cost of their care. This program is known as the VA Aid and Attendance pension. In order to be […]
Many people believe that “estate planning” is only for the super wealthy among us, but the reality is that everyone wants their wishes to be followed, regardless of their economic status. For example, parents in blended families have a unique interest in ensuring that children from prior marriages are treated fairly, even if their parent […]
It’s that time of year again – back to school. Like Christmas, it seems to creep up on us faster every year. Thanks to our “sales tax holiday” earlier this month, parents could buy clothing, computers, and other back-to-school supplies without having to pay sales tax. One back to school supply that few parents think […]
The concept of having too much money is foreign to almost all of us. But if you receive needs-based government benefits like Medicaid, Family Care, IRIS, SSI, or other programs, having money can be an issue. For parents and grandparents of program recipients, it can be a struggle to decide whether to include the recipient […]
If the advice in Attorney Melissa DeVantier’s recent article, Inheriting the Family Cottage, came too late for your family to benefit from it – sadly, your family may find itself in the middle of a dispute concerning what will happen with Mom and Dad’s property once they become incapacitated or pass away. Once family leaders […]
