As the ghosts and goblins appear and the hauntings begin, we’re reminded that some of the scarier things in life are not actually those that go bump in the night. Not having your estate plan completed or up to date may pose more frightening issues. In the spirit of Halloween, here is a tour through […]
In previous blog articles, we explored how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made significant cuts to several federal programs, especially Medicaid. Another monumental change under OBBBA was the permanent increase to the estate tax exemption. Starting on January 1, 2026, the estate tax threshold will be increased to $15 million per individual, which […]
The Proposed Bill and Its Goals The “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed by the House of Representatives in May and currently being discussed by Congress, may spell major changes for Medicaid. If adopted as it is now, eligibility for Medicaid will be drastically altered, potentially leaving millions without health insurance. The Bill’s primary purported goal, helping […]
In a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy in 1789, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” He was absolutely correct, as our Constitution has been amended 27 times. […]
Deciding who to name as the beneficiary of your 401(k), IRA, or other qualified retirement account is a crucial part of estate planning. This decision can significantly impact how your assets are distributed and taxed after your death. With the introduction of the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act on January 1, […]
In Wisconsin, a Marital Property Agreement can be a valuable tool for estate planning, particularly for transferring property without going through probate, the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, which is often both time-consuming and costly. Here’s how it works: What is a Marital Property Agreement? A Marital Property Agreement is a legal […]
It’s that time of year again – I just filed my taxes and can breathe easier knowing my financial health is in order. But, it’s also the time of year to ensure my actual health, and specifically my health care wishes, are in order. April 16, the day after the deadline for filing taxes, is […]
The day my kids were playing outside and shouted into the air “Alexa, what’s the weather forecast,” I realized that I have unknowingly embraced the convenience of artificial intelligence or “AI.” While Alexa has certainly made finding the weather forecast and answering if moose are vegetarians easier, it has me thinking about other areas of […]
APPLETON, Wis. – McCarty Law LLP, a top law firm in Northeast Wisconsin, has announced that Sara Micheletti has joined the law firm as an attorney and contract partner. Micheletti brings more than 13 years of experience in estate planning, guardianship, estate settlement, and probate to the firm. Prior to joining McCarty Law, Sara spent […]
A comparative analysis about wills, marital property agreements, and revocable living trusts to help you determine which option is right for you and your loved ones: Consideration Will Marital Property Agreement Revocable Living Trust Cost Typically less “upfront” cost, but greater administration cost (i.e. probate process) Low “up front” and administration costs Greater “upfront” costs […]