Starting a Will: A Comprehensive Guide to Secure Your Family’s Future

Estate planning is the essential process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets once you pass away. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning involves creating legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to protect your assets from probate and guarantee that your family’s future is safeguarded.

If you’ve been contemplating estate planning but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of estate planning. Whether you reside in the greater Milwaukee area or anywhere in the state of Wisconsin, feel free to contact me, Attorney Steve Eichstaedt, with any questions about your unique situation and how you can initiate the process of protecting your family’s future.

The Elements of an Estate Plan

Although each person’s estate planning needs are unique, most estate plans comprise the following key elements:

1. A Will

A will, often referred to as a “Last Will and Testament,” is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after your passing. A will also includes information about who will act as the guardian for your minor children should you pass away unexpectedly. It’s a fundamental document for ensuring your wishes are carried out.

2. Trusts

Trusts are legal arrangements in which a trustee holds and manages your assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. Trusts can be highly beneficial for minimizing the hassle of probate, particularly in situations where you want to specify precisely how your assets should be handled and distributed. They provide an extra layer of control and protection.

3. Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney is a crucial document that authorizes someone you trust to act on your financial behalf if you become incapacitated and can no longer make financial decisions independently. This legal instrument ensures that your financial matters are managed effectively even if you’re unable to do so yourself.

4. Health Care Directives

Health care directives, including living wills or advance directives, are vital documents that outline your medical preferences in case you become incapacitated and cannot communicate your wishes. Additionally, the HIPAA release authorizes your doctor to release medical records to your family should you be unable to do so. These documents ensure that your healthcare decisions are respected.

While these are the foundational building blocks of most estate plans, the specifics can vary based on your unique circumstances and goals. The following sections will provide you with further insights and guidance on estate planning.

Who Should Have an Estate Plan?

In reality, everyone should have an estate plan, irrespective of their net worth. However, there are certain situations where estate planning is particularly urgent:

Parents

If you are a parent, it is absolutely essential to have an estate plan in place. This ensures that your child is taken care of and supported if something happens to you and your partner. Naming guardians for your minor children in your will is a crucial step for their well-being.

High-Net-Worth Individuals

High-net-worth individuals, those with substantial assets and wealth, should also prioritize estate planning. It offers a means to minimize taxes and protect these valuable assets. Furthermore, estate planning can help high-net-worth individuals avoid probate, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. It’s a strategic move to protect your wealth and ensure it is distributed according to your wishes.

Anyone Who Cares About Their Assets

In essence, if you have anything in your life that you care about, you should protect it with an estate plan. Whether you have a family to support, assets you’ve worked hard to accumulate, or causes you are passionate about, estate planning allows you to preserve and pass on what matters most to you.

When Should You Get Started on Estate Planning?

It is never too early to begin estate planning. Even if you are just starting your career or accumulating assets, having an estate plan in place is essential to protect your growing wealth. As you progress in life, acquire more assets, and experience changes in your circumstances, it is crucial to regularly update your estate plan to reflect these changes. Many people initiate estate planning when they have children, purchase a home, or experience significant life events. However, starting earlier is not only acceptable but encouraged. Estate plans can and should be adjusted over time to align with your current life circumstances. Even if you start with a relatively simple plan, you can always make adjustments as needed.

Why Work with an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney?

While it is technically possible to create an estate plan without a lawyer, it is generally not recommended. Estate planning laws and regulations can be intricate, and they often vary from state to state. Working with an experienced Wisconsin estate planning attorney is the most reliable way to ensure that your documents are accurate, valid, and legally binding within the state’s jurisdiction.

Furthermore, an experienced estate planning attorney possesses the expertise to navigate complex tax laws, thereby helping you minimize your tax liability. They can also guide you in avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls that could invalidate your estate plan or lead to unintended consequences. Given the importance of estate planning and the potential repercussions of errors, seeking professional legal guidance is a wise decision.

Drawbacks of Creating an Estate Plan Without a Lawyer

Attempting to create an estate plan without a lawyer can have significant consequences. Mistakes or oversights in your estate plan can leave your assets vulnerable to probate, creditors, or legal disputes. Moreover, if your estate plan is not legally valid, it may not withstand legal challenges from your beneficiaries. Finally, the process of attempting to create an estate plan without legal expertise can be time-consuming and frustrating, potentially leading to errors or omissions that could have lasting implications.

Now that we’ve covered the foundational aspects of estate planning, let’s delve into specific steps for creating a will in Wisconsin, the benefits of making a Wisconsin will, and whether you need a lawyer for this process.

Steps to Starting a Will in Wisconsin

Creating a will in Wisconsin involves a series of important steps to ensure its legality and validity. Here’s a quick checklist for making a will in Wisconsin:

1. Starting a Will: Decide What Property to Include in Your Will

Before drafting your will, you need to determine which assets and properties you want to include. Your will allows you to specify how these assets will be distributed after your passing.

2. Starting a Will: Decide Who Will Inherit Your Property

Choose the beneficiaries who will inherit your property, assets, and possessions. This is a critical decision that ensures your assets go to the individuals or organizations you wish to benefit.

3. Starting a Will: Choose an Executor to Handle Your Estate

Select a trusted individual who will serve as the executor of your estate. The executor is responsible for carrying out the provisions outlined in your will, including distributing assets and settling your affairs.

4. Starting a Will: Choose a Guardian for Your Children

If you have minor children, your will is the ideal place to name a guardian who will take care of them in the event of your passing. This ensures that your children are placed under the care of someone you trust.

5. Starting a Will: Choose Someone to Manage Children’s Property

If your will includes provisions for your minor children to inherit property or assets, you’ll need to designate someone to manage these assets on their behalf until they reach a certain age or maturity.

6. Starting a Will: Make Your Will

Create the actual document outlining your wishes, beneficiaries, and other details. You can use computer software, a typewriter, or seek legal assistance to draft your will.

7. Starting a Will: Sign Your Will in Front of Witnesses

Wisconsin law requires you to sign your will in front of two witnesses. These witnesses must also sign the document within a “reasonable time” after your signing or acknowledgment.

8. Starting a Will: Store Your Will Safely

Once your will is signed and witnessed, it’s essential to keep the document in a secure and accessible location. This ensures that it can be located and presented when needed.

9. Starting a Will: Submit the Original Will to the Court (If Preferred)

While not mandatory, some individuals choose to submit their original will to the court for safekeeping. This adds an extra layer of security and helps ensure that your will is not lost or misplaced.

Starting a Will: Why Should I Make a Wisconsin Will?

Creating a Wisconsin will holds numerous benefits for both you and your loved ones. Here are some compelling reasons to make a will:

Leave Your Property to People or Organizations

A will provides you with the means to specify how your property and assets will be distributed among your chosen beneficiaries, which can include family members, friends, or charitable organizations.

Name a Personal Guardian for Your Minor Children

If you have minor children, a will enables you to name a trusted individual who will assume the role of guardian for your children if both parents pass away. This crucial provision ensures that your children are cared for by someone you’ve chosen and trust.

Name a Personal Representative

In your will, you can appoint a personal representative, often referred to as an executor. This person is responsible for ensuring that the terms and provisions outlined in your will are carried out as per your wishes. Appointing a personal representative allows for efficient and effective estate administration.

Starting a Will: What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?

If you pass away without a valid will, your property will be distributed according to Wisconsin’s intestacy laws. This means that the state will determine how your assets are distributed, often beginning with your spouse and children as primary beneficiaries. If you have neither a spouse nor children, the list of potential beneficiaries extends to grandchildren, parents, and increasingly distant relatives. Ultimately, if no eligible heirs are identified, the state may claim your property.

Starting a Will: Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Wisconsin?

While it is possible to create your own will in Wisconsin, it is advisable to consult with an attorney, especially if your situation involves complexities or unique circumstances. Estate planning laws can be intricate, and there are state-specific regulations that need to be considered. An experienced estate planning attorney can ensure that your documents are accurately drafted, legally binding, and tailored to meet your specific requirements within the state’s legal framework.

Moreover, working with an attorney provides several advantages:

• Expertise: Attorneys possess the knowledge and expertise to navigate estate planning laws effectively, ensuring that your documents adhere to all legal requirements.
• Tax Planning: Experienced attorneys can help you minimize your tax liability through strategic planning, potentially saving you and your beneficiaries substantial amounts in taxes.
• Avoiding Mistakes: Estate planning attorneys are well-versed in the common pitfalls and errors that individuals may make when creating their own documents. Their guidance can help you avoid these mistakes.

Starting a Will: Drawbacks of Creating an Estate Plan Without a Lawyer

Attempting to create an estate plan without the assistance of a lawyer can have serious consequences. Some of the potential drawbacks include:

• Vulnerability to Probate: Mistakes or oversights in your estate plan could lead to your assets being subject to probate, a time-consuming and potentially expensive legal process.
• Legal Challenges: If your estate plan is not legally valid or contains ambiguous language, it may be susceptible to legal challenges from your beneficiaries.
• Time and Frustration: Estate planning without legal guidance can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. This can result in frustration and potential errors.

References for Further Information

To further enhance your understanding of the estate planning process, we recommend exploring the following external resources:

• University of Wisconsin Law School: Family Estate Planning in Wisconsin
• State Bar of Wisconsin: Wills and Estate Planning

These resources offer valuable insights and information to complement your estate planning journey.

Contact Dahlberg Law Group for Expert Assistance about Starting a Will

As you embark on your estate planning journey, remember that you don’t have to navigate this complex process alone. The team at Dahlberg Law Group, led by Attorney Steve Eichstaedt, is here to provide expert legal guidance and support. Attorney Steve Eichstaedt specializes in estate planning and can assist you in creating a comprehensive plan that aligns with your unique goals and circumstances. To get started or inquire further, please visit our website or contact us today.