Wills

Madison Wills Lawyers

Assisting Clients With Will Matters in Dane County, Wisconsin, & Illinois

At Estate Law Partners, LLC, we take great pride in using our knowledge of the law to provide clients across the greater Madison area with high-quality legal counsel as they draft their last will and testament. Although most people have heard of a will, many do not know what happens if they pass away without including a last will and testament in their estate plan.

Drafting a will? Contact Estate Law Partners, LLC online or call (608) 292-5185 to request a consultation with our wills attorneys in Madison.

Consequences of Dying Without a Will in Wisconsin

If you pass away without a will, then your assets will be distributed according to state laws. This means the state will ultimately determine both how and to whom your assets are distributed.

Our reputable and compassionate Madison wills lawyers have the knowledge and resources that you need to make sure your legacy is protected. We are here to help you draft a detailed will that is in the best interest of your entire family and other loved ones in your life.

Key Advantages of Creating a Will

The following are some of the benefits of including a will in your estate plan:

A will can be used to designate who you wish to parent your children if you suddenly pass away
A will prevents the state from making any decisions on your behalf during the probate process
A will allows you to leave specific property to specific people
A will allows you to select specific people to manage and handle distributing your property
A will can save your heirs significant expenses and prevent feuding among them
A will can be used to plan for personal matters, like burial arrangements and pet care
You can amend your will if circumstances change in your life

How a Wills Attorney in Madison Can Assist You

A skilled wills attorney plays a critical role in ensuring your wealth, assets, and legacy are handled according to your intentions. They provide guidance on the complexities of estate planning, averting potential legal pitfalls, and mitigating disputes among beneficiaries. These legal professionals work with you to craft a comprehensive will in Madison, leveraging their knowledge of probate laws, tax implications, and legal processes to ensure your final wishes are both respected and legally enforceable.

Services offered by a Wills attorney:

Drafting a comprehensive will: They assist you in creating a legally sound will, detailing how your assets and wealth should be distributed.
Estate planning: They provide advice on estate planning, guiding you through different aspects, such as trusts, funeral expenses, and tax planning.
Reviewing your will: As circumstances change, they review and update your will to reflect these changes and ensure it remains valid and up-to-date.
Providing legal representation: In case of any disputes over the will, they represent you in court to ensure that your wishes are upheld.
Probate process navigation: They guide your family through the probate process after your demise, ensuring a smooth transition.
Guardianship designation: They help in legally designating guardians for minor children or dependents.
Power of attorney & medical directives: They assist in setting up power of attorney documents and advance medical directives, ensuring your welfare is entrusted to someone you trust.

Do Couples Need Separate Wills in Wisconsin?

A husband and wife may have joint wills or separate wills. If you have a spouse or are getting married soon, consider creating a will.

How Do Joint Wills Work For Married Couples?

Married couples may opt for creating a joint will--this means that there will be one will for two people. Joint wills contain specific wishes regarding what should happen after one spouse dies and what should happen next when the second spouse dies. Typically, when one spouse dies, that spouse’s estate goes to the surviving spouse. When the surviving spouse passes on, the estate will go to the children.

For legal counsel on joint wills, get in touch with a seasoned Madison will attorney at Estate Law Partners, LLC. We are more than happy to answer your questions, help you understand your options when it comes to writing wills and planning your estate with your spouse, and create a will that meets the needs of your family.

Contact Our Madison Will Attorney Today

Our goal is to provide you with the reliable legal representation and counsel you need to gain peace of mind that your will and other aspects of your estate plan won’t be challenged in court. Let us help you get through the complex process of drafting a will.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for amending a will in Madison, Wisconsin?

Amending a will involves creating a legal document known as a codicil. This document outlines the specific changes you wish to make to your existing will. It is essential to ensure that the codicil is signed and witnessed according to Wisconsin law to maintain its validity. If the changes are extensive, you may consider drafting a new will altogether.

How often should I review and amend my will?

It is advisable to review and amend your will at least every few years or whenever significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets. Changes in your financial situation or relationships can impact your estate planning needs. Regular reviews ensure that your will accurately reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

Can I make changes to my will without a lawyer in Wisconsin?

While it is possible to make changes to your will without a lawyer in Wisconsin, it is not recommended. DIY amendments can lead to legal complications if not executed correctly. To ensure that your amendments are valid and enforceable, it is best to consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the process.

What makes Madison-specific will considerations unique?

Madison residents must account for local probate rules and customary practices that can impact estate distribution. Factors like property held jointly with rights of survivorship, unique familial structures, and local traditions around asset designation may require specialized legal advice. Having a locally-based attorney who understands these nuances ensures your will meets community standards while safeguarding your legacy according to local jurisprudence. Staying informed about Wisconsin's dynamic legal landscape is vital, as changes can affect estate planning directly.

How can a will lawyer assist with tax implications?

A will lawyer in Madison can help identify potential tax liabilities associated with your estate and recommend strategies to mitigate their impact. They can provide guidance on setting up trusts, which may offer tax advantages, or suggest other estate planning tools like charitable donations to reduce estate tax exposure. Tailoring your estate plan with tax considerations in mind not only protects your beneficiaries from unexpected financial burdens but also maximizes the inheritance value they receive.

What if I own property in multiple states?

If you own property across state lines, it's crucial to have an estate plan that accounts for the laws in each applicable state. A will lawyer can collaborate with attorneys in other states to ensure your assets are efficiently managed and distributed according to your wishes. Such coordination helps avoid potential conflicts between differing state jurisdictions, providing peace of mind that your estate plan is comprehensive and enforceable everywhere.

The Stories That Matter Most

Read About Real Client's Experiences

"She was very responsive and always made sure to answer any questions we had."
Our experience with Danielle was very professional and efficient even with having to do everything through zoom due to Covid.

- Shannon
"[Matt] was very engaging and rephrased any questions we didn't understand."
He was very engaging and rephrased any questions we didn't understand.

- Steven
"[Matt] was very helpful..."
Answering our questions and providing guidance that we understood.

- Troy
"He took the time to understand our goals and our family situation."
He was friendly, thorough, and very knowledgeable.

- Mark
"He was wonderful...they asked all the right questions"
We are relieved that there is a plan in place. That gives us peace of mind.

- Kris

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