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If you have a loved one who is struggling with managing finances or who may encounter creditors in the future, a spendthrift trust can be a powerful tool in your estate planning. At Collins Law Firm, we serve families across the Milwaukee area from our offices in Wauwatosa and Pewaukee. We can help you understand… Read more

When a loved one passes away and leaves behind a handwritten note expressing their final wishes, families may wonder if the document is a valid will. In Wisconsin, it’s important to understand how the state handles these handwritten wills before assuming they will hold up in court. What Is a Holographic Will? A holographic will… Read more

Most people don’t worry about having certain legal documents created, and that is, until they need one. A power of attorney is one of those things that flies under the radar. However, it can become important at the exact moment life takes an unexpected turn. Planning for your power of attorney can make a difficult… Read more

You might not spend a lot of time thinking about probate until a loved one passes away. Now the legal process becomes very real. Probate is used to settle a person’s estate, pay debts, and distribute assets after death.  While it serves an important purpose, many Wisconsin families want to avoid probate when possible. These… Read more

When most people think about estate planning, they imagine trusts, big estates, or complicated legal documents. But even if your assets are not enormous, taxes can still take a big bite out of what you leave behind. In Wisconsin, estate planning is more than deciding who gets what. This is about minimizing tax exposure, protecting… Read more

Valentine’s Day is filled with the usual suspects like candy, flowers, and cards. But what happens as March rolls around? These gestures are long forgotten by your loved ones. If you want something that lasts, think about your long-term plans. Estate planning is the Valentine that lasts forever. While these plans do not come wrapped… Read more

When people think about estate planning, life insurance is often an afterthought. Many assume these plans only cover funeral costs or replace income for a short period of time.  In reality, life insurance can be one of the most practical tools in a Wisconsin estate plan. But how much life insurance belongs in an estate… Read more

With the start of a new year, you may want to refocus your estate plan. This is a good time to review your finances, rethink your priorities, and address the things you want to tackle. This is one New Year’s resolution that is the most lasting for your family.  Remember that estate planning is about… Read more

When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and a discussion about who gets the family cabin. Medicaid planning might seem like something you only worry about after a health crisis hits. But can Medicaid planning be part of your estate plan? Absolutely. When done right, it can help protect assets, preserve… Read more