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A revocable living trust allows you to transfer legal ownership of your assets to a trust that you control completely – while you are alive, while you have the capacity, and even after circumstances change. Under Wisconsin’s Trust Code (Chapter 701), this structure is the most flexible tool in a standard estate plan. Most families… Read more

It is one of the most common and misunderstood questions in estate planning: Will my family inherit my debt? The short answer is that your loved ones usually do not become personally responsible for debts you leave behind. However, the longer answer is more complicated, and in Wisconsin, specific rules about how creditors are paid… Read more

If you have recently lost a loved one or are planning your own estate, you may have heard that the probate process can be time-consuming, expensive, and public. However, many Wisconsin residents are unaware that a significant portion of an individual’s assets can transfer directly to their heirs without going through court proceedings. Knowing which… Read more

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