Practice Areas:Power of Attorney & Probate

Power of Attorney & Probate

Powers of attorney for Health Care and Financial Issues

Today it is possible for doctors to keep individuals alive even though they may not have a quality of life and may not be capable of making informed, rational decisions for themselves. By having a Healthcare Power of Attorney, you can determine in advance, who will make vital decisions for you. A Durable General Power of Attorney can clarify when and if a nursing home is appropriate, who will pay bills and collect monies due and owing as well as handle other types of financial and legal issues.

Probate (Formal and Informal)

After death, the distribution of any assets owned by an individual and payment of outstanding debts and obligations, including taxes, is handled through a process called "probate". At times if there is an appropriate revocable trust, probate may be avoided. Nonetheless, this legal process must be followed and final tax returns must be filed. It goes hand in hand with estate planning and the guardianship process.

Guardianship (Incompetence and Minors)

When an individual is not capable of making informed decisions for themselves or they are under the age of 18, then the court appoints a guardian of the person and/or the estate of that individual. This is a complicated process with many built-in safeguards to protect the individual.

The State Bar of Wisconsin has provided information; not legal advice, regarding power of attorney and probate that is based on Wisconsin law. We are providing this information to you to ensure that our potential clients are informed clients.