Latest News & Blog Posts
Stay informed with Wisconsin estate-planning articles, updates, and resources from the Law Office of David Watson, LLC and other industry leaders.
Estate Planning of Digital Assets
Wisconsin, like The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Asset Act, establishes of a "three-tier priority system of user direction for disclosure of digital property as follows: 1) an online tool; 2) any other governing instrument (estate planning documents);...
Inheritence Trust “Double Check”
Great article that stresses how you can protect your expected inheritance and to make sure that your parent's estate planning documents are drafted correctly. As the article states, "double check to make sure that any inheritance that might be received will be under...
Tip to Trustees and Personal Reps
Tip to personal representatives and trustees of estates: Do not pay the debts of the decedent randomly or from your own pocket. There is a statutory order of priority when it comes to paying debts and some debts of the decedent may not have to be paid. Marshall the...
Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning
Parents dread having the "talk" with their kids about sex and, likewise, kids dread having the "talk" with their parents about finances and last wishes. However, although uncomfortable, it is necessary to avoid the stress and expense of an ugly probate matter. When...
Relieving The #1 Source of Tension in Marriages
The #4 money move, getting a prenup, is critical. As the article states, "it might be a smart move, especially if you have a much higher net worth than your partner, own a business or property, or have kids from a previous relationship and want to make certain your...
Estate Planning: Preparation Is Not Affirmation
As this article states, some people think that "If I make a WIll, I am going to die." Obviously, this couldn't be further from the truth. If you get car insurance, you are not affirming that you are now going to get into an accident. Likewise, if you get house...
The Top Estate Planning Myths
Everyone has an estate and everyone, regardless of age or net worth, needs a plan. You have loved ones that depend on an orderly transition and it is critical to protect their interests. In addition, planning is not a one-time event, it evolves and changes as your...
3 Causes of Inheritence Disputes
"Alzheimer’s, widowed stepmothers and estate crime are the three biggest causes of inheritance messes" according to estate and trust attorney Michael Hackard. It is a high bar proving lack of capacity or undue influence. Moreover, it is a low bar for one to have the...
How Much Should We Leave To Our Children?
Does inheriting wealth rob children of motivation and purpose? While most would want the best for our children and loved ones, how can the proper balance be struck between providing opportunity and enabling apathy? Benchmarks to meet or achieve before having access...
How to Plan for the Largest Source of Estate Planning Conflict
While most are concerned about whom their money and large assets will go to, the largest source of estate conflict is from tangible personal property; photos, jewelry, artwork, sentimental items, and collectibles. Many wills are solely written in percentage...
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