Stevens Point Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Stevens Point, WI

If you are making decisions in Stevens Point about what to do with everything you own after your death, and your other affairs that should be wrapped up at that time, you are in the process of "estate planning."

You will typically need to seek the help of a professional with legal and/or financial expertise when in the process of estate planning. Simple mistakes in an estate plan can cause severe problems, including legal and personal conflicts between your survivors.

In addition to post-death decisions, estate planning also concerns matters that might affect you during your life, such as granting power of attorney to a family member or trusted friend in case you become unable to make your own decisions regarding your finances or medical care. Furthermore, effective estate planning can minimize the impact that estate taxes and court fees will have on your final disposition to your loved ones.

A good Stevens Point professional experienced in estate planning can make this process a great deal easier. They can also help ensure that your estate plan does not end up in court.

Common Features of Stevens Point Estates

Will: This is usually a major component in any estate plan. A will is a document in which a person lays out what they want done with their property after their death. These gifts usually have the effect of transferring legal ownership of the property to the named beneficiary.

Living Will: A living will contains instructions about your medical care, generally for the purpose of informing your family and doctors of your preferences if you suddenly become incapacitated. A living will is very crucial if you have any strong preferences in this area. It should be written with the advice of a doctor, so you know the specific medical consequences of your decisions, and a lawyer, so it is virtually guaranteed to be legally binding.

Power of Attorney: Power of attorney allows you to grant someone else (usually a trusted family member or friend) the power to make certain decisions in your place, with the same legal effect as if you had made them yourself, in the event that you become unable to do so (usually due to mental or physical incapacity). If you decide to give someone power of attorney, you should make your wishes known to them in advance, so they are more likely to make the same decisions that you would make, if you were able to. And, of course, you should only give this authority to someone with whom you would trust your life because that is, in some cases, just what you're doing.

Funeral Arrangements: You should make it very clear to the people handling your funeral what type of funeral you want, and what you want done with your body. You should not put these instructions in your will, because wills are often not read until days or weeks after the testator dies, by which point it may be too late to give their wishes on this subject effect.

Do I Need a Stevens Point Estates Lawyer?

A flawed estate plan in Stevens Point can result in those affected by it being confused as to your intent, which can then lead to disputes between them. A good attorney can often avoid this confusion by ensuring that there is as little ambiguity as possible in your will and other related documents.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Stevens Point

Stevens Point is the largest city in the county of Portage County, Wisconsin. As the county seat, it has a population of about 25,000 and was incorporated in 1858. The city was named after its founder, George Stevens. Stevens was a supply trade businessman whose store served the numerous loggers in the area.

Geographically, Stevens Point is located in the center of Wisconsin. This makes it an ideal city for both business and residential endeavors. Several large corporations have their headquarters in the city, including the Donaldson Company, Associated Bank, and AIG Travel Guard. Also, the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, and Mid-State Technical College are located in the city.

Residents of Stevens Point typically enjoy a wide mix of activities, with a multitude of city services being offered in sports and the arts. Retail and entertainment also form a large part of the city's economy. Festivities include the Portage County Cultural Festival and a Fourth of July Riverfront Rendezvous. A little bit of trivia: the world's largest trivia contest is held every April in Stevens Point, and lasts over 50 hours straight.

Lawyers in Stevens Point, Wisconsin usually file their claims with one of the Wisconsin Municipal Courts, or at the Portage County Circuit Court. Regardless of the type of legal issues, Stevens Point lawyers offer services to address your specific concerns.

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