What Is a Pour-Over Will?

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Many people assume a living trust is all they need to pass on their assets to beneficiaries upon their death. However, unless every asset is documented in the trust, this can be a difficult and long process. A pour-over will can help your estate planning be complete. Pour-Over Will Basics To begin with, a pour-over
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John Horn and Dera Johnsen-Tracy Published in AAII Journal

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Madison, Wisconsin, November 17, 2018: John Horn and Dera Johnsen-Tracy published an article, “Using Beneficiary-Directed Trusts to Protect Your Heirs,” in the October issue of the AAII Journal, the official publication of the American Institute of Individual Investors (AAII). In their article, John and Dera summarize how beneficiary-directed trusts can be used in estate planning,
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4 Common Myths About Estate Planning

A generic last will and testament.
An estate plan can be complicated, and there are many myths surrounding the process. From probate to guardianship to simple wills and trusts, there are many aspects of planning that should be reviewed by an attorney. Planning is important for every single individual who wants to see their assets and wealth passed down in the
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Best Ways to Avoid Probate

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When an estate must go through the probate court, the process can be long and expensive, sometimes taking years to resolve. The longer the process takes, the more it costs, and the heirs are left with less of the estate in the long run. To avoid these problems, most individuals and probate attorneys do what
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Finding the Right Probate Lawyer

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If you are interested in setting up a plan for your estate if you were to become incapacitated or pass away suddenly, the best way to do that is with the help of a qualified, experienced probate lawyer. Finding a good lawyer can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, so we have
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Conservatorships and Adult Guardianships

Elderly woman sitting in her bed.
As an adult, it is assumed that you can care for yourself and make decisions regarding your estate and your welfare. However, times arise when a person is unable to care for themselves and at that point, a court-appointed decision maker may step in. These people are known as conservators or guardians. When a Decision
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John Horn, Esq. Named to Prestigious 10 Best Estate Planning Attorneys List

Madison, Wisconsin, May 28, 2018: Horn & Johnsen SC Estate Planning Center of Wisconsin is proud to announce that John Horn, Esq., shareholder and co-founder, has been recognized by the American Institute of Legal Counsel (AIOLC) as an AIOLC 2018 10 Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Wisconsin. AIOLC is an impartial third-party attorney rating organization
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Horn & Johnsen SC Invited to Speak at National Symposium in August

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Madison, Wisconsin, April 20, 2018: Horn & Johnsen SC is pleased to announce the company’s associates have been invited to speak at a national symposium in August. The Wisconsin-based estate planning firm works with clients on a variety of issues to help them confidently and securely plan for their future. Since lawyers John Horn and
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Guest Blog: What is a Daily Money Manager?

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A professional woman living in California recognized that her elderly mother in the Midwest needed assistance. Distance limited her own ability to assist, so she visited her mother, interviewed prospective caregivers, and hired in-home help. She then returned to the west coast, confident that her mother could remain comfortably at home and would be well
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What are “Spare Tire” Provisions in a Trust?

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Well-drafted and comprehensive trusts should contain certain language we often refer to as “spare tire” provisions. For example, you might not have any beneficiaries now who are receiving government benefits based on a disability. Things such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. The reality is that we are all one accident away from disability.
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