H&J Blog
What are “Spare Tire” Provisions in a Trust?
Wednesday, 31 January 2018
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.
- Published in Horn & Johnsen News
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Attorney Dera Johnsen-Tracy Named to the 2017 Wisconsin Rising Stars List
Monday, 20 November 2017
A Rising Attorney We are pleased to announce that Attorney Dera Johnsen-Tracy of Horn & Johnsen SC has been selected to the 2017 Wisconsin Rising Stars list (this is her second year in a row). This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. Super Lawyers, part
- Published in Horn & Johnsen News
Guest Blog: A Transition Therapist Can Help with the Uncertainty of an Aging Parent
Friday, 22 September 2017
In the simplest of terms, transitions are difficult because we unconsciously or even consciously resist change, which involves adjustments that we are not prepared to encounter. We will all face this at some point in our lives. One aspect of transition is the uncertainty with what to do with an aging parent? While aging is
- Published in Horn & Johnsen News
Texas Court Strikes Down Obama Overtime Rule
Thursday, 07 September 2017
No change to Fair Labor Standards Act Last week District Court Judge Amos Mazzant in Plano, Texas ruled that recent overtime changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act would not be implemented. You may have heard about this and even been preparing. The changes would have increased the minimum wage for application of the rule
- Published in Horn & Johnsen News
The Dilemma of Jointly Owned Real Estate
Friday, 28 July 2017
The Dilemma of Jointly Owned Real Estate All too often, parents with good intentions leave real estate to multiple children as co-owners. This can be done through lifetime gifting (i.e., through a quit claim deed) or upon death through a transfer on death deed, by will or by trust. Unfortunately, this strategy often creates family
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Avoid the Top 5 Mistakes Made by Women Entrepreneurs – 9/26/2017
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Attorney Dera Johnsen-Tracy will present “Avoid the Top 5 Mistakes Made by Women Entrepreneurs” on September 26, 2017 at the Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs dinner at the Thirst Goat in Fitchburg. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. For details, or to register, Click Here The post Avoid the Top 5 Mistakes Made by Women Entrepreneurs
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Equine Estate Planning: Do you have a plan for your horse?
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
The Problem Wisconsin law views our horses and other pets/animals as property. Without written instructions of your wishes, no legal protections exist for your “property.” You cannot leave money or property directly to your animal(s), and informal arrangements are not legally enforceable. What’s the solution? Formally incorporate your four-legged family members into your estate plan! Essential Estate
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When is it too late for Estate Planning?
Friday, 11 November 2016
A Trip to Mexico I recently took a trip to central Mexico to visit my parents, who have retired there. While eating breakfast at a restaurant in the Mérida airport upon our arrival my husband asked my 96-year-old grandmother, who was diagnosed several years ago with Alzheimer’s disease and now lives with my parents, “So Mary,
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The Brady Bunch: What if Mike and Carol had no Estate Plan?
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
Many of us grew up watching The Brady Bunch, a popular family sitcom of the late 1960s to early 1970s revolving around a large blended family with 6 children, and many of us can also personally relate to the situation. Statistics show that more than half of all first marriages end in divorce and about 75%
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WISCONSIN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AND ONLINE FORMS DO NOT MIX
Wednesday, 03 August 2016
Before I start haranguing landlords about the hazards of using online forms, let me start at the beginning of why we have lawyers, laws, and even crazy laws. Lawyers are necessary in this nation of laws. Laws govern collective behavior from how fast you can drive to where you can build a building and whether
- Published in Horn & Johnsen News
Humor and kindness, and understanding. Although planning for this stage of life can feel very stressful, John made this, a wonderful experience.
Working with Mr. Horn has been an extremely positive experience for both my business and personal life.
John was very helpful and knowledgeable. The estate planning work he did for me was excellent and I would highly recommend him for similar work.
John did such a great job on our living trust!”
We were so grateful to John for all of his help! He gave such clear & concise answers to some very confusing questions.
Dera, you and Kayleigh did a marvelous job on our Living Trust and related documents. I am very pleased and continue to be very impressed with you and your staff. I will certainly recommend everyone I can to you for the legal services in which you specialize.
John Horn is easy to talk to and understand. His work is thorough and his competency and knowledge are expert. We were very pleased with the estate planning process and the final result. He is an outstanding lawyer.
Dera Johnsen-Tracy is an outstanding person to work with. She is very knowledgeable, and her attention to detail is amazing. She would be a great asset to anyone looking for an estate planner!