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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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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WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel’s Symposium – 07/31/2018

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Attorneys John Horn and Dera Johnsen-Tracy are proud members of WealthCounsel, LLC, a highly respected national consortium of estate planning attorneys. John and Dera have been invited to present as faculty at the WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel’s national Symposium 2018 in San Diego, California! For more information, visit https://wealthcounsel.swoogo.com/symposium2018/. For tickets visit https://wealthcounsel.swoogo.com/symposium2018/.
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CLE – On Borrowed Time: Emergency Estate Planning – 5/3/2018

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Attorneys can register through the State Bar of Wisconsin (PINNACLE) for “On Borrowed Time: Emergency Estate Planning” at the State Bar Center on Thursday, May 3rd from 8:30am-3:50pm. Dera is one of several presenters for this program. Find Out More Information Here.
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When is it too late for Estate Planning?

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 Handshake Agreement is Worth the Paper it is Written On

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Airplanes and Wills Co-ownership of an airplane is the cheapest way to fly. Many pilots start out in one of these. Variations of this type of ownership are flying clubs, fractional ownership, or unspoken agreements that more than one person fly an aircraft titled to one person. As the cost of aircraft maintenance and storage
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