From the Wisconsin Law Journal’s May 18th issue: “It’s no surprise that Kristen and Emily Lonergan became lawyers. After all, they practically grew up in a law firm … (f)rom Saturdays spent playing to part-time summer jobs at the office, even hours struggling to sit still in court, all four of the Lonergan kids learned […]
What Type of Trust is Right for You?
When preparing an estate plan, it can often be beneficial to use one or more of a number of different types of trusts. Trusts offer several benefits, not the least of which is that they keep assets out of probate. Probate is the court procedure for distributing a person’s property when they die, and it […]
How Alimony is Decided in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, either spouse can receive alimony (also called “maintenance”) in a divorce. The courts consider a number of different factors in deciding whether to award maintenance (and if so, how much), and spouses resolving their divorces through negotiations, mediation, and collaborative law should generally consider these factors, as well. Factors for Determining Alimony (Maintenance) […]
How Will Wisconsin’s New Domestic Violence Legislation Help Protect Victims?
On April 11, 2016, Governor Scott Walker signed into law four new bills that make available several new protections for domestic violence and abuse victims in Wisconsin. The bills are also intended to provide victims with access to additional care and support, and follow the Governor’s provision of $5 million in additional state funding for […]
Should Married Couples Have Joint Wills?
In our estate planning practice, a common question that our attorneys receive from spouses is whether they can (or should) prepare a joint will. This is a logical question, and if you search online, you will find plenty of references to the joint will concept. However, while a joint will is an option, it may […]
When Can a Minor be Tried as an Adult in Wisconsin?
Due to the highly-publicized “Slender Man” stabbing case in 2014 (in which two 13-year-old girls were initially charged as adults), Wisconsin’s juvenile offender laws have received renewed attention. State legislators have proposed bills that would keep more juvenile offenders out of adult court; however, these proposals have yet to become law. As a child or […]