Levine Eisberner LLC

National Estate Planning Awareness Week Continues!

Today, we're sharing Reason #2: Avoid Probate

Proper estate planning can help you avoid or minimize the probate process. Why is this important? Because probate can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for your loved ones.

With an estate plan, you make things easier for your family and save them from unnecessary complications during an already difficult time.

Healthcare Power of Attorney in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

Did you know that Wisconsin is not explicitly a next-of-kin state when it comes to making healthcare decisions? Instead, Wisconsin law allows individuals to designate a healthcare agent through a Power of Attorney for Healthcare instrument.


Key Points:
🔹"Next-of-kin" refers to a person's closest living relatives, such as a spouse, parents, adult children, or siblings. While they may have a role in decision-making in the absence of a designated healthcare agent, Wisconsin law gives priority to a formally designated healthcare agent.
🔹The healthcare agent, if formally designated, has the legal authority to make medical decisions for the "principal" (i.e. you).
🔹This designation must be made by someone of sound mind who is at least 18 years old.
🔹The agent must act in good faith and follow the principal's wishes, or, if no specific directives exist, make decisions in the principal's best interest.
🔹This power can be revoked at any time by the principal.

By designating a healthcare agent, you ensure that someone you trust is empowered to make healthcare decisions if you're unable to. It's an important step in protecting your autonomy and providing clear guidance to your loved ones.


Don't wait for an emergency to get this in place—plan ahead for peace of mind. At Levine Eisberner LLC, we make it easy to set up Powers of Attorney by offering a flat-fee service. Contact us today to discuss your options!