Planning for the future is essential to ensure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. At the Law Offices of John Anthony Ward, LLC, we specialize in comprehensive estate planning services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients in Salem, WI, and surrounding areas. With our guidance, you can protect your loved ones, minimize tax burdens, and achieve peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your personal and financial matters to ensure they are handled according to your preferences upon incapacity or death. It involves creating legal documents such as:
Wills
Outlining the distribution of your assets and the care of minor children.
Trusts
Providing a mechanism for managing and protecting assets for your beneficiaries.
Power Of Attorney
Appointing someone to manage your financial or medical decisions if you are unable.
Living Wills
Documenting your preferences for medical care in case of incapacitation.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is essential for anyone who wants to ensure their legacy is handled with care and precision.
Benefits of Estate Planning
- Control Over Your Legacy: Define how your assets will be distributed and to whom.
- Protection for Loved Ones: Safeguard your family’s financial future by reducing disputes and providing clear instructions.
- Tax Efficiency: Minimize estate taxes and other financial burdens for your heirs.
- Healthcare and Financial Security: Ensure decisions are made in your best interest if you become incapacitated.
- Avoid Probate: Use trusts and other tools to bypass the lengthy and often costly probate process.
Our Estate Planning Services
At the Law Offices of John Anthony Ward, LLC, we offer a full range of estate planning services, including:
- Drafting Wills: Clear and enforceable documents to outline your final wishes.
- Creating Trusts: Including revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and charitable trusts.
- Power of Attorney: Legal authority for trusted individuals to manage your financial and healthcare decisions.
- Living Wills and Advance Directives: Specifying your medical preferences.
- Probate Assistance: Helping families navigate the legal process after the passing of a loved one.
- Tax Planning: Structuring your estate to reduce or eliminate estate taxes.
Why Choose the Law Offices of John Anthony Ward, LLC?
We understand that estate planning is a deeply personal process. Here's why clients in Salem, WI, trust us:
Experience You Can Count On
Decades of legal experience in estate planning and related fields.
Personalized Solutions
Customized strategies that align with your unique goals and circumstances.
Transparent Communication
Clear explanations of your options and the associated costs.
Local Knowledge
Expertise in Wisconsin laws governing estates and trusts.
Compassionate Support
We treat every client with respect and care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
When should I start estate planning?
It’s never too early to start. Major life events like marriage, having children, or buying a home are ideal times to create or update your estate plan.
Do I need a trust if I have a will?
Trusts provide benefits that a will alone cannot, such as avoiding probate and offering greater control over how assets are distributed.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your estate plan every three to five years or after significant life changes.
Contact the Estate Planning Experts in Salem, WI
Don’t leave your future to chance. At the Law Offices of John Anthony Ward, LLC, we make estate planning simple, accessible, and effective. Our team will work closely with you to craft a plan that reflects your values and priorities.
Call us today at (262) 654-8868 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your legacy and secure peace of mind for you and your family.