Protecting Your Legacy With Care
Estate planning is more than just writing a will; it’s about protecting your legacy, securing your loved ones’ futures, and making sure your wishes are clearly understood and legally upheld. Whether you're just beginning to think about creating an estate plan or need assistance with estate administration, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.
At Gruhle Fessler Van de Water, we understand that planning for the future is one of the most important and personal steps you can take. Located in Sheboygan, WI, our law firm has been helping families, seniors, and individuals create customized estate plans since 1925. Through four generations of dedicated service, we’ve built a reputation for offering thoughtful, thorough, and compassionate legal guidance. Schedule a complimentary initial consultation to get started.
What Is Estate Planning and What Does It Include?
Estate planning is the legal process of arranging how your assets, such as your home, savings, investments, and personal belongings, will be managed and distributed after your death. A well-prepared estate plan can also address your preferences for medical decisions, financial matters during incapacity, and care for minor children or dependents.
At Gruhle Fessler Van de Water, our comprehensive estate planning services include:
- Wills and trusts
- Durable and healthcare powers of attorney
- Living wills and advance directives
- Probate guidance and estate administration
- Asset protection strategies
- Elder law planning
We take time to understand your goals and create a plan that aligns with your unique needs, values, and family dynamics.
The Benefits of Having a Will
A will is a foundational estate planning document. It outlines how you want your assets distributed and who will manage your estate after you pass. Without a will, state laws determine how your estate is divided, often in ways that may not reflect your wishes.
Creating a will allows you to:
- Name a trusted executor for your estate
- Specify how your assets will be distributed
- Appoint guardians for minor children
- Reduce the risk of family disputes
- Ensure your intentions are honored
Our attorneys will guide you in drafting a clear and legally valid will that gives you peace of mind.
Understanding Trusts and Their Advantages
A trust is another important tool in estate planning, especially for individuals with specific goals around asset management, tax planning, or protecting beneficiaries. Trusts can be used alongside or instead of a will, depending on your circumstances. Trusts can help avoid probate for faster distribution of assets as well as maintain privacy. In addition, trusts can be made to protect assets of children or individuals with special needs, control how those assets are distributed, and reduce estate taxes in certain situations. Our team will help you determine whether a revocable living trust, irrevocable trust, or another structure is right for your estate plan.
The Importance of Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to act on your behalf if you become unable to make decisions due to illness, injury, or incapacity. There are different types of POAs, each serving a specific purpose.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
For managing finances, paying bills, and making financial decisions.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
For making medical choices and communicating your healthcare preferences.
Appointing a power of attorney ensures your wishes are carried out by someone you trust, preventing confusion or legal complications in the future.
Estate Administration and the Probate Process
If you’ve lost a loved one, navigating the legal steps of estate administration can feel overwhelming. We help executors and families manage the probate process, handle court filings, resolve debts and taxes, and distribute assets according to the decedent’s wishes or state law. Our role is to simplify the process, reduce stress, and provide dependable support during a difficult time.
Elder Law: Planning With Dignity and Respect
As we age, planning becomes even more critical. Elder law focuses on the unique legal needs of aging individuals and their families. At Gruhle Fessler Van de Water in Sheboygan, WI, we help seniors navigate important decisions about long-term care, Medicaid planning, guardianships, estate planning, and healthcare directives. With deep experience and a compassionate approach, we ensure our clients’ wishes are honored and their rights protected. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing urgent care decisions, we’re here to guide you with dignity, respect, and clear legal solutions.
Plan for the Future With Confidence
At Gruhle Fessler Van de Water, we believe estate planning should be a thoughtful and empowering experience. With nearly 100 years of experience serving Sheboygan and the surrounding communities, our law firm is proud to offer skilled and compassionate legal support for every stage of life. We listen closely, explain clearly, and guide you toward solutions that honor your values and protect your loved ones.
Schedule a complimentary initial consultation to get started. Let us help you create a plan that provides peace of mind today and security for tomorrow.