Your Questions.
Our Clarity.
Since 2001, we have helped the Milwaukee community navigate complex legal transitions. Find straightforward answers to your most common estate and business questions here.
- Your Concerns, Clarified
Common Questions, Expert Answers
Since 2001, we’ve guided Milwaukee through its most complex legal transitions. We’ve organized these frequent inquiries into two core categories to help you find the specific clarity you’re looking for.
Estate Planning & Family Legacy
Protecting what matters most on a personal level.
What exactly is a basic estate plan?
A comprehensive plan typically includes a Will or a Trust, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Financial Power of Attorney. These documents work together to protect you during your lifetime and ensure your wishes are followed after you pass.
What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?
A Will dictates how assets are distributed after death and often requires a court-supervised process called probate. A Trust can take effect immediately, keep your affairs private, and typically allows your estate to avoid the costs and delays of probate.
What happens if I pass away without a will in Wisconsin?
A Will dictates how assets are distributed after death and often requires a court-supervised process called probate. A Trust can take effect immediately, keep your affairs private, and typically allows your estate to avoid the costs and delays of probate.
How can I avoid the probate process?
By utilizing tools such as Revocable Living Trusts or specific beneficiary designations, we help Milwaukee families ensure that their assets pass directly to their loved ones without months of public court proceedings.
Why do I need a Power of Attorney (POA)?
A POA allows a person you trust to make medical or financial decisions for you if you become unable to do so yourself. Without it, your family might have to go to court to seek a guardianship, which is expensive and time-consuming.
When does my estate plan become outdated?
Generally, you should review your plan every 3 to 5 years or whenever a “life event” occurs (marriage, divorce, birth, or buying real estate). Our Hildebrand PLUS program is specifically designed to handle these ongoing updates.
Business Law & Strategic Growth
Securing and scaling your professional ambitions.
Which legal structure should I choose for my business?
Whether it’s an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp, we analyze your specific vision and goals to choose the structure that best optimizes your tax situation and provides the strongest personal liability protection.
How do I protect my personal assets from business liabilities?
Proper entity formation and maintaining the “corporate veil” are essential. We ensure your business is treated as a separate legal entity so that your home and personal savings remain protected from business-related lawsuits.
Why is custom contract drafting crucial?
Generic online templates often fail to account for specific Wisconsin laws. Custom-drafted contracts are your best defense against future, costly litigation by clearly defining expectations and protections from the start.
What is a business succession plan?
This is a strategic roadmap that defines who will take over your business if you retire, become disabled, or pass away. It ensures the continuity of your company and the security of your employees and family.
When should I consult an appellate law expert?
If a trial court judgment contains a legal error, an appellate expert can analyze the possibility of challenging that decision in a higher court. This requires a deep level of legal scholarship and strategic precision.
How does Hildebrand Law Firm support Milwaukee businesses daily?
Since 2001, we have acted as outside general counsel for local businesses, helping them navigate compliance, growth strategies, and dispute resolution with the depth of a large firm and the personal touch of a boutique practice.
- Still Have Questions?
Your Unique Situation Deserves Specific Answers
While these FAQs provide a foundation, legal matters are rarely one-size-fits-all. Since 2001, we have helped our Milwaukee neighbors navigate their specific challenges with strategic depth and personal care. Don’t leave your future to chance—contact our expert team today to transform your questions into a concrete, secure plan for your family or business.