FAQs

Hildebrand Law Firm LLC

Have a law-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • What are the business hours for Hildebrand Law Firm LLC?

    Hildebrand Law Firm LLC is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hour appointments may be available upon request. Call us today to work with a top estate planning attorney in the area.

  • What are the benefits of going to a workshop?

    Hildebrand Law Firm LLC provides workshops to empower our clients by educating them using tools to dictate the outcome of their future. Workshops are complimentary in hopes of enlightening those who come through our door. Our estate planning attorney services are highly valued.

  • How do I attend a workshop?

    Please fill out our form to RSVP for our available workshops. Hildebrand Law Firm LLC offers fantastic estate planning attorney services.

  • What does Hildebrand Law Firm LLC specialize in?

    Hildebrand Law Firm LLC specializes in estate planning, probate litigation, probate and estate administration, family law, Medicaid planning, business planning and litigation, real estate planning, workshops, and more.


    According to Planned Giving, only 45% of people over the age of 55 have created a will. Have a plan for your assets and contact us today to work with an estate planning attorney.

  • Why should I choose Hildebrand Law Firm LLC over a competitor?

    Hildebrand Law Firm LLC has been providing services since 2001. We have the knowledge and experience of a big law firm office while simultaneously offering a family-focused experience. Call us today to speak with an estate planning attorney you can trust.

Medicaid Service FAQs

  • What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?

    Hildebrand Law Firm LLC is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hour appointments may be available upon request. Call us today to work with a top estate planning attorney in the area.

  • What is the five-year look back rule?

    Under this rule, any assets "gifted" to others within five years of your Medicaid application may still be counted when determining your eligibility.

  • Does this mean I need to have very low income to qualify?

    No – and this is one area which Hildebrand Law Firm can help you with, in addition to other complex rules of the program. With proper planning, you can still qualify, even if you have substantial assets.

  • If I get social security payments, does that disqualify me for Medicaid?

    No, you can receive both, so long as you meet the requirements for Medicaid in your state.

  • How can Hildebrand Law Firm help me?

    Medicaid rules are complex, especially when it comes to asset limitations. We can guide you through these challenges, helping you navigate the restrictions and work toward a more secure future.

Business & Commercial Law FAQs

  • What is the best type of business entity for me?

    This can depend on a wide variety of factors. Potential options include sole proprietorships, different types of partnerships, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Making this determination can be complex and is something our experienced attorneys can help with.

  • What insurance does my business need?

    Again, this depends. All businesses with at least one employee need workers comp insurance, and all businesses in Wisconsin which use or operate vehicles must purchase commercial auto insurance. There are many more unrequired insurance policies, however, which can be critical in protecting your business from future problems.

  • Can I use personal assets to help run my business?

    While tempting, this is one of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make. Personal assets should be kept separate whenever possible.

  • Is it necessary to have a lawyer when beginning a business?

    While not required, an experienced attorney like those here at Hildebrand Law Firm can provide invaluable information and advice. They can assist with choosing what type of business entity best suits your needs, help draft company documents and contracts, and provide guidance with respect to insurance and non-compete agreements, making the entire process much easier.

Real Estate FAQs

  • What is a deed?

    This is a legal document which is used to transfer ownership in real property from one person to another. In Wisconsin, they must meet specific requirements, including—but not limited to—being notarized, clearly identifying the parties involved, and containing an accurate legal description of the property. There are also several types of deeds, which have varying disclosure requirements.

  • What is a title search?

    A title search is crucial when buying real property. It includes a review of public records involving a piece of property to see if there are any outstanding claims or restrictions, with the end goal being to verify ownership before a sale.

  • What must be disclosed when selling a property?

    While tempting, this is one of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make. Personal assets should be kept separate whenever possible.

  • Can I avoid hiring a real estate lawyer and just use a real estate agent?

    While a real estate agent can assist with marketing your home and finding a buyer, they typically do not have expertise in the legal aspects of the transaction. An experienced attorney, like those at Hildebrand Law Firm, will ensure that your interests are protected throughout the transaction, so you receive exactly what was agreed upon.While not required, an experienced attorney like those here at Hildebrand Law Firm can provide invaluable information and advice. They can assist with choosing what type of business entity best suits your needs, help draft company documents and contracts, and provide guidance with respect to insurance and non-compete agreements, making the entire process much easier.

Estate Planning FAQs

  • 1. Do I have enough money for estate planning?

    Estate planning is for everyone whether you have $1,000 or $1,000,000. Estate planning is not about how much you have, it’s about how much of what you have means to you and how much you want to protect it.

  • 2. How often should I update my documents?

    You should take a look at your documents once per year to make sure that they are still accurate with what your goals and concerns are. It would be a good idea to contact the attorney who did your documents to see if those documents have been updated due to changes in the law or practice, and if yours need to be updated as well. 

  • 3. What should I look for when choosing an estate planning attorney?

    Your estate planning attorney should spend a considerable amount of time discussing your needs, wants, concerns, and goals to suggest a plan that works for you and is not a one-size-fits-all plan. The attorney should also have a concrete estate planning process in place that they go over with you which includes not only designing the documents to your specifications but also the ability to fund any trust with you and to maintain the documents through a maintenance program.

  • 4. I’m young, do I still need estate planning?

    YES! Everyone over the age of 18 needs to have at least a will and powers of attorney in place as their parents can no longer act for them should something happen. Also, if you’re young with small children, you want to make sure that your children are taken care of should something happen to you and that you have a specific guardianship provision in your documents so that your child goes to who you wish and not who the court decides.

Probate FAQs

  • 1. What is probate?

    Probate is a legal process overseen by the Courts which is used to appoint a ‘Personal Representative’ – usually a specific family member nominated by the decedent - who is then responsible for paying the decedent’s debts, filing the decedent’s taxes, and ultimately distributing the decedent’s assets to their heirs or beneficiaries.

  • 2. Can I avoid probate if I have a Will?

    Though the answer as to whether or not you need a probate depends on other factors, a Will does not help to avoid probate.

  • 3. What factors tell me if I can avoid a probate?

    Factors that may determine whether or not you need a probate are what assets your loved one had, how those assets were titled, what the value of those assets were, and other considerations. Because there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to probate, we recommend scheduling a consult with one of our experienced probate attorneys to learn more.

  • 4. What happens if someone else tries to claim some of my loved ones’ estate?

    Probate litigation typically arises before the distribution of assets and can involve a range of parties—from creditors to close family members.

  • 5. How long does the probate process typically take?

    Depending on a wide range of factors, the process can take anywhere from a few months to several years. This is one reason why having an experienced probate attorney like those at Hildebrand Law Firm is so important: we work hard to minimize the time and cost of a probate.

Collections FAQs

  • 1. What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

    At a high level, this prevents debt collection agencies from being intrusive or using unfair tactics to collect debts. It limits what debt collectors can do to collect. Note that this does not apply to all debts.

  • 2. What should I do if I receive a debt collection letter?

    The first step is to dispute the letter in writing within 30 days. Doing so requires the company to pause debt collection efforts until they provide verification of the debt.

  • 3. I’ve been summoned to court for debt collection - now what?

    Contact Hildebrand Law Firm for an experienced attorney who will represent you. The process may seem overwhelming, but we can help you work through it step-by-step.

Trust Administration FAQs

  • 1. What is a trustee?

    The trustee is the person who is responsible for carrying out the terms of the trust, like monitoring and distributing its assets.

  • 2. How long does trust administration take?

    No. A father can sign a voluntary paternity acknowledgment if both parents are sure that the child is his. The acknowledgment must be filed with the state, which establishes legal paternity.

  • 3. What if there are conflicts between beneficiaries?

    These are relatively common and can be quite taxing on parties involved. Luckily, the attorneys at Hildebrand Law Firm are experienced in representing parties from all angles of trust administration and can help you through the process.

Appeal FAQs

  • 1. What does the appeal process look like?

    Both parents are expected to devote a percentage of their income to support the children. Where one parent has a higher earning capacity than the other, support may be appropriate despite a 50/50 placement schedule.

  • 2. Can a party appeal a decision, even if judgement was rendered in their favor?

    No. A father can sign a voluntary paternity acknowledgment if both parents are sure that the child is his. The acknowledgment must be filed with the state, which establishes legal paternity.

  • 3. When can a case be appealed?

    As long as there was a final judgment, a case can almost always be appealed. However, different cases have different deadlines for filing appeals. Due to this and the rigorous examination of the facts that is required to write a responsive brief, it is highly recommended that you hire a skilled attorney, like those at Hildebrand Law Firm, to guide you through the process.

Family Law FAQs

  • 1. How is property distributed after a divorce in Wisconsin?

    Wisconsin is a property distribution state. This means that in a divorce, property tends to be split equally between the spouses, as opposed to an equitable distribution state, which divides property based on fairness.

  • 2. What is the difference between marital and non-marital property?

    Generally speaking, marital property is something that was acquired by either spouse during the marriage, meanwhile non-marital property is property acquired before or after, or gifts and inheritance. However, it’s not always this simple, and the classification of what property is considered marital and non-marital can change when it overlaps, like in joint bank accounts.

  • 3. What is a postnuptial agreement?

    Otherwise known as marital property agreements, these are used to divide the property in case of a divorce. These are very flexible, and can be used to reclassify property, as well as avoid Wisconsin’s marital property system. To make sure these are tailored to your specific wants and needs, contact the attorneys at Hildebrand Law Firm today.