Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. At DeMark, Kolbe & Brodek, S.C., we provide the guidance, experience, and compassion you need to navigate the estate settlement process with confidence. Whether you are managing a simple estate or a complex one involving estate taxes, we are here to support you every step of the way.
We help families throughout Wisconsin handle all aspects of probate and trust administration, ensuring assets are properly managed, taxes are addressed, and legal requirements are met. Our goal is to make this challenging time as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Comprehensive Estate Settlement Services
We provide trusted legal support for a wide range of estate settlement needs, including:
Probate
Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring a deceased person’s assets to their beneficiaries. If your loved one left a Will, probate begins by filing the necessary paperwork to admit the Will to the court and appoint a personal representative. Throughout the probate process, we assist with:
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Preparing and filing required documents
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Creating an inventory of assets
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Paying debts and expenses
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Distributing assets to beneficiaries
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Closing the estate
Probate is generally required for assets that were titled solely in the decedent’s name and do not have a beneficiary designation. We work closely with you to ensure the probate process is handled properly, efficiently, and with respect for your family’s wishes.
Trust Settlement
When a loved one passes away with a revocable living trust in place, the trust must be properly administered to ensure all legal and financial obligations are met. We provide experienced trust settlement services to:
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Transfer and distribute trust assets
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Ensure proper tax filings, including estate and income tax returns
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Provide required notifications and reporting under Wisconsin law
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Address any questions or challenges that may arise
Proper trust administration is essential to avoid complications and protect beneficiaries. We’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Non-Probate Asset Transfers
Many families use non-probate tools, such as Transfer on Death (TOD) Deeds or Summary Proceedings, to simplify asset transfers. We help with:
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Filing a Termination of Decedent’s Interest (TDI) for TOD Deeds
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Navigating summary procedures for small estates
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Ensuring all required documentation is completed accurately
Even in cases where probate is not required, it’s important to work with experienced legal counsel to protect your interests and complete the process correctly.
Federal Estate Tax Returns
For larger estates, we prepare federal estate tax returns, including returns required due to the size of the estate and those filed to elect portability. Portability allows a surviving spouse to preserve any unused estate tax exemption from the first spouse to die, which can provide significant tax savings in the future.
Estate tax laws are complex and constantly changing. We work to ensure your estate complies with all requirements while minimizing potential tax burdens.
If you need help settling an estate or trust in Wisconsin, contact DeMark, Kolbe & Brodek, S.C. Our experienced probate and trust attorneys are here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and efficiency.