At DeMark, Kolbe & Brodek, S.C., we help families and young adults across Wisconsin prepare for the unexpected with personalized legal solutions. Turning 18 is a major milestone, and it also marks the point where parents no longer have automatic access to their child’s health care, financial, or educational information. To ensure peace of mind, we recommend that every adult—regardless of age—have key legal documents in place to protect their interests and provide clarity in times of need.

Many young families assume they don’t have enough assets to justify an estate plan. However, protecting your family is about more than wealth—it's about providing security and ensuring your children are cared for if the unthinkable happens. At a minimum, every young family should consider:

Will

A Will allows you to name a guardian for your minor children and outline how your assets will be distributed upon your death. Without a Will, these decisions may be left to the court.

Trust for Minor Children

A Trust for Minor Children provides a structure to manage assets for your children until they reach adulthood. Whether through a custodial account or a formal trust, you can decide who will manage the funds and how they will be distributed over time.

Health Care Power of Attorney

Young families need a Health Care Power of Attorney to ensure someone they trust can make medical decisions if they are unable to.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney

This document authorizes someone to manage your financial affairs during periods of incapacity, ensuring your family's financial stability.

Beneficiary Designations

We help coordinate your beneficiary designations to align with your estate plan. Improperly naming minors as beneficiaries on life insurance or retirement accounts can trigger costly court proceedings.