The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee Foundation allows us to provide a service of will and estate planning to our school families, alumni, and friends of LCL.
Wills and trusts (an estate plan) are a collection of documents that specify how you want your money and other assets distributed after your death, making it easier for your loved ones to handle your affairs during a time of grief.
Why is it good to have a will or a trust?
You decide who in your family will receive your assets. Otherwise, the court can give them to other family members whom you may not want to receive anything. If you have children under the age of 18, it protects them from being placed in the wrong guardianship through the court decision. It stops beneficiaries from overpaying in taxes. With just a little planning, you can reduce much or even all of your federal and state or inheritance taxes with your estate. It eliminates the stress of decisions on family members, which can cause rifts.
The Bottom Line
Simply put, if you want your assets and your loved ones protected when you no longer can do it, you will need a will or a trust. Without one, your loved ones could face huge tax burdens, and the courts could designate how your assets are divided or even who gets your children.