Marital Property

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When families blend through second marriages, later-in-life relationships, or remarriage after divorce, estate planning becomes more complex, and more important. This is especially true when one or both spouses have children from prior relationships.

A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision, Sterling L. North v. Estate of William James North II, 2024AP1908 (Wis. Ct. App. Dec. 30, 2025) shows how a lack of planning can result in an unintended division of property between the spouses’ children, particularly when…
Continue Reading Wisconsin’s 120-Hour Rule, Survivorship Marital Property, and Blended Families

Posted on October 22, 2025 in Family Law
Reports that Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were considering a prenuptial agreement before getting married spread as fast as Swift’s chart-topping hits. While most people will never live in that kind of spotlight, the reason for a prenup remains the same: Wealth changes the stakes of marriage.

For high-net-worth individuals in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin, a prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is not a sign that two engaged people do not love…
Continue Reading Ironclad Prenups Aren’t Just for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Love is love, but estate planning for the LGBTQ+ community can be more complex than it should be. While significant strides have been made towards equality, there are still legal nuances to consider to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected.
This blog post will explore some key elements of LGBTQ+ estate planning and the language that can empower you to build a secure future for yourself and your family.
Why is Estate Planning Important

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Continue Reading Estate Planning for the LGBTQ+ Community

A prenuptial agreement, which is commonly referred to as a “prenup,” is a legal contract that may be entered into by two people before they get married or enter into a civil partnership. This agreement outlines the distribution of assets and liabilities in the event of a divorce or separation.

While prenuptial agreements may be used by any couple, they can be especially beneficial for couples with a high net worth. Understanding the various ways that a prenup…
Continue Reading Can a Prenuptial Agreement Benefit a Couple With a High Net Worth?

In general, states are considered either “common law property” or “community property” states. Wisconsin, along with a few other states, is a community property state (community property is referred to as “marital property” in Wisconsin). It is important to understand the difference between these two systems for purposes of wealth management planning, estate planning, and divorce.

Under the common law property system, assets and debts earned or acquired by one spouse during the marriage belong only to that spouse.

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Continue Reading A Brief Overview of Wisconsin’s Marital Property System