Estate Planning

Trusted guidance for life's most important decisions.

Planning for the future isn’t easy, but an estate plan is one of the most effective ways to protect the people you love. A comprehensive plan makes sure that your wishes are honored and provides clarity and security for your family when it matters most.

Since 1953, when our founding partner John McLario opened the firm, The McLario Firm has helped families in Menomonee Falls and throughout Southeast Wisconsin plan for the future with confidence. For generations, we have guided clients through estate planning with care, precision, and a deep understanding of their individual needs. And as our firm has grown, so has our ability to serve clients in a wide range of estate planning matters, from simple wills to more complex planning strategies.

Al Spiegel

The Expert You’ll Work With

Click here to learn more about Managing Partner, Al Spiegel.

Estate Plans Protect You and Your Family

An effective estate plan does three important things:

Ensures someone you trust can make medical decisions when you can’t,
Puts financial, business, and tax decisions in capable hands if you are unable to act, and
Directs the transfer of your assets to safeguard loved ones and honor your intentions.

Having an estate plan in place provides peace of mind. You can feel confident knowing your wishes will be honored, and your loved ones will have clear guidance that reduces uncertainty and eases their burden during an already difficult time.

Every Adult Needs an Estate Plan

Estate planning is for every adult. If you are 18 or older, an estate plan can:

- Protect you if you become incapacitated by authorizing medical and financial decision-makers,
- Preserve your ability to care for loved ones, including adult children and dependents,
- Plan for dependents and long-term care needs,
- Avoid probate and reduce taxes, saving time and money,
- Prevent confusion, conflict, and unnecessary stress, and
- Ensure your assets and wishes are handled exactly as intended.

An experienced estate planning attorney reviews how your assets transfer and identifies any contracts or beneficiary designations that could override your wishes. Our attorneys make sure every detail works together seamlessly so your plan is clear, effective, and free of surprises.

Our Services

We're here to help families plan for the future with care and confidence through the following estate planning services:

Supplemental Needs Trust

Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNTs) protect assets for individuals with disabilities while preserving eligibility for Medicaid and other government benefits.

Power of Attorney

Take control if you become incapacitated. A power of attorney lets you appoint someone you trust to manage your medical, financial, or property decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself.

Wills and Trusts

Who will protect your family when you’re gone? You can!
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney help safeguard your loved ones by simplifying-or even avoiding-probate and guardianship, reducing delays and stress.

Probate

Probate and trust administration in Wisconsin require careful attention and legal knowledge. Our experienced estate planning attorneys provide reliable, effective guidance to help you and your family navigate these matters with confidence.

Estate Tax

Tax planning is a vital part of the estate planning process. As part of our services, we provide guidance on estate tax matters and help you make the most of available exemptions during your lifetime-so you can preserve more of your estate for the people you care about most.

Estate Plans Tailored to You

Topics to Consider

How should your assets be distributed?

Do you want your three children to receive equal shares, or would you prefer to structure your plan so that each grandchild ultimately receives an equal inheritance? Small differences in planning can lead to very different outcomes for your family.

Are any beneficiaries receiving government benefits?

Even a modest inheritance could unintentionally disrupt eligibility for benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, or other assistance programs. In these situations, a special needs trust can help provide financial support while preserving those important benefits.

Advice to Consider

Keep your plan current.

Review your policies and beneficiary designations ideally every five years or after major life changes to make sure they still reflect your wishes.

Name backup beneficiaries.

Always designate secondary and even tertiary beneficiaries so your assets pass smoothly if your primary choice is unable to receive them.

Be thoughtful in choosing beneficiaries.

Avoid naming minor children directly on life insurance policies; instead, consider a trust or guardian. Naming your estate or individuals receiving government assistance can also lead to unintended complications.

Understand how your documents work together.

Life insurance beneficiary designations typically control over a will, so it’s important to make sure all parts of your estate plan are aligned.

Beneficiary Check Up

Are your beneficiary designations up to date?

Keeping your beneficiaries current is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of an effective estate plan.
Download our Beneficiary Checkup Guide to make sure your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and to avoid common mistakes that could impact your loved ones.