Eckert & Krautkramer, LLC

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Eckert & Krautkramer, LLC practices extensively in the area of elder law, which encompasses preparation and planning for present and future financial and healthcare needs.

08/27/2026

The Invisible Estate

Your estate may contain more than you realize. Airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards, gift cards, travel credits, and other loyalty rewards can represent significant value—but they are often overlooked.

Unlike money in a bank account, rewards points are generally governed by the program’s terms and may not automatically pass to your heirs. Some programs forfeit points at death, while others may allow transfers or redemption after following specific procedures.

The first step is knowing what you have. Keep an inventory of your rewards accounts, approximate balances, and the rules governing them. Make sure your personal representative knows where to find this information and how to access it when the time comes.

Contact our office today to discuss your “invisible estate” and make sure your valuable digital rewards don’t disappear when you do.

08/20/2026

Dorms, Leases, and Liability

Sending a child off to college often means helping with housing. But signing a dorm agreement, lease, or parental guaranty can create financial obligations parents may not fully understand.

A parent who cosigns may become responsible for unpaid rent, property damage, fees, or early termination costs—even though the parent has little control over the property, roommates, or their child’s decisions. A joint lease can create even greater exposure.

Before signing, understand exactly what you are agreeing to and whether your financial support is limited or open-ended. The right planning can help protect your finances, retirement savings, and estate plan while supporting your child’s independence.

Contact our office today to discuss your child’s college housing arrangements and how to protect your family’s financial and estate planning goals.

08/13/2026

Types of Life Insurance

Life insurance is not one-size-fits-all. The right policy depends on your age, financial goals, family needs, and estate planning objectives. Term life insurance provides affordable coverage for a set number of years, while whole life insurance offers lifelong protection and builds cash value. Universal life insurance provides greater flexibility in premiums and benefits, and variable life and variable universal life policies allow cash value to grow based on investment performance, offering greater potential rewards—and risk.

Married couples may also consider survivorship life insurance, which pays a death benefit after both spouses have passed away and can help preserve family assets or provide funds for estate planning goals.

Contact our office to discuss how life insurance complements your estate plan, can help protect your loved ones, and support your estate planning goals.

08/06/2026

Life Insurance and Estate Planning

Life insurance is more than just a financial product—it can be an important part of a well-designed estate plan. The right policy can help replace lost income, pay debts, provide for your loved ones, fund a child’s education, or preserve assets after your death.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Term life insurance may provide affordable protection while you are working, while permanent policies may offer lifelong coverage and additional benefits. The best choice depends on your family, finances, and long-term goals.

Just as important as choosing the right policy is making sure your beneficiary designations coordinate with your overall estate plan. An outdated beneficiary designation can undermine even the best planning.

Contact our office today to review how your life insurance fits into your estate plan and ensure it helps accomplish your family’s goals.

07/30/2026

When Your Children Live in Different States

Today, it is common for parents to have children living in different states. While distance does not prevent a child from serving in an important role, it can create challenges when an emergency occurs.

An out-of-state child may be a good choice to manage your finances, as many financial tasks can be handled remotely. However, medical decisions often require someone who can meet with doctors, oversee care, and respond quickly in person. Serving as personal representative or trustee may also involve securing property and coordinating with local professionals.

The best estate plan considers not only who should serve, but also how they can effectively carry out their responsibilities. Choosing the right decision-makers can save your family time, expense, and stress.

Call our office to review your plan and make sure it works for your family no matter where they live.

07/23/2026

What is Estate Planning?

Many people think estate planning is only for the wealthy or something to worry about later in life. In reality, estate planning is for every adult. It is the process of making important legal decisions about who will manage your finances and make health care decisions if you become incapacitated, and how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death.

A comprehensive estate plan may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary planning. It can help avoid probate, minimize taxes, protect assets, and provide for loved ones according to your wishes.

Estate planning is not just about what you leave behind—it is about protecting yourself and your family during life’s unexpected challenges.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and create an estate plan that provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

07/16/2026

Keeping Property in the Family

For many families, the cabin, cottage, hunting land, or family farm is more than real estate—it is where memories are made and traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Without proper planning, these cherished properties can become the source of family disagreements, forced sales, or even be at risk to help pay for nursing home costs.

A well-designed estate plan can help preserve family property by addressing ownership, maintenance responsibilities, decision-making, and strategies to protect the property from long-term care expenses when appropriate. It can also reduce the risk of disputes and help ensure your wishes are carried out.

Thoughtful planning is essential to keep the property in the family for generations and protect it from future long-term care costs. Call us to discuss strategies for preserving your family’s treasured property.

07/09/2026

Common Mistakes Successor Trustees Make

Being named as a successor trustee is an honor, but it also carries significant legal responsibilities. Many trustees assume they can immediately distribute assets, only to discover they must first follow the trust’s instructions, identify and value assets, pay valid debts, address tax issues, and keep accurate records.

Other common mistakes include failing to communicate with beneficiaries, mixing trust assets with personal funds, or making distributions too soon. Even honest mistakes can lead to delays, family conflict, or personal liability for the trustee.

You do not have to navigate the process alone. Understanding your fiduciary duties and seeking guidance when needed can help ensure the trust is administered properly and according to the settlor’s wishes.

If you have been named as a successor trustee, contact our office for trusted guidance and peace of mind.

07/02/2026

Giving Away Assets: A Medicaid Mistake?

Many people believe they can simply give away their assets to qualify for Medicaid. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period that reviews transfers made before applying. Gifts or transfers for less than fair market value during that period may result in a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for long-term care.

That does not mean planning is impossible. There are strategies available to protect assets while preserving eligibility. The best approach depends on your health, finances, family situation, and whether planning is done before or during a long-term care crisis.

Waiting until long-term care is needed can significantly limit your options. Contact our office today to discuss Medicaid planning strategies and learn how proactive planning can help protect your assets while preparing for future long-term care needs.

06/25/2026

Equally vs Fairly in Estate Planning

Many parents divide their estate equally among their children. In some families, that makes sense. In others, however, equal and fair may not mean the same thing.

One child may have received significant financial assistance during your lifetime, another may have special needs, and another may be helping provide care as you age. Blended families, family businesses, farms, and inherited property can create additional challenges when deciding how assets should be distributed. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is that your estate plan reflects your goals, values, and family circumstances. Thoughtful planning can help minimize misunderstandings and reduce the risk of conflict after your death.

Schedule an appointment to discuss your family situation and create an estate plan that reflects what fairness means to you and the people you love.

Address

630 N 4th Street
Wausau, WI
54403

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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