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Joanne Kay Leifheit

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Avvo Rating10
  • Pewaukee, WI
  • Licensed for 25 years
  • Free consultation
Joanne Kay Leifheit
Joanne Kay Leifheit
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About Joanne

Navigating families through estate planning with heart. **COVID-19 update: YES, we are open for business - call, message or email today. We are executing estate plans from start to finish while utilizing creative methods of witnessing documents.**

Please contact my office or check my website for upcoming dates to my complimentary one and 1/2 hour workshop on estate planning, asset protection, special needs trusts, and Medicaid.  I have been practicing law since 1997 and have been in private practice since 1999.  My practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, and probate, which includes:  wills, powers of attorney, revocable trusts, asset protection trusts, special needs trusts, guardianship matters, Medicaid planning, and probate.  I am accredited by the Veterans Administration to counsel veteran clients (and their widows and spouses) about veterans benefits, particularly the pension benefit.  I authored a book about the veterans pension benefit entitled, "The Little Book of Big Tips:  The Veterans Pension Handbook for Seniors and their Families."  I have served as President of the Waukesha County Probate and Estate Planning Section for five years, and I served as a peer speaker before the County Bar (VA Benefits) and through the State Bar on the topic of special needs trusts.  I also served as an invited guest faculty member in the areas of estate planning and probate at UW-Madison Law School in 2011 and 2014.  Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine named me as a leading lawyer in 2012, 2013, and 2014.  I am a life long animal lover and equestrienne - I own a horse named "Tucker" and I try to ride several times a week, even during our Wisconsin winters.  I enjoy camping up north each summer and I can't pass up a good fish fry or pizza.  I have been married for twenty years and also have two dogs and a cat.  I was raised in a small farm town, where I spent most of my childhood in the country - I am definately a country farm gal!

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Practice areas

OtherGuardianshipPower of attorneyEstate planningElder law
  1. Elder law: 25%

  2. Estate planning: 15%

  3. Power of attorney: 15%

  4. Guardianship: 15%

  1. Probate: 15%

  2. Trusts: 15%

Photos and videos

1534956 1326462361

Contact

Attorney Joanne Leifheit LLC

N27W23953 Paul Road
Suite 107
Pewaukee, WI, 53189

Website
http://www.LawOfficeofJL.com 

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    WIGood Standing199605/23/2021
    ILVoluntarily Inactive199506/05/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers12
    Legal guides2
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Best Lawyers List 2014Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine2014
    Best Lawyers List 2013Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine2013
    Certificate of Appreciation for Financial SupportInterfaith Senior Programs of Waukesha County2012
    Best Lawyers List 2012Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine2012
    Star Member Level Donor to the Memorial FundPewaukee American Legion2012
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Attorney at LawAttorney Joanne Leifheit2009 - Present
    Attorney for the Public - Guardianship MattersWaukesha County Corporation Counsel's office (client of mine for 6 years)2003 - 2009
    Joanne LeifheitAttorney at Law (sole practitioner)1999 - 2005
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    State Bar of Wisconsin Elder Law SectionBoard Member2016 - Present
    WisPACT Pooled Special Needs TrustsBoard Member2014 - Present
    National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember2010 - Present
    State Bar of WisconsinMember1996 - Present
    Association of Women LawyersMemberN/A
    Waukesha County Commission on AgingBoard MemberN/A
    WisPACT Non-Profit Pooled Special Needs TrustChair Elect (2016)2015 - 2016
    Pewaukee Chamber of CommerceMember2012 - 2014
    Waukesha County Business AllianceMember2011 - 2012
    Waukesha County Bar Association, Probate and Estate Planning SectionPresident2007 - 2012
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Book - Available in my OfficeA Family Guide to Wisconsin Medicaid2013
    BookThe Little Book of Big Tips: The Veterans Pension Benefit Handbook for Senior and their Families2011
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    John Marshall Law School (Chicago) JD - Juris Doctor1995
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Navigating the System for Disability ServicesNavigating Services for those with Disabilities2016
    Estate Planning, Wills & TrustsEstate Planning2016
    WisPACT Annual Continuing Legal EducationIrrevocable Trusts for Medicaid and VA2015
    Luther Manor Speaker SeriesThe Power in Powers of Attorney2015
    WCTC - Women and Finances SeriesWhat Women Need to Know about their Estate Planning2014
    Monthly Complimentary Workshops Offered through my OfficeEstate Planning, Trusts, and Medicaid2014
    Landmark Credit UnionEstate Planning for Families2014
    Waukesha Noon Rotary Club MeetingMy Parent's Care Needs are Increasing... What do I do Now?2012
    Monthly MeetingVeterans Benefits for Aid and Attendance2012
    Money Sense with Karen EllenbeckerVeterans and Senior Benefits2012
    Estate Planning Basics for Lawyers CLE ProgramEstate Planning Basics2012
    Community SeminarVeterans Benefits for Long Term Senior Care2012
    Caregivers' ChatVA Pension and other Benefits for Care Needs2012
    Waukesha Memorial Hospital Monthly MeetingPowerful Estate Planning Documents - What Every Person Needs to Know2011
    Waukesha County Bar Association, Probate and Estate Planning SectionVeterans Benefits for Home Health Care, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care, and Skilled Nursing Care2011
    Lawyering Skills Program UW Madison Law SchoolProbate & Estate Planning2010
    Positive Transitions Speaking GroupEstate Planning, Powers of Attorney, Wills and Trusts2006
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Medicaid QualificationMedicaid Application Approved
    ProbateLetters of Special Administration Granted
    Probate MatterMy client's petition was granted over the opposing party's petition.
    Will ContestClient awarded property claimed in will contest
    Defense of Will ContestThe opposing party removed objection to will
    GuardianshipPetitions granted

    Reviews

    (33)
    5 Star
    		94%
    4 Star
    		3%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		3%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Joanne Leifheit

    Highly Recommend

    Posted by

    I called Attorney Leifheit for a consultation, she was kind and helpful in providing me with advice. She even called me later in the evening after a long day of work for further consultation. I would definitely hire her if further legal assistance is needed. I like her warm and compassionate personality.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Family trust

    Posted by

    Joanne has helped us with our will and trust. She was very helpful and responded to all of our needs in a timely manner.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly Recommend

    Posted by

    I was referred to Joanne Leifheit by a family member to assist me in setting up a family trust. Joanne did an excellent job guiding me through the step-by-step process and making me feel comfortable. She is extremely knowledgeable, and explained all to me in terms I could easily understand. I highly recommend her.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Kind and compassionate

    Posted by

    Joanne assisted my family with a multitude of legal matters from estate planning to establishing guardianship for a vulnerable adult. We could not have asked for a more kind and compassionate person. Joanne was extremely knowledgeable about what our family needed, but at the same time was able to explain the process on a level we could understand. We have family that live across state lines and Joann was able to include them in all of our planning seamlessly. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great experience with Atty Leifheit on our estate plan

    Posted by

    Very knowledgeable attorney with strong communication skill, an efficient process and great staff. Highly recommend.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Thank you!

    Posted by

    Needing to obtain financial POA for a suddenly, seriously ill family member, I contacted Attorney Leifheit. She and Donna Winkler were able to efficiently (and with kindness) direct me to an appropriate attorney in my family member's city and state. The additional information they offered to me was very helpful as I navigate this complex situation. Thank you!
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Knowledgeable, excellent service

    Posted by

    We asked Joanne to update our will, etc. She returned our call very quickly and walked us through what we needed to do. She set up an appointment to see her and to discuss what we wanted to do. Within a couple weeks her office contacted us to come in for the signing. Everything was done efficiently and quickly. Very friendly and easy to work with.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    review of Joanne Leifheit

    Posted by

    In this difficult time of Covid, we decided that we needed to plan our estate and set up a trust. At the recommendation of a friend we contacted Joanne Leifheit and begin the process. Because of Covid, most of our communications were by phone. When we did go to their office they came out to our car in ppe and conducted what we needed to personally sign etc. Joanne explained everything concerning wills and trusts. Her paralegal also answered many of our questions as well. The law firm gave us recommendations and choices so we proceeded. We now have our estate planning accomplished and feel very confident in knowing that when the time comes everything will be taken care of properly. We would highly recommend Joanne Leifheit and her law firm to any senior citizens and anyone else.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly recommended

    Posted by

    Joanne was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I attended one of her seminars on trusts and she made the whole process easy and understandable. She and her staff completed all of the necessary documents for me and I am very satisfied.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Extremely Helpful Attorney

    Posted by

    Very thorough attorney in helping me attend to our family's trust. Great contact throughout and always available when I had questions. Would highly recommend Joanne and her staff.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (7)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Mark Munson, Elder law Attorney on Feb 16, 2018
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I highly endorse, Joanne. I confidently recommend her for any of her practice areas.

    Carol Wessels, Guardianship Attorney on May 24, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked with Joanne on guardianship cases and we have also shared information on various elder law issues. She is experienced, down to earth and knowledgeable. I look forward to opportunities to work together in the future.

    Eido Walny, Probate Attorney on Feb 16, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. I've known Joanne for a number of years and find her to be both pleasant and knowledgable. Joanne recently penned a book on VA pension benefits that I thought was extremely well done and I have referred the book to colleagues. I am pleased to endorse Joanne.

    Jeffrey Pitman, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 23, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Joanne is an excellent attorney. She cares deeply for her clients. She has authored a wonderful book "The Veterans Pension Benefit Handbook for Seniors and their Families." I highly recommend Joanne.

    Krislyn Holaday, Guardianship Attorney on Jan 20, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Joanne on several Guardianship matters and she is always knowledgeable, prepared and professional. She has a wide-ranging area of expertise, and effectively answers her clients' questions and concerns. I endorse her wholeheartedly and without reservation.

    Robert Welcenbach, Probate Attorney on Jan 17, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have had several probate and guardianship cases with Joanne. I was opposing counsel on several cases and also a guardian ad litem. She is highly skilled and very knowledgeable with probate, elder law and guardianships. She does a great job of trying to reach practical solutions while also being a great advocate for her clients. I fully endorse her.

    Donna Kuchler, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 13, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have known Joanne for a number of years and know her to be a caring and conscientious attorney. She is very knowledgeable in the field of estate planning as well as veterans benefits. In addition, if you need an attorney to handle a guardianship case, she is an excellent choice.

    Cost

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      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        30 minutes
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