Nelson Donovan

Nelson Donovan

5.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 15 years

Estate planning Lawyer at Madison, WI
Practice Areas: Estate Planning, Probate

440 Science Dr, Suite 101, Madison, WI

About Nelson

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 90%

Planning for what happens to your assets and loved ones during incapacity or after death.

16 years

90%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 15 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2010

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Estate Law Partners. LLC

440 Science Dr, Suite 101, Madison, WI, 53711

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Nelson Donovan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

2 Client Reviews

5 star (2)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Mark | December 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

We are very impressed

What a great attorney! He explained everything to us in plain English, no legal jargon. He took the time to understand our goals and our family situation. He was friendly, thorough, and very knowledgeable. We are confident that should anything happen to us, our trust will take care of our family the ...way we want it to. We highly recommend Nelson and his firm.

Posted by Sherry | December 4, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Salute!

I first met with Mr Donovan this fall to discuss my estate planning. This is something a person dreads doing, but Nelson was very understanding and put me at ease from the introduction on. He thoroughly explained processes, answered all questions, took the time needed, and was detail oriented. I also... met with him again at the end to wrap things up and go over the binder. I am confident that my wishes will be respected and honored.

See All Client Reviews

Nelson Donovan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Nelson
Henry C. Weatherby headshot
Henry Weatherby

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nelson is in extremely capable attorney. He makes the complex simple and provides excellent advice and follow through for all his clients."

Nathan Wayne Nelson headshot
Nathan Nelson

Estate planning lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Other

"Nelson is a progressive thinking lawyer, often ahead of the times thinking about what the client needs and how to make the estate planning process easier for the client. He's easy to work with and knowledgeable."

Shadi Alai Shaffer headshot
Shadi Alai Shaffer

Estate planning lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would not hesitate in hiring Nelson and his legal team for any estate planning needs. Nelson Donovan is a true counselor and advocate for his clients. He puts the clients needs first and above everything - he is efficient, knowledgeable and diligent in protection his clients, their families and business. If you learn more about him you will find that he is a good human who serves not only his clients but his community in general - I believe this speaks volumes to the kind of person and attorney Nelson is and would not hesitate referring him to family, clients and friends."

Thomas Michael Fafinski headshot
Thomas Fafinski

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Nelson completely understands the intricacies and nuances of complex planning while still being open to basic and moderate planning. We work together on a national stage where we share insights in live 2 days sessions to better serve our clients. Nelson is a valuable contributor and someone i turn to for his thoughts and opinions."

Jon S. McCarty headshot
Jon McCarty

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nelson is without a doubt a very compassionate and driven attorney. I've had the privilege of working with him in a professional setting as a fellow attorney on several occasions over the last year. He is thoughtful, well versed in the law, and adept at working with clients to establish an estate plan based on their particularized needs. I recommend Nelson without hesitation for all of your estate planning and elder law needs."

Margaret Barrett headshot
Margaret Barrett

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nelson is a top notch estate and elder lawyer, and I recommend him highly. He understands his client's needs, communicates in a way they can understand, and works zealously on their behalf."

Noelle H. Augelli headshot
Noelle Augelli

Estate planning lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Nelson is very knowledgeable and solution oriented. He is quick to smile and calm a client's worries. Also was very impressed with his presenting style. Nelson is a fantastic attorney that I would endorse."

Daniel J. Krause headshot
Daniel Krause

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Nelson really gets estate planning! He is an engaging personality and riveting speaker. With his military and financial background, he can accomplish for his clients what most attorneys rarely do: a plan that makes sense and is executed flawlessly."

Christopher Wesley Keyser headshot
Christopher Keyser

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I recommend Mr. Donovan to anyone seeking an ethical and personable attorney who puts clients first. His experience as a financial advisor brings a unique skillset to his estate planning practice. When my own clients need estate planning advice in WI, I happily refer them to Mr. Donovan."

Benoit Letendre headshot
Benoit Letendre

Estate planning lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Nelson for over 11 years. We attended law school together at the University of Wisconsin and regularly speak about our respective law practices. Prior to becoming an attorney, Nelson had a distinguished career as an Army Blackhawk pilot and a commercial airline pilot. He brings the same keen mind, sense of duty and loyalty, and obsession to detail to his estate planning practice that made him a successful aviator. Conscientious, good-natured and relatable, Nelson has my strongest endorsement. He is an extremely capable and competent attorney who will take excellent care of you."

Grant M. McNeilly headshot
Grant McNeilly

Estate planning lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Friend

"I have known Nelson since law school, and he is a high-performance individual who always expects results of himself. He has extensive experience working in and with large organizations, including government bureaucracies, and he is adept at navigating them to find benefits and advantages therein. He is also very good at relating to many different kinds of people, and he can easily understand their goals and motivations."

View All Endorsements
James C. Sullivan headshot
James Sullivan

Estate planning lawyer

Henry C. Weatherby headshot
Henry Weatherby

Estate planning lawyer

William Augustine Conway headshot
William Conway

Estate planning lawyer

Margaret Barrett headshot
Margaret Barrett

Estate planning lawyer

Jon S. McCarty headshot
Jon McCarty

Estate planning lawyer

Thomas Michael Fafinski headshot
Thomas Fafinski

Estate planning lawyer

Daniel J. Krause headshot
Daniel Krause

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

1988

Distinguished Honor Graduate Rotary Wing Aviator Course, United States Army Aviation Center and School

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Managing Attorney, Estate Law Partners, LLC

2010 - Present

Attorney, US Army JAG Corps

Associations

2016 - Present

James E. Doyle American Inn of Court

Member

2015 - Present

Madison Estate Council

Member

2014 - Present

WealthCounsel

Member

2010 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Dane County Bar Association

Member

2012 - 2016

Capital Off Road Pathfinders - IMBA

President

Sample of Legal Cases

The Estate of M.B.K

Achieved significant tax savings for the beneficiaries upon passing of M.B.K.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

University of Wisconsin Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

University of Phoenix-Tucson

BS - Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2019

Wills, Trusts, and Why Estate Planning Matters

Protecting Your Assets From the Government and Nursing Home Costs

2019

Advisor CE Series

Planning for Blended Families

2019

Advisor CE Series

The Intersection of Estate Planning and Divorce

2019

Advisor CE Series

The Ins and Outs of Heirloom Properties

2019

Advisor CE Series

Grantor Trusts - What Are They and When Should You Use Them

2018

Wills, Trusts, and Why Estate Planning Matters

Estate Planning and Probate Avoidance

2018

Advisor CE Series

Basics of Estate Planning for Business Owners, Part Two

2018

Advisor CE Series

Basics of Estate Planning for Business Owners, Part One

2018

Advisor CE Series

Incapacity Planning

2018

Advisor CE series

Clark v. Rameker & SRT Planning

2015

Annual Client Retreat -The Droster Team at RBC

What does it mean to be a Trustee?

2014

Lunch and Learn - RBC Wealth Management

Retirement Plan Protective Trusts

Publications

2017

Bound Book Estate Planning in Wisconsin, Privacy, Protection, and Taking Control

Languages

English

Activity

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