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John Andrew Horn

Estate planning Attorney at Madison, WI

5.0   52 reviews

also known as John Horn

  • Licensed for 32 years
    State WI
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About John

Learn John’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    75%
    Trust and Will-Based Estate Planning; Medicaid Asset Protection Trust planning; And, Other Complex Trusts, including Special Needs Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, etc. Estate Settlement and Guardianship

    32 years

  2. Business
    20%
    Business Succession Planning; And Business Transactions (e.g. buy, sell, merge) and Business Start-up.

    32 years

  3. Real estate
    5%
    Residential Sales and Purchases; Land Contracts; Commercial Sales and Purchases, and Sec. 1031 exchanges

    32 years

 

Attorney John Horn is a shareholder and co-founder of Horn & Johnsen SC.  Mr. Horn earned a doctorate of law in 1991 and is a highly experienced attorney in his 26th year as a member of the Wisconsin Bar. He has assisted hundreds of families in Estate Planning, including business work and real estate law. 

 

Mr. Horn graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1991. Thereafter, he served a two-year tenure in the judiciary as court commissioner for the Marathon County, Wisconsin Circuit Court.  He also wrote several prominent judicial opinions under the direction of (now) Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.   Justice Bradley wrote:  “John’s dedication shows.  He meets the challenges with quality.  He has keen insight into developing legal issues.” 

 

In 1993, Mr. Horn began private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. His Clientele includes many prominent persons and businesses. Mr. Horn has written several major appeals, two of which were ordered by the court to be published, an honor reserved only for cases that are deemed significant in their effects on Wisconsin law. 

 

 

Since 1998, Mr. Horn has dedicated his practice to estate planning. This involves, Trust-based planning, Will-based planning, probate, guardianship, and trust administration. Mr. Horn’s experience is broad-based and substantial. His clients range from successful Mom and Pop business owners to multi-millionaires requiring advanced estate planning techniques. His work allows peace of mind to the elder client, and ease to the elder’s family and survivors. Whether the goal is to avoid probate, save estate taxes or navigate an elder law emergency, Mr. Horn has wisdom and experience to help and guide his clients.

 

Mr. Horn is a frequent speaker at estate planning workshops throughout Southern Wisconsin.  He has also appeared as guest on local radio shows hosted by financial advisors.  Mr. Horn appears quarterly as a featured guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Medical school.  He also teaches continuing legal education courses at the State Bar of  Wisconsin.

 

Mr. Horn enjoys charitable and pro bono work, often working weekends with low-income elders needing legal basics at no charge. 

 

Mr. Horn participates in back-country and mountain hiking.  He shares his home with a hyperactive German Sheppard Dog. He spoke five languages, but has forgotten all but two.  Above all, he is thankful or his lovely wife and daughter.

Awards

Client's Choice 2017,2016,2015
Client's Choice
2017 2016 2015

Photos and videos

Contact John

Horn & Johnsen SC
8446 Excelsior Drive, Suite 102
Madison, WI, 53717

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  52 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Heidi | September 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Plan and Real Estate Land Contract Pro
Fast, efficient, expert opinion and astute recommendations were much appreciated. All of my questions were answered in a direct and concise manner. Pretty sure I was able to avoid potential legal issues with John’s advice. The office staff were friendly and very helpful. Easy office to find and lots of parking spaces. No downtown hassles.
Read less
Posted by Keith | August 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Estate Planning
We met with John Horn recently to update our estate plan, which we had originally worked with him on. Super easy, friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to create a living trust or estate plan.
Posted by Dillon | August 9, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
John Horn
John was incredibly thorough and knowledgeable of all issues during our estate planning process while also explaining the content in an easy to understand way. Highly recommended.
Posted by Dale | July 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lawyer review
We hired John to create our Living Trust. He was organized, professional, honest, well prepared and very thorough. Highly recommended.
Posted by Johnathan | December 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional estate planning
We have been working with John for over 10 years and he has been nothing short of a pleasure to work with. Couldn’t recommend him enough for estate planning services.
Posted by Doug | September 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate plan excellence
John listened carefully to my needs, communicated clearly, and crafted an estate plan specifically matched to my situation.
Posted by Tony | September 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Experience!
My wife and I recently worked with Attorney John Horn to set up our family Trust. We have 6 kids and so it is very important to us that we plan well for our future. John took the time to explain all the aspects of the nuances of the trust and provided insight as to why he was setting it up that way based on his lengthy career. We felt informed and well taken care of. His staff did an outstanding job as well. We couldn't recommend him and his team highly enough!
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Posted by Becky | September 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good experience
John was easy to work with, very willing to explain things along the way, and the price felt right for the work.
Posted by Heather | August 31, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
estate planning
My husband and I are in our early 30s & never thought to set a plan in place for our children and families upon our demise. That was until tragedy struck close to home & families were fighting over custody of small children. We were referred to John & couldn't be happier for the referral! He was very easy to work with, and extremely thorough. There were some extraordinary circumstances to the trust that we built for our children, and John knew exactly how to handle them! I'm sure we will never stop worrying about our children's futures, but we can rest easy knowing that they're taken care of when we go - and that's entirely thanks to John!
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Posted by Skylar | August 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Estate Planning Services
My wife and I recently completed our estate planning with John, and we could not be happier. We knew less than nothing about wills, trusts, etc. when we started the process, but John and his paralegal held our hands every step of the way. Setting up an estate is a difficult subject, but we felt comfortable throughout, and are happy to have plans in place now.
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Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Everything you wanted to know about estate planning!
The only thing certain is death and taxes, and John was instrumental in explaining our options to plan our estate to take care of our loved ones beyond our passing. John explains everything so well, and enjoyed our questions. What seems overwhelming at first, John (and Kevin) demonstrated professional ease to explain every step of the way. Adjustments were made as requested with no problems. This is not just estate planning - this is PERSONAL estate planning. The way YOU want it! Highly recommend John for your estate planning needs. Do it today!
Read less
Posted by Kayla | July 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommended
John was very easy to work with, friendly, and broke everything down into layman's terms to ensure we knew what we were signing. He laid out our options clearly and was willing to go above and beyond to get what we needed into our wills.
Posted by Catherine | July 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Really impressed with our estate plan
John did a wonderful job for us with our recent estate plan. In the initial free consultation he explained options and answered our questions very well. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in wills and estate planning which is very impressive. He listened well and developed a plan that comprehensively meets all of our needs. We have peace of mind having this all in place and we give our highest recommendation to John Horn.
Read less
Posted by Dan | July 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rebuild estate plan
John did what we asked of him and offered many helpful suggestions.
Posted by Micah | June 28, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning
We hired John to create an estate plan for us and our daughter. He handled everything smoothly, accommodated a few non-standard requests we had, and presented things well. The fact that they handled the initial funding of the trust was a big positive.
Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Service and Professionalism
John was great in leading us through the estate planning process and educated us along the way. I feel confident that our trust meets all of our needs as I think John thought of everything and our situation was a little non-standard. I would recommend that if anyone is looking for an attorney for estate planning they contact John.
Read less
Posted by Matt | June 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning Assistance
John was highly recommended to us for Estate Planning. So glad we did! We had many questions and John was very patient and thorough with his explanations. When we did not understand something, he would take his time with his answer. He prepared the documents for us and placed them in well organized binder. We feel more at ease that John helped us with our future!
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Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning
My attorney consulted with me on planning my estate. He made recommendations on what legal entities he thought would work best in my situation. All of the documents needed were prepared and filed in a timely fashion. We also had an extended session to review all of the legal documents. He was very thorough and explained everything in a manner that I easily understood. He also reviewed and prepared legal documents needed to research and transfer the title on my personal residence and property after my husband passed away.
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Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Meeting to re-assess status of personal trust
Mr. Horn drafted a trust for me-us in 2010. Family and state law circumstances have changed in the ensuing years. We met to discuss the impact of these changes on the trust, and to determine if future action, i.e a re-statement, was required and justified. Mr. Horn was clear in his explanations of circumstances, and un-pressuring in his counsel. I-we left the meeting quite well informed about the current situation and prepared to consider appropriate next steps.
Read less
Posted by Allison | March 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Really put us at ease
John was so easy to talk with and he has a great way of explaining the pros and cons of all of our estate planning. We never felt rushed and he was so patient in answering our questions. He has a delightful sense of humor that helps to ease the tension of estate planning. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President & Partner
  • Horn & Johnsen SC
  • 2013 - Present
  • President
  • Horn Law Firm, S.C.
  • 2006 - 2013
  • Associate Attorney
  • Wyngaard Law Offices, LLC
  • 1999 - 2005
  • Associate Attorney
  • Wyngaard & Wilson
  • 1993 - 1999
  • Judicial Court Commissioner (Magistrate)
  • Marathon County Courts
  • 1991 - 1993
  • Staff Attorney
  • Wisconsin Lottery
  • 1991 - 1991
  • Law Clerk
  • Wisconsin Department of Justice
  • 1990 - 1991
  • Law Clerk
  • McManus and Sieg, S.C.
  • 1989 - 1989
View all work experience

Education

  • U Of Wisconsin
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1991
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1986

Legal Cases

  • Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Inc. VS Morgan McCabe
  • Affirmed trial court ruling that Morgan was responsible for Jean's medical bills.
  • Jack McManus, PR Estate of Dorothy McManus v. Wisconsin Department of Revenue
  • Upheld
  • Eileen M. Kitzerow v. Don Simon, Inc.
  • Reversal of trial court decision

Associations

  • Verona Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Rainmakers
  • Secretary
  • 2012 - Present
  • Madison Estate Planning Council
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • NAEPC
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Wisconsin Forum
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • BNI Badger Chapter
  • Past President
  • 2007 - Present
  • WealthCounsel
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • Probate and Trust Law State Bar Sections
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • Business Law State Bar Section
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Thai

Honors and Awards

  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2017
  • Client Distinction Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (9)
Endorse John
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. John is very skilled, prompt, and fair in his billing. He is really at the top of the profession."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"John Horn possesses an uncommon zeal to create powerful legal contracts for clients. His work stands the test of time and forces all grey areas out of documents. He is meticulous and detail oriented in his approach to law practice. His estate planning is work is especially unparalleled."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I was involved in a complex estate/family matter with John, and found his rapport with clients to be caring and attentive. His legal work was also meticulous, practical, and most of all, clearly accomplished the goal his client wished to achieve. I highly recommend him."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with John on a few matters now and have always found him to be knowledgeable and professional. He is proactive and practical."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. John is very knowledgeable about estate planning matters. I understand that he spends a lot of time with and provides excellent service to his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. As an attorney, I could have and have previously drafted my own estate plan but after hearing John speak about his services, I decided to hire him to prepare my estate plan for me. I was very impressed with his thoughfulness and the questions that he made me answer by ensuring I was making good decisions. I would highly recommend John for anyone who is looking to have an estate plan done right."
Estate planning Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with John on many estate planning and real estate cases. Therefore, I can personally vouch for his exceptional skill as an attorney, and his unfailing efforts to find creative solutions to complex problems. I also want to recognize John for his truly unique skill of attending to the personal needs of each and every client. He is a rare lawyer in that he listens to the client carefully and has the capacity to connect personally with real people, on their terms and at their level. He is a person who will go above and beyond the call of duty to be sure his client is tended to in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. I could not possibly recommend him more highly. Hats off, John."
Trusts Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is careful, conscientious, smart, and compassionate. A great trusts, estates, and probate lawyer! We are lucky to have him in Madison."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with John over the past 10 years on many legal matters, particularly in the areas of Medical Assistance planning and other estate planning issues. He is always extremely professional, knowledgeable, and very pleasant to do business with. I would recommend John without hesitation."
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Madison Estate planning Lawyer John Andrew Horn
John Andrew Horn
Estate planning Attorney
Madison, WI
Licensed for 32 years