Licensed for 17 years

Elder law Lawyer at La Crosse, WI
Practice Areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate ... +5 more

About Sarah

Biography

Practice Areas

Elder law is often the other side of estate planning. I discuss and take elder law concerns into account when estate planning. When comprehensive estate planning is not enough, I work with clients on issues such as guardianships, protective placements, and divestment planning. In guardianship matters I have served as petitioner's counsel, adverse counsel, and guardian ad litem.

18 years

25%

Estate Planning 25%

My goal is not only to send you home with a plan tailored to your specific needs, but also to help you understand how that plan works. A basic estate plan generally includes a will, a durable power of attorney for finances, and a healthcare power of attorney. More complex plans may include children's/grandchildren's trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Income only trusts. asset transfers, beneficiary designations, etc. I also work with client's agents in probate or trust administration.

18 years

25%

Probate 25%

Probate refers to the process of administering the estate of a deceased person. In some cases probate can be avoided with careful estate planning. When probate is necessary, I help clients to navigate the process as efficiently as possible.

18 years

25%

Trusts 15%

Trusts can be an important component of both estate and elder law planning. I am experienced in creating simple trusts to avoid probate as well as more complex plans such as children's/grandchildren's trusts, Special Needs Trusts, and Income only trusts.

15%

Guardianship 7%

Guardianship often become necessary when someone is incapacitated and has not completed appropriate planning such as power of attorney documents. Sometimes even the best planning cannot avoid the need for guardianship. In either case, I have the experience to help your family navigate the process of obtaining a guardianship and fulfilling duties as guardian.

18 years

Power of Attorney 1%

Power of attorney documents are an essential element of estate planning. I take special care to help client's choose appropriate agents and make sure plans are in place when they need them most.

Real Estate 1%

Buying real estate is one of the biggest investments most of us will make whether and individual or business. I assist in sale and purchase transactions as well as other services coordinated with your estate planning, running your business, or simply buying a home.

Wills and Living Wills 1%

Wills are an essential component of most estate plans. Through careful estate planning I can address concerns ranging from planning for a disabled child to estate tax avoidance.

11 years

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

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Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 17 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2008

Good Standing

No misconduct found

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Location

Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik

505 King St # 300, PO Box 1927, La Crosse, WI, 54602-1927

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Elder Law lawyers nearby

Gifford Mark Collins Gifford Mark Collins

5.0 8 reviews

319 Main St., Suite 312

La Crosse, WI, 54601

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(414) 250-0432 Message

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Sarah E. Fortune's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

1 Client Review

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review

Posted by Cody | November 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

Landlord/Tenant Matter

Sarah was extremely helpful with my case and I absolutely recommend her. I was confident in her every step of the way and never doubted my decision of hiring her. As the tenant in this case, I never felt powerless during the proceedings with Sarah as my attorney - even during the long-winded and diff...icult mediation and following trial. Sarah was wonderful to work with and I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again if the need ever arose.

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Sarah E. Fortune's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sarah

Emily Toland

Elder law lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"Sarah is highly knowledgeable in the specialty field of elder law. She takes the time to understand every client's unique situation and to examine all possible solutions. She is skilled at handling matters with complicated family dynamics and always ensures that her clients' best interests are represented."

Michael Gill

Business lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Margaret Herlitzka

Estate planning lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Sarah is well respected for her knowledge about Estate Planning and does top notch work."

Nick Passe

Litigation lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sarah has developed a great reputation as one of the best younger attorneys in southwest Wisconsin. She's bright and hardworking, and has good communication skills and common sense. Plus, she's at a very good firm with lots of other knowledgable, experienced attorneys who she can use as resources to get even better outcomes for her clients."