Estate Planning Attorneys in Marinette, Wisconsin
Planning for the future isn’t always easy. Many people want peace of mind knowing their loved ones will be cared for and their wishes respected after they're gone. That’s where thoughtful estate planning makes all the difference. With the right legal guidance, families can feel confident that their plans reflect their values and protect what matters most.
Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., helps clients create estate planning strategies tailored to their goals. Whether you're drafting a will for the first time or revisiting an existing plan after a life change, they provide steady guidance and practical solutions. Their approach focuses on clarity, long-term protection, and personal attention.
From their office in Marinette, Wisconsin, Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C. serves clients throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. If it’s time to put a plan in place or update an existing one, now’s the time to schedule a consultation and start building a secure future.
Wisconsin's Probate Code and Intestacy Laws
One of the most important laws affecting estate planning in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Probate Code, found in Chapter 851 of the Wisconsin Statutes. These statutes govern how a person’s assets are distributed if they pass away with or without a valid will.
If someone dies without a will, Wisconsin’s intestacy laws determine who inherits property. That can mean a spouse, children, or other relatives receive assets in percentages set by statute, regardless of what the person may have intended.
Estate planning helps prevent that uncertainty. By drafting a valid will or establishing a trust, clients can decide who receives their property, name guardians for minor children, and select a personal representative to manage the estate.
Wisconsin is also a marital property state. That means most property acquired during marriage is considered jointly owned. Without careful estate planning, this can create unintended consequences, particularly in second marriages or blended families. Clearly defined documents can define what constitutes separate and marital property, reducing disputes and helping families avoid unnecessary probate complications.
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Why Clients Choose Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C.
When choosing estate planning attorneys, experience and community roots matter. Attorney Steve E. Wolfe has spent more than 30 years serving the Marinette and Menominee communities. Over the decades, he’s built a practice centered on estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law, helping generations of families protect their interests.
Attorney Caleb J. Kleiman, who grew up in Menominee and is a graduate of Menominee High School, joined the firm as an associate and quickly became an integral part of its operations. In January 2025, he purchased the firm, marking the formation of Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C.
Clients appreciate that they don’t receive one-size-fits-all legal services. Instead, the firm takes time to learn about each person’s family structure, financial picture, and long-term goals. Estate planning is personal, and they treat it that way.
Their commitment to the M&M area means they understand the concerns of local families, farmers, business owners, and retirees. That local knowledge, paired with decades of legal experience, allows them to craft estate planning solutions that reflect both the law and the realities of life in northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan.
Comprehensive Legal Services for Long-Term Protection
Estate planning doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It often intersects with probate, real estate transactions, and business matters. Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C., provides a broad range of services designed to support clients at every stage of life.
Below is an overview of the services they offer to give you peace of mind:
Estate planning services: Wills and codicils, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney for finances, health care directives, and guardianship designations
Probate and estate administration: Probate court representation, comprehensive personal representative guidance, estate settlement assistance, and trust administration
Real estate and business law: Residential and commercial real estate transactions, land contracts and leases, business formation and planning, succession planning for family businesses
Through this comprehensive approach, clients receive coordinated support rather than disconnected services. Estate planning becomes part of a broader strategy that reflects their entire financial and personal picture.
Estate Planning Help for Blended Families and Unique Situations
No two families look exactly alike. Blended families, second marriages, unmarried partners, and families with children who have special needs often require additional care when creating an estate planning strategy. Without clear instructions, Wisconsin’s default inheritance laws may not reflect a person’s true intentions.
For example, in a blended family, one spouse may want to provide for their current partner while also protecting assets for children from a previous marriage. Thoughtful estate planning can establish trusts that balance both goals. This approach can allow a surviving spouse to benefit from certain assets during their lifetime while preserving the remainder for children later.
Parents of minor children also face important decisions. Naming a guardian in a will is a central part of estate planning. Without that designation, a court will decide who will care for the children. By clearly stating their wishes, parents retain a stronger voice in their children’s future.
Individuals with significant assets—such as real estate or family businesses—benefit from tailored estate planning. Structured plans guide management, distribution, and succession while helping reduce conflict.
Every family has its own priorities. By carefully evaluating personal circumstances, Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C. helps clients develop estate plans that reflect their relationships, responsibilities, and long-term goals.
Protect Your Legacy With Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C.
With deep roots in the community and decades of experience, Kleiman & Wolfe, S.C. provides trusted estate planning guidance tailored to each client’s needs. From their Marinette, Wisconsin office, they serve those throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. Contact the firm today to begin building a plan that supports your family’s future.