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Rollie R. Hanson

Rollie R. Hanson

Law Office of Rollie R. Hanson, S.C.
10150 W National Ave # 370
West Allis, WI 53227-2152

Phone: (414) 321-9733  |  Fax: (414) 321-9601
http://hansonlaw.net

Contact Rollie R. Hanson

Specializing in Elder Care and Elder Matters

Legal Topic

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Preferred New Clients

I prefer to handle cases dealing with estate planning, elder law, bankruptcy and consumer law.

Sub-Categories

Taxes
  • Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
  • IRS Disputes
  • Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
  • Power of Attorney
  • Tax Planning
Estate Planning
  • Charitable Giving
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Drafting Trusts
  • Drafting Wills
  • Estate Administration
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts
  • Living Wills
  • Probate
  • Asset Protection
  • Guardianship
  • Power of Attorney
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Special Needs Trust
  • Supplemental Needs Trust
  • Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust

Bar Admissions

WI, Jun 1986
Bar Number: 1011293

Other Court Admissions

State of Wisconsin, Eastern District of Wisconsin and Western District of Wisconsin.

Association Memberships

National Academy of Elder law Attorneys, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Associate Member of National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees, State Bar of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bar Association.

Continuing Education

I attend and have taught legal education seminars on elder law and estate planning issues. I also attend the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) symposium and other NAELA workshops on an annual basis.

Papers and Publications

I published an article for the Wisconsin Lawyer on bankruptcy and divorce issues.

Example Cases

One good example of a case I typically handle is where the health of an elderly parent or spouse takes a downturn and they are in need of long term care. The healthy spouse and other family members have concerns about the cost of care, making sure their estate plan is in order including documents such as wills, health care power of attorney and durable power of attorney for financial matters. In some emergency cases, the family has not done much planning for this kind of situation. I help the spouses and family sort through the issues for their estate planning documents, offer advice and assistance for determining eligibility for Medicaid to help pay for their care as well as helping them with the Medicaid (also called Title 19) application.

Another example is when a family or retired couple comes to my office for drafting their estate planning documents and for information on elder law issues (such as the cost and means of paying for long term care if the need arises in the future). I help people in this situation to make sure their estate planning documents are done properly and offer them an opinion as to what they should be prepared to do in the event one of them does need long term care in the future so they can be sure they will be able to get the kind of care they want and be able to afford it.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

University of Wisconsin, Madison Law School

City:

Madison

State:

WI

Year:

1986

Honors:

I was the Managing Editor for the International Law Journal and was a member of the Jessop Moot Court.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Senior Managing Editor for the Wisconsin International Law Journal, member of the Jessop Moot Court competition.

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

University of Minnesota

City:

Minneapolis

State:

MN

Year:

1984

Focus and Accomplishments:

English and Political Science.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Wisconsin

Firm Focus and History

I established my firm in 1991. Since then I have represented thousands of people with various legal issues. I have helped many families facing elder law and estate planning issues resolve their problems.

My focus is on helping people with estate planning needs and elder law issues. My main focuses in estate planning include drafting these documents: wills, trusts, health care power of attorneys, durable power of attorneys and marital property agreements. I also represent families with probate and guardianships needs. I offer advice and assistance on elder law issues, such as asset preservation, personal care contracts and any related issues elderly people face.

Previous Employment Summary

During the first year and a half out of law school and prior to opening my own office, I worked for a law firm in Racine. I then moved to Milwaukee and worked with another attorney in consumer bankruptcy and real estate. I managed a consumer law clinic prior to opening my own firm as well.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I think it's good for people to get the basic information they want from reading books, articles and other information available on the internet. I caution people from trying to be their own attorney if they are getting into issues that go beyond basics or the nuts and bolts of drafting documents. In most cases clients find they are better served having a professional draft documents such as wills and powers of attorney. This is especially true in the elder law area because there will be many potential unforeseen pitfalls.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Generally, I review clients' estate planning documents when they are interested in updating wills, trusts, powers of attorney and other estate planning or financial matters. I generally do not review a client's work for errors because I have found that it is more time consuming and expensive for the client to have me do this, as compared to simply doing the documents myself.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I have found that coaching in the elder law area, as in other areas, does not work well. In many instances, it is impossible for clients that try to represent themselves because the issues are too complex and if they have to make appearances before an administrative law judge or a circuit court judge they are much better served to have an attorney to represent them.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I wanted to help people with problems. Practicing law gives me an opportunity to help people plan to avoid problems or resolves problems or issues.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I grew up on a farm and developed a good work ethic early in life. Also, I have a well rounded education including two years on the Marine Corps, a B.A. from the University of Minnesota in English and Political Science, and a law degree from the University of Madison, WI. I am also involved in community projects through my church that give me an opportunity to meet and work with people many different backgrounds.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I like to work with people to help them resolve problems and to plan for the events of retirement. Elder law gives me a chance to sit down with people and help them, often at a time when they are feeling overwhelmed and confused. I can help to reduce the stress and confusion and guide people to make the best decisions for themselves or for a loved one.

What do you like best about your career?

I like representing people and helping them work through issues and problems for solutions that will make their lives better.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner and I deal directly with my clients. I also have experienced and highly trained paralegals working under my direction to meet all of the clients' needs.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are my ability to find answers and develop strategies to help clients. My style is informal and friendly. I get along well with others and work well with my clients.

Personal Interests:

I like to read about civil war history, biographies and novels. I have been teaching 7th and 8th grade religious education at my church for the last two years and this coming year will teach 1st and 2nd grade. I also like to jog, ride bike and enjoy walks.

Office Manager/Assistant

Valerie

Fax

(414) 321-9601

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening consultations by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I often quote a fixed fee upon meeting with a client and discussing the case and issues. However, I need to meet with them and see what the representation involves to quote a fee. I do have a fee schedule for relatively straight forward documents such as a simple will or powers of attorney. For instance a typical fee for a simple will is $100. Power of attorneys are $100 each. In some cases I work on an hourly rate.

Hourly Rates

$285 per hour for attorney time and $175 per hour for paralegal time.

Free Initial Consultation?

I charge $150 for the first half hour. For a while hour I charge $250.

Typical Retainer

The retainer depends on the work and the case.

Understanding Fees

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