Chris J. Mares, Attorney at Hooper Law Office - Appleton, WI

Decades of Estate Planning Expertise in Appleton, Wisconsin

With more than four decades of dedicated legal practice, Attorney Chris J. Mares is one of the most trusted estate planning lawyers in Northeastern Wisconsin. After practicing as Chris J. Mares, S.C. for thirty-five years, he merged his highly regarded practice with Hooper Law Office in 2019 to better serve his loyal clients. Today, from our modern office in Appleton, Attorney Mares continues to provide strategic, comprehensive, and compassionate counsel in the areas of estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate administration. He is dedicated to translating complex Wisconsin tax codes and probate laws into straightforward, easy-to-understand solutions that align perfectly with your family values. Whether you are seeking a living trust attorney or need to find an estate lawyer urgently, Chris J. Mares offers the exceptional advocacy you need to navigate these critical decisions with absolute confidence.

Personalized Wills, Trusts, and Strategic Estate Planning

A well-crafted estate plan is the greatest gift you can leave your family. At Hooper Law Office, we reject one-size-fits-all legal documents. Attorney Chris J. Mares works closely with you to understand your specific financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term goals. Our comprehensive planning services include:

• Drafting customized wills: Formally detailing how your assets will be distributed and naming guardians for minor children.
• Establishing revocable living trusts: Protecting your privacy, managing your assets during your lifetime, and ensuring your estate bypasses the costly Wisconsin probate court system.
• Tax-minimization strategies: Structuring your wealth transfers to minimize state and federal estate taxes, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the maximum possible inheritance.
• Charitable planning: Designing legacy gifts and philanthropic trusts that support your favorite causes while offering substantial tax advantages.

We are dedicated to helping individuals and couples throughout the Fox Cities establish a secure foundation, ensuring your wishes are honored and your assets are preserved.

Strategic Disability Planning and Powers of Attorney

Effective planning is not just about what happens after you are gone; it is also about protecting your autonomy and well-being during your lifetime. In Wisconsin, your spouse or next of kin does not have the automatic legal authority to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated. To avoid expensive and stressful court-supervised guardianship proceedings, Chris J. Mares helps clients implement robust powers of attorney, including:

• Durable financial powers of attorney: Designating a trusted agent to pay bills, manage real estate, and handle financial transactions on your behalf in an emergency.
• Healthcare powers of attorney: Appointing an advocate to make critical medical decisions in line with your personal preferences.
• Living wills and healthcare directives: Outlining your specific wishes regarding end-of-life care and life-sustaining medical procedures.

By taking these proactive steps today, you ensure that you remain in control of your medical and financial destiny, no matter what tomorrow holds.

Streamlined Probate and Estate Administration

The loss of a loved one is an emotionally trying experience, and the added burden of managing their estate can quickly become overwhelming. Attorney Chris J. Mares provides compassionate, full-service probate and trust settlement services in Appleton. We assist personal representatives and trustees in fulfilling their legal duties, which include inventorying estate assets, settling outstanding creditor claims, filing required inheritance tax returns, and distributing assets to beneficiaries in strict compliance with Wisconsin law. If disputes arise among heirs, we offer steady, expert counsel to resolve conflicts efficiently and amicably, protecting the harmony of your family. Schedule your free consultation today to speak with Chris J. Mares and safeguard your family legacy.