The WiLaw Connection: Quarterly Publication–October 2022
Anne Heche’s Will Contest: A Cautionary Tale
The circumstances involving Anne Heche’s estate are a stark reminder of the uncertainties that may exist following the death of a loved one and the issues that can arise even when someone thinks they have their estate plan in place. When the Emmy Award-winning actress died after a fiery car crash in August 2022, she left behind two sons. After her death, her former partner, James Tupper, the father of the younger of Heche’s sons, came forward with a document—reportedly an email from 2011—that he said names him as the administrator of Heche’s estate.

How Joint Accounts Can Ruin Your Estate Plan
As individuals grow older, they are often inclined to add a child to their financial accounts to assist them with paying bills and managing assets. While this strategy is convenient, it can lead to financial abuse and can also derail estate plans. A joint account is a financial account with one or more owners, who both have rights of survivorship. Upon the death of one owner, the balance of the account passes to the surviving owner without probate, regardless of whether the surviving owner contributed to the account or not.
Understanding Common Notices Individuals Receive from the IRS
Although tax season may end for many individuals after returns are filed on April 15, for others it may be just the beginning. Many people receive a notice from the IRS as they process returns. These communications from the IRS are common and aren’t necessarily a sign of trouble. If you receive a notice, read it carefully, address it promptly, and consider whether you should contact a lawyer.

How Does Life Insurance Work with an Estate Plan?
We must always expect the unexpected. We can be careful and prudent in our daily lives, but there are certain things that are out of our control, like death. In the event of your untimely death, are you able to provide ongoing support to your loved ones and important causes? By securing life insurance and establishing a comprehensive estate plan, you can help protect your family and loved ones and support your charitable causes after your death.
Seventh Circuit Holds That Light Duty Policy Did Not Violate the PDA
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a decision in EEOC v. Wal-Mart Stores East, L.P., holding that Wal-Mart did not discriminate against pregnant employees by reserving temporary light duty positions only for those employees injured on the job. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) commenced its action against Wal-Mart in 2018 by claiming that Wal-Mart’s denial of temporary light duty work to pregnant women violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).

Firm News
The Firm Welcomes Four New Attorneys
We are pleased to announce Attorneys Ryan Riebe, Kerry Dwyer, Sam Nelson, and Nancy Wilson have joined the firm.

Attorney Ryan J. Riebe, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, has joined the Litigation Practice Group. Ryan has experience counseling individuals and businesses in a wide variety of litigation matters in state and federal courts and in mediation and arbitration. He is licensed to practice law in both Wisconsin and California.

Attorney Kerry E. Dwyer, a graduate of Boston College Law School, has re-joined OCHDL. Kerry had previously been with the firm from 2000-2008, working primarily with the Employment Law and Litigation Practice Groups. During her hiatus, she worked as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 insurance company before moving out of the country where she held various positions at international schools. Kerry will join the firm’s Estate and Succession Planning Practice Group where she will assist clients in all matters relating to estate planning, succession planning, and trust administration.

Attorney Samuel D. Nelson, a magna cum laude graduate of Marquette University Law School, will join the firm’s Business Law Practice Group, where he will be assisting clients in a wide variety of business law matters. While in law school, Sam was a research assistant to Dean and Professor Joseph Kearney at Marquette University Law School and a board member for the Marquette University Law Review. He also volunteered for both the Milwaukee Justice Center and the ABA Legal Answers Clinic.

Attorney Nancy L. Wilson, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School will join the firm’s Estate and Succession Planning Practice Group, where she will assist clients in all matters relating to estate planning, succession planning, and trust administration. In addition to her legal experience, Nancy has also served as Chief Operating Officer for a large consumer electronics distributor and Vice President of Operations for a manufacturing company. She has also owned and operated an accounting and consulting business, credit reporting agency, and various retail stores. Nancy’s experience and familiarity with running a business provides her with in-depth knowledge of her business client’s needs.

We are very pleased to add these attorneys to our team.
19 OCHDL Lawyers Selected as 2023 Best Lawyers®;
Another 4 Named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Best Lawyers in America
Jean M. Ansay
Douglas P. Dehler
James G. DeJong
Seth E. Dizard
Peter J. Faust
John G. Gehringer
Joseph E. Gumina
Carl D. Holborn
Dennis W. Hollman
Grant C. Killoran
JB Koenings
Dean P. Laing
Gregory W. Lyons
Patrick G. McBride
Joseph D. Newbold
Chad J. Richter
John R. Schreiber
Jason R. Scoby
Steven J. Slawinski

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Trevor C. Lippman
Erica N. Reib
Kelly M. Spott
Christa D. Wittenberg

Firms included in the 2022 Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
Proud to be a Member of Meritas

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