Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Underwood Legal, LLC is a solo attorney firm focused exclusively on estate planning, probate, and related legal matters. Matt Underwood, the founding attorney, has been practicing law since 2012 and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families protect their assets, plan for the future, and navigate the probate process with confidence.

With a strong background in estate planning and estate administration, Matt Underwood takes a personalized approach to every client’s legal needs. He understands that estate planning is not just about documents—it’s about providing peace of mind and ensuring that your wishes are carried out smoothly.

To learn more about Matt Underwood, his experience, and his approach to estate planning, visit our About Us page or contact us to schedule a consultation.

To make the most of your consultation, we recommend bringing the following documents, if available:

For Estate Planning Clients:

✅ Current Estate Planning Documents – If you have an existing will, trust, power of attorney, or advance directive, bring copies for review. ✅ List of Assets & Liabilities – A summary of your real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and debts to help structure your estate plan. ✅ Life Insurance & Beneficiary Designations – Copies of policies or beneficiary forms for life insurance and retirement accounts. ✅ List of Key People – Names and contact information for potential executors, trustees, guardians, and power of attorney agents. ✅ Business Ownership Documents – If you own a business, bring operating agreements, buy-sell agreements, or succession planning documents.

For Probate & Estate Administration Clients:

✅ Death Certificate – A certified copy if available. ✅ Last Will & Testament – If the deceased had a will, bring the original or a copy. ✅ Trust Documents – If a trust was created, bring copies for review. ✅ Financial Statements & Asset Information – Recent statements from banks, investment accounts, retirement funds, and real estate records. ✅ Debts & Bills of the Estate – A list of outstanding debts, final expenses, and any creditor notices.

For Business Clients (Formation, Succession, or Legal Advising):

✅ Business Formation Documents – If applicable, bring your LLC operating agreement, articles of incorporation, or partnership agreements. ✅ Ownership & Succession Plans – Any existing buy-sell agreements, shareholder agreements, or succession planning documents. ✅ Financial Statements & Tax Returns – Recent profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and business tax returns can be helpful. ✅ Contracts & Legal Agreements – Copies of key contracts, leases, vendor agreements, or employee agreements. ✅ Liability & Insurance Policies – Bring any business insurance policies relevant to succession or asset protection.

If you’re unsure whether a document is relevant, feel free to bring what you have, and we can help determine what’s necessary. If you don’t have all the documents available, don’t worry—we can still move forward and guide you through the next steps.

Yes, we offer virtual consultations and meetings for clients. We can connect via phone or video conferencing to discuss your legal needs. If you prefer a virtual appointment, please contact us to schedule a time that works best for you.

You can read reviews from our former clients on Google Reviews, Avvo, and Facebook (insert actual links if applicable).

We take pride in providing personalized, client-focused legal services, and we encourage you to see what others have said about their experience working with us.

If you'd like to hear more about how we can assist you, feel free to schedule a consultation—we’d be happy to help.

Yes! We regularly host estate planning seminars and workshops to educate individuals, families, and professionals on the importance of proper planning. Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, from wills and trusts to probate avoidance, Medicaid planning, and asset protection strategies.

Request a Private Workshop

In addition to our public seminars, we offer customized private workshops for financial advisors, accountants, attorneys, real estate professionals, business owners, and community organizations. These sessions are designed to provide industry-specific insights that help professionals better serve their clients and members.

We are available to present at: ✅ Financial advisor and wealth management offices ✅ Accounting firms and tax planning groups ✅ Divorce attorney and family law firms ✅ Real estate agencies and mortgage firms ✅ Senior living communities and caregiver organizations ✅ Business networking groups and chambers of commerce ✅ Churches, nonprofits, and community clubs

Estate Planning Topics We Cover

We tailor our workshops to the audience’s interests and needs. Some popular topics include:

• Wills vs. Trusts – Which one is right for you?

• How to Avoid Probate in Wisconsin

• Planning for Long-Term Care & Medicaid Eligibility

• Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs

• Business Succession Planning – Preparing for ownership transitions

• Estate Planning for Blended Families & Second Marriages

• How to Minimize Estate Taxes & Preserve Wealth

• Legal & Financial Planning for Aging Parents

• Special Needs Planning & Wispact Trusts

• Asset Protection Strategies for High-Net-Worth Clients

• What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Wisconsin?

Get in Touch

If you’re interested in attending a seminar or scheduling a private workshop for your group, contact us today to discuss available dates and topics. We’re happy to provide in-person or virtual presentations based on your needs.

We take privacy and security seriously and use advanced case management systems and technology to safeguard your sensitive information. Our security measures include:

• Secure Document Storage – Client files are stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems, ensuring only authorized personnel can view them.

• Data Encryption – Communications and case files are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

• Confidential Communication – We use secure email, encrypted client portals, and protected messaging systems to ensure your sensitive information remains private.

• Strict Access Controls – Only your assigned attorney and necessary legal staff have access to your case information.

• Physical Security Measures – For paper documents, we maintain secure filing systems and dispose of confidential materials securely.

• Remote Security Protocols – For virtual meetings or remote work, we implement multi-factor authentication and use secure cloud-based case management software to protect client information.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the attorney-client relationship. From the moment you consult with us, all communications and information you share are strictly confidential and protected under attorney-client privilege. This means we cannot disclose any details about your case without your consent, except in very limited circumstances required by law.

You can expect a professional, ethical, and client-focused relationship where:

• Your personal and legal matters are handled with discretion and respect.

• We provide honest, clear legal advice tailored to your unique situation.

• We act solely in your best interests, advocating for you every step of the way.

If you have any concerns about privacy or the attorney-client relationship, we are happy to discuss how we protect your information.

We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your legal needs, explain our process, and review potential options. This allows us to determine whether we are a good fit to work together and provide you with a general understanding of possible next steps and costs.

For more detailed legal advice, document reviews, or case-specific strategy discussions, we may recommend scheduling a full consultation, which may be subject to a fee depending on the complexity of the matter.

📞 Interested in a free consultation? Contact us today to schedule your 15-minute call!

Yes, you are welcome to call or email us with quick questions. We strive to be responsive and provide helpful guidance. However, please note that legal advice cannot be given over the phone or via email unless you are a client of the firm. If your question requires a more detailed response or legal analysis, we may recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your situation fully.

To reach us: 📞 Phone: 608-571-4464 📧 Email: info@underwoodlegal.com

If you’re unsure whether a consultation is necessary, feel free to reach out, and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction.

We are located conveniently at 2901 West Beltline Highway, Suite 204, Madison, Wisconsin 53713.

Our office is located in an orange brick building near the Todd Drive exit off of the Beltline Highway.

Parking & Entry:

1. When you turn into the parking lot (first driveway on your left), stay to the right to park on our level for the most direct access.

2. Enter through the main double doors—you’ll already be on the 2nd floor.

3. Walk straight to the back, past the stairs, and turn right. Our office is down that hallway, just past the restrooms.

Additional Parking:

If parking on our level is full, continue to the end of the lot, turn right, and follow the drive up to the upper-level parking area. From there, take the stairs down to the main front doors to enter the building.

Yes, we offer free on-site parking for our clients and visitors. Our parking lot includes designated wheelchair-accessible spaces and customer parking for your convenience. If you need any assistance upon arrival, please feel free to contact our office.

Yes, our office is fully ADA compliant and designed to be accessible for all visitors. We offer step-free entry, automatic doors, and ramps for wheelchair access. Inside, our office building features wide hallways, accessible restrooms, and an elevator for multi-floor access. If you require any specific accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance, and we will be happy to assist you in making your visit as comfortable as possible.

Underwood Legal, LLC has been proudly serving clients in the Madison, Wisconsin area since 2012. Our firm is dedicated to providing experienced, client-focused legal guidance in estate planning, probate, and related legal matters. With a strong commitment to professionalism, personalized service, and in-depth legal knowledge, we have helped countless individuals and families protect their assets and navigate complex legal processes.

If you’d like to learn more about our background and experience, visit our About Us page or contact us to discuss how we can assist you.

Our philosophy is centered on personalized service, clear communication, and compassionate legal guidance. We understand that estate planning and related legal matters are deeply personal, so we take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and tailor solutions to fit your unique needs. Our goal is to provide trusted, client-focused legal counsel that gives you peace of mind and confidence in your future planning. Whether you’re creating an estate plan, navigating probate, or seeking legal advice for your business, we are committed to delivering professional, responsive, and results-driven representation.

Our regular business hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. However, we understand that legal matters don’t always fit into a standard schedule. Evening and weekend appointments may be available upon request. If you need a meeting outside of our regular hours, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Virtual consultations are also available for added flexibility.

The best way to reach us depends on your needs:

• 📞 Phone: If you have a time-sensitive question or need to schedule an appointment, calling us directly is the fastest way to get in touch.

• 📧 Email: Ideal for non-urgent inquiries or if you need to send us documents. We strive to respond as promptly as possible.

• 🖥️ Website Contact Form: If you prefer, you can submit your inquiry through our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you’re unsure which method to use, feel free to call us first, and we’ll guide you from there!

Yes, in addition to your attorney’s direct involvement, our firm has skilled paralegals and support staff who assist with various aspects of your case. This allows us to efficiently manage your legal matter while ensuring you receive high-quality service.

Our paralegals and support team may help with: ✅ Document preparation and filing ✅ Gathering and organizing necessary records ✅ Client communication and scheduling ✅ Assisting with probate administration tasks

However, your attorney remains actively involved in overseeing all legal work and will provide the critical legal advice and strategy for your case. If you ever have questions about who is handling a specific aspect of your matter, we’re happy to clarify and ensure you feel fully informed throughout the process.

Our office is located in an orange brick building. When you enter the parking lot, stay to the right to park on our level. Enter through the main double doors, which will bring you to the second floor. Walk straight to the back, passing the stairs, then turn right. You'll find us down the hallway, just past the restrooms.