ANCHOR LAW, LIFE AND LEGACY PLANNING, LLC
anchorestateplanning.com
Areas of Focus: Life and Legacy Planning
Licensed States: Wisconsin
With over two decades of experience in traditional estate planning law firms, John has gained a deep understanding of the common pitfalls and limitations within the conventional approach to estate planning. He observed firsthand how many clients felt disconnected from the process, often leaving with plans they didn’t fully understand or that failed to align with their true intentions or with their true wishes. He saw how estate plans, though legally sound, often left clients feeling disconnected and unsure.
In October 2024, John decided it was time for a transformative shift. He envisioned a new model of estate planning—one that empowers clients to take the lead in designing their future. This new approach ensures that clients not only lead the planning process but also have a clear and thorough understanding of their plan. John's goal is to provide personalized solutions that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of each individual and their family.
One of the qualities that sets John apart is his dedication to educating clients about their options. He takes pride in his ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear, approachable way, ensuring clients have a thorough understanding of the process. John recognizes that most people don’t have extensive legal knowledge, and his patience and strong communication skills enable him to guide clients through the planning process with confidence. He understands that those seeking elder law assistance are often facing emotionally challenging situations, and he approaches his work with compassion and empathy.
John earned his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in pre-law studies from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the National Alliance of Attorneys for Alzheimer’s Planning, and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Additionally, he holds certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT).
Beyond his legal practice, John has gained valuable insights from his diverse career experiences, which have shaped his holistic approach to business and law. He has also given back to his community by offering pro bono legal services to churches and charitable organizations. His strong faith-based upbringing on a family hobby farm in central Indiana instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, which continue to guide his life and work.
John and his wife, Andrea, are proud parents of three children and grandparents to three grandchildren (and counting!). In his free time, John enjoys staying active with hiking, gardening, and cheering on his favorite college basketball team—true to his roots as a lifelong Hoosier.
We begin with a comprehensive inventory of everything you own, and everyone you love, and consider it all in a working meeting, called a Family Wealth Planning Session, to guide you to clarify your financial life and legacy goals before we draft a single document.
We work with you throughout every life stage to map out the most likely scenarios for you and the people you love, planning for each as your life, the law, and your assets change over time.
Our Life & Legacy Planning process ensures everything that matters most -- from your financial assets to your values, insights, stories and experience -- are captured and documented during your life and cared for over the generations to come.
Transparency in our process, and our fees … all of which are flat fees, agreed to in advance, based on your choices and with no surprises, ensuring we stay on the same side of the table - supporting you to make a lifetime of great decisions - every step of the way.
Our systems help you get clear and organized, overcoming the exact issues that keep most estate plans from actually working when they are needed most. We help you leave your family with a gift of love, and not a mess.
One-and-done estate plans focused only on money are a recipe for a big mess. We help you throughout every stage of life and be there for the people you love, when you can’t be.
Complete the form below to reach out and schedule your 15-minute discovery call.