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WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF LAW PRACTICE IN WISCONSIN COURTS

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WHO WE ARE

The Estate Planning Center of Wisconsin

Attorney John Horn is a co-founder of Horn & Johnsen SC and one of Wisconsin’s most respected estate planning attorneys with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families protect what matters most.

He focuses on creating clear, practical, and reliable trust and will strategies that are tailored to real-life situations, not theoretical legal models. His clients come to him for solutions that work in practice, not for overcomplicated legal structures or unnecessary documents.
John Horn is widely known for his strategic thinking, straightforward guidance, and consistent 5-star client reviews. He takes the time to explain complex legal topics in plain language, so clients always understand their options and feel confident in their decisions. His goal is simple: make estate planning understandable, effective, and truly useful for real families.
About John Horn
About Dera Johnsen-Tracy

STRATEGIC LEGAL

SERVICES

At Horn & Johnsen SC, we provide comprehensive legal planning designed to protect your assets, your family, and your future. Our focused practice areas ensure that every stage of life and business is supported with clear, practical legal solutions tailored to Wisconsin law.

Estate Planning

Comprehensive estate planning services including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced directives. We help individuals and families create clear and effective plans that ensure their wishes are honored and their assets are properly protected.
Our attorneys work closely with clients to structure estate plans that reduce the need for court involvement, minimize potential tax burdens, and provide long-term security for loved ones. Through thoughtful planning, we help families maintain control over their financial future while creating a smooth transition of assets for the next generation.
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Probate

Experienced legal guidance through every stage of the Wisconsin probate process – from filing required documents and handling court procedures to the final distribution of assets. We help families manage the legal responsibilities that arise after the loss of a loved one while ensuring the estate is administered properly under state law.
Our attorneys assist with validating wills, identifying and valuing estate assets, resolving debts, and transferring property to beneficiaries. Whether an estate includes a valid will, no will at all, or assets held in trust, we guide families through the probate process efficiently while reducing legal complications during a difficult time.

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Guardianship

Dedicated representation in adult guardianship and conservatorship matters to protect individuals who cannot make informed medical or financial decisions. We help families establish the proper legal authority through the Wisconsin court system with care and professionalism.
When a loved one becomes unable to manage personal, healthcare, or financial responsibilities due to illness, disability, or injury, guardianship may be necessary. Our attorneys guide families through the legal process while helping ensure important decisions are made in the individual’s best interests.
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Medicaid Planning

Strategic Medicaid and long-term care planning focused on protecting assets while helping clients qualify for benefits. We help families preserve their wealth and prepare for nursing home or assisted-living costs, navigating Wisconsin’s complex Medicaid rules with a proactive, compliant approach. By planning ahead, clients can safeguard important assets, maintain some control over their trust, and ensure benefits are available when needed.

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Wills

Clear legal guidance in drafting wills to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are protected. We help individuals and families create legally sound documents that reflect their intentions and comply with Wisconsin law.
A properly prepared will allows you to designate beneficiaries, appoint guardians for minor children, and outline how property should be handled after death. Our attorneys work closely with clients to create wills that provide clarity, minimize potential disputes, and support a smooth transition for the next generation.
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Trusts

Strategic trust planning designed to protect assets, simplify estate administration, and provide long-term financial security for beneficiaries. We help clients establish trust structures tailored to their family goals and financial circumstances.
Trusts can help avoid probate, manage assets during incapacity, and provide controlled distribution of wealth over time. Our attorneys explain available options and guide clients through selecting and establishing the right type of trust for their estate plan.
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Special Needs Trusts

Compassionate legal planning for families caring for individuals with disabilities through the creation of Special Needs Trusts. We help ensure that loved ones receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for essential government benefits.
These trusts are designed to supplement, not replace, public assistance programs such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Our attorneys assist families in establishing trusts that provide long-term stability while protecting access to critical support services.
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LGBTQ

Inclusive estate planning services that address the unique legal and family considerations of LGBTQ individuals and couples. We work to ensure that partners, spouses, and chosen family members are properly protected under Wisconsin law.
Thoughtful planning can help avoid legal complications involving healthcare decisions, inheritance rights, and guardianship matters. Our attorneys help LGBTQ clients create clear legal documents that reflect their relationships, protect their assets, and secure their wishes for the future.
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TRUSTED EXPERIENCE

Matters

For more than three decades, our firm has built a reputation for knowledgeable guidance, practical legal strategies, and long-term client relationships throughout Southern Wisconsin. We combine experience, education, and community commitment to deliver estate planning done right.

Serving Southern
Wisconsin since 1991

Providing trusted estate planning and probate services to Madison-area families for over 30 years.

Attorneys Who
Teach Nationally

Our attorneys educate other lawyers at national conferences and professional seminars.

Published Estate
Planning Authors

Published authors on estate planning and probate topics with a strong educational foundation.

Recognized by
Peers & Clients

Highly rated by clients and recognized through professional peer-review distinctions.

Madison-Based
Legal Team

Local attorneys who understand Wisconsin law and the needs of the Madison community.

EXPERIENCED LEGAL

Leadership

For more than three decades, our firm has built a reputation for knowledgeable guidance, practical legal strategies, and long-term client relationships throughout Southern Wisconsin. We combine experience, education, and community commitment to deliver estate planning done right.

Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy

Award-winning estate planning and guardianship attorney. Frequent conference speaker. Wisconsin Rising Stars honoree.
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John Horn

30+ years estate planning experience. Published author. Former Judicial Court Commissioner.
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CLIENT TRUST

Matters

The relationships we build with our clients are the foundation of our practice. Families throughout Madison and Southern Wisconsin consistently share their experiences of clear guidance, professionalism, and thoughtful estate planning support.
"Your friendly, thorough and professional manner was greatly appreciated when working with you. And now, your firm’s stature only grows as we continue to benefit from your advice and preparations on our family’s behalf. Thanks again, and again, for the huge difference you made for my family!"
~S.H.
"Trusts do not seem so scary now after you explained it so well to us!"
~T.E.
"Thank you for all of your help in setting up my trust. You truly did a great job of making me feel comfortable and helping me understand some of the legal aspects that had me a bit perplexed."
~P.S.
"Thank you so much for your time, and especially your patience, with our estate planning. It was greatly appreciated!"
~T.B.
"Thank you for all of your help in putting together my estate plan. It was a pleasure working with you. You made it all so easy! Thanks again!"
~T.K.
"As an estate planning attorney Dera’s attention to details makes it so that she never misses anything. Nothing gets by her. This does nothing but to help her clients. She offers wonderful services like seminars to help people understand the basics of trusts and wills. Dera is very knowledgeable and truly cares about each and every one of her clients as thought they were her family. Not only am I a client, but I gladly recommend her to all of my clients."
~R.M.

LEGAL EDUCATION

First

We believe effective estate planning begins with understanding. Our attorneys regularly speak at conferences, teach other legal professionals, and provide educational workshops throughout Wisconsin to help individuals and families make informed decisions.

Schedule a Consultation

Connect with Our Legal Team to Meet with an Attorney

Our attorneys at Horn & Johnsen SC bring decades of combined experience in estate planning, probate, guardianship, and asset protection. Whether you are planning for the future, navigating probate, or addressing long-term care concerns, our team is committed to providing clear, practical, and client-focused guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

Sarah Assists:
Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy
Call 608-829-2218
Samantha Assists:
John Horn
Call 608-829-2218