A few weeks ago, we posted on the Wisconsin Master Trust and the smaller operator’s need for legislation. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported this past week that the Association filed a motion with the court seeking to suspend the investment returns promised to consumers. The Association is quoted as having told the court that the
wisconsin funeral directors association
The Wisconsin Settlement Proposal: What is the long term upside?
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Master Trusts
In a post made June 30th, we discussed how the strategy behind the Wisconsin settlement proposal makes sense. But, a significant percentage of funeral homes have yet to sign on to the settlement. In terms of the Master Trust’s liabilities to consumers, funeral homes with 30% of those contracts are holding out. While both the…
Wisconsin: Breaking the Settlement Logjam
By Bill Stalter on
In prior posts we have documented certain similarities between the old IFDA master trust and the Wisconsin master trust, and our Illinois clients have expressed sympathy for their colleagues to the north. But, key differences exist between the two master trusts, and the recent settlement agreement offered to Wisconsin funeral homes is an indication that…
A Peace Offering: Fiducary Partners and the WFDA Receiver
By Bill Stalter on
Fiduciary Partners, the corporate fiduciary for the Wisconsin and Illinois master trusts, broke its silence this week with a statement to the Funeral Service Insider. The statement was made in response to criticisms previously reported by FSI, and reflects the receiver and fiduciary working together to get their “message” out and avoid the kind of…
Checks and Balances: Who has your back?
By Bill Stalter on
In the days that followed the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association being placed into receivership, some of the WFDA’s sister associations were quick to point out they had ‘checks and balances’ that would protect consumers’ funds from the problems that tripped up the Wisconsin Funeral Trust. As we reported in our last post, a crucial ‘check…
Wisconsin: Where is the Love?
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Funeral, Master Trusts
When news of the Wisconsin receivership was made public, I anticipated some signs of support from other state associations. The strength of a professional relationship can be measured by the support given subsequent to a public indictment. But, when that support comes in the form of hackneyed advice, the accused is left to wonder about…