Taking the pain out of probate
With over 200 cases administered in probate, Hope Wood JD can help you navigate the complicated process, ensuring that you close your loved one’s estate as quickly as possible.
When you lose a loved one, legal and inheritance issues are hardly the first things on your mind. And when complex topics arise, you may not feel emotionally equipped to handle them alone.
Fortunately, we can help you take care of the estate’s legal necessities as painlessly as possible, allowing you to focus on grieving and caring for your loved ones during this difficult time.
With compassion and respect as our guiding values, our goal is to help grieving families in Iowa close their loved ones’ estates with ease and peace of mind.
Probate is a court-supervised procedure for transferring the assets of a deceased person if those assets don’t transfer by law or contract.
Under Iowa law, certain assets must go through probate, including property that was solely owned by the deceased person with no named beneficiary. A few examples include: a house with a single owner, single ownership bank accounts with no payable-on-death certificate, and investment accounts with no named beneficiary.
Probate can be a good thing if there is concern among family members that a will won’t be followed or that real estate may be sold at less than market value.
What You Need to Know
Check out these resources to learn more about the probate process and what to expect if you hire our team.
Executor's Workbook
Executor's Workbook
Complimentary Guide for Probate Clients
Our handy workbook outlines everything an executor or administrator needs to know about the probate process.
When you hire Hope Wood JD, you’ll receive a coil-bound copy of our step-by-step guide in the mail, plus a downloadable PDF.
Learn More About Probate
Blog Posts by Hope Wood, JD
What does probate mean?
Learn about confusing legal terms like “in probate” and “outside probate” and how they might apply to your case.
How long does probate take?
Learn how and when to start the probate process, as well as the deadlines for probate in Iowa.
What is a small estate in Iowa?
Learn what qualifies as a small estate, when probate is required, and how to file an affidavit.
Step 1: Do your research.
Learn about the probate process and get your questions answers. Check out FAQs and blogs on the topic, read client reviews, and find out what to expect.
Step 2: Consider costs.
Many attorneys don’t share the cost of probate until you get the bill. We’re open and upfront about our fees. You will know the cost before you hire us.
Step 3: Complete the intake.
When you’re ready to talk with Hope or Michelle, spend about 15 minutes completing an online intake form with information about the estate. We’ll contact you to set up your first appointment.
“My initial consultation with Hope was amazing and completely different than my previous lawyer encounters. She answered all of my questions competently even though she had not yet been retained for my probate job. And the followup after I signed the fee agreement was amazing also. She has yet to do the job but we are off to a great start and I have no doubt she will complete the task with flying colors. I am so grateful for finding her also amazing, helpful web site. Can't imagine why anyone in Iowa would not hire Hope to do their probate.”
— Sherry E.