A payable-on-death (POD) designation is a seamless way to transfer an asset without probate and is straightforward to implement.

Yes, having a will is beneficial in almost every circumstance. We may seem biased because we are in the business of preparing Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney.

The requirement of probate in Iowa stems from how the asset is owned and how it transfers by law. Real estate is an asset that requires probate to transfer or be sold if there is not a surviving joint owner.

A decision about organ donation is unique to each individual. The thought of organ donation can create so much indecision that you don’t make a decision at all. Your initial instinct about organ donation is what you should do.

“My kids will do the right thing.” This statement is an ingredient for a recipe of headaches and bad blood between your children. When assets are unequally distributed under law, trusting your adult children to “make it right” is a risk you should avoid and can avoid.

Promises and conversations that are not in the Will are not legally enforceable and a recent Iowa Court of Appeals case confirms it in The Estate of Delores Todd.

Take a minute and congratulate yourself for having a Last Will and Testament. You have completed an emotional and financial investment to leave clear instructions for your family after your death. That is a hard journey and is one to celebrate.

Should I store my Will in a Safety Deposit Box?

Divorce is a difficult process. The last thing you want to think about it updating your estate plan. Lack of information is a common reason for inaction. See my checklist below on being prepared for every situation.

People need a Will much sooner in life than they realize. Specifically if they want certain people or organizations to be the beneficiaries of their assets. Conversations about your wishes are not legally enforceable without a Will. Or your transfer of assets may not be set up to occur the way you intend.

In life, there are opportunities to punt or go for the first down. Early in my practice of estate planning, I often saw individuals who started the will drafting process but would continually punt and not finalize the will. Ad hoc questions would be sent in 3-4 separate e-mails or the person would not commit to a signing date once the will was final. In Iowa, a will that is not signed is as useful as no will at all.

As a parent, spare time is for sleeping. But as you lie down, the lists start running through your head of “should do this” and “need to do that”. Every so often, the thought of a Last Will and Testament comes to mind. Specifically for the purpose of naming a guardian for your minor children. It is easy to brush off the task because getting a Will requires a self-imposed deadline. Here are a few things to get your estate plan in order and get your estate planning status to “I did do that!”

After you say “I do” there is a combining of lives and of assets. Tangible, personal property is easy to combine because you see it in your home. Intangible property, like financial accounts have their own legal rules about “what is mine is ours” after the marriage ceremony.

A Last Will and Testament is a love letter to your family. It gives instructions for your wishes and can prevent unnecessary expenses for your heirs. Saving money for your heirs may not be something that crossed your mind.

“In probate”. “Outside of probate”. Is probate bad? Where is probate? What does probate mean?

Hope Wood is your legal sherpa for probate to guide you through these questions.

Find out what kind of fees to expect when you hire a probate attorney in Iowa.

A revocable trust can be an essential part of an effective estate plan — one that simplifies affairs for your family and ensures your wishes are carried out.

If you don’t know whether your parent has their assets in order, here are the important documents to talk to them about.

Life is full of change right now. Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are re-evaluating both their personal and professional lives on an unprecedented scale. And every field and industry is responding in unique and innovative ways. That’s true of attorneys, too.

The word "probate" is confusing. And, quite honestly, doesn't sound pretty being said or heard out loud. If I could use a different word, I would. I don't like things to be confusing or intimidating for a person. But unfortunately it is the word we are stuck with. It originated in England so thank your friends across the pond.