Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Attorney

Caring, Honest & Professional Service in Iowa

At Howes Law Firm, P.C., our accomplished legal team has decades of experience guiding clients through the Iowa estate planning process.

What is Estate Planning?

In summary, estate planning is making a plan that names the people or organizations you want to receive the things you own after you die by taking steps now to make carrying out your plan as easy as possible later. Proper estate planning ensures that your affairs have been put in order and will be handled according to your wishes upon your passing or incapacitation. Additionally, your estate will be maximized for the benefit of your loved ones once you are gone.

Call our Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Lawyers

Estate planning is an important process that everyone should complete regardless of wealth or age. The Cedar Rapids estate planning attorneys at Howes Law Firm, P.C. can help you take advantage of helpful estate planning tools to provide for your family and ensure a bright future for your loved ones.

Call us at (319) 264-2922 or through our online contact form. Arrange for a FREE half-hour initial consultation with an estate planning attorney in Cedar Rapids.

Estate Planning Tools & Methods

Why is estate planning important? Without proper planning, your end-of-life wishes will not be known. The property and assets you spent a lifetime acquiring could be in jeopardy, hanging in the balance for Iowa probate court to divide.

At Howes Law Firm, P.C., our lawyers help individuals and families take advantage of estate planning tools such as:

• A last will and testament
• A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, that details what type of medical care interventions you want or do not want should you become unable to express your wishes
• Revocable and irrevocable trusts, into which your assets are transferred and handled according to your instructions
• Durable Power of Attorney for both medical and financial decisions, in which you authorize someone to act in your place should you become incapacitated
• Declaration of designee for disposition of remains, in which you name someone to make decisions as to how your remains will be handled as well as the type of ceremonies involved
• Guardianships and conservatorships

How To Make A Will In Iowa

To make a will in Iowa, you need to follow these general steps:

• Determine your intentions: Decide how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. Consider who you want to name as beneficiaries, guardians for minor children, and an executor to carry out your wishes.
• Meet the requirements: Ensure that you meet the legal requirements for creating a valid will in Iowa. The requirements include being at least 18 years old and of sound mind. It's also important to have the will in writing.
• Document your wishes: Write down your wishes clearly and specifically. Include details about which assets go to which beneficiaries and any specific conditions or instructions you may have.
• Name an executor: Choose someone you trust to be the executor of your will. The executor will be responsible for managing your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to your wishes.
• Sign the will: Sign the will in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries named in the will. The witnesses should also sign the will to confirm its validity. Note that Iowa law does not require notarization for wills, but it can be helpful to have your will notarized to avoid potential challenges in the future.
• Keep the will safe: Store your original signed and witnessed will in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box or with your attorney. Inform your loved ones and the executor about the location of the will.

While it is possible to create a will on your own, it's recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced estate attorney in Cedar Rapids, IA at Howes Law Firm, P.C.. We can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, ensure that your will complies with Iowa laws, and address any complexities or considerations that may arise.

Consulting with an attorney can help ensure that your will accurately reflects your wishes and provides clear instructions for your loved ones. We can also assist with other estate planning documents, such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives, to create a comprehensive plan that protects your interests and provides peace of mind. Get in touch with an Iowa estate planning lawyer today.

Contact a Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Attorney Today

We also provide legal representation for additional matters such as trust and estate administration, probate, estate and income tax planning, long-term care planning, and estate dispute resolution and litigation. Our firm has built a solid reputation in Cedar Rapids for thorough, sensitive, and trusted professionalism in all estate planning matters.

Call our Cedar Rapids estate planning lawyers at (319) 264-2922 to get set up a free half-hour initial consultation. We are ready to answer your questions.