Estate Planning in Iowa | IA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

Iowa: Do You Have to Attend Court for a Minor’s Settlement — What to Expect

Short answer You usually must get court approval before finalizing a settlement that releases a minor’s claim in Iowa. A court hearing is commonly part of that approval process. At the hearing the judge will review the terms to protect the minor’s best interests, approve or reduce attorney fees, and decide how settlement funds are […]

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Iowa: Guardian ad Litem Role in Minor Injury Settlements and Who May Serve

Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney or contact the court. Detailed answer When a minor has a personal-injury claim (for example, a child injured in a car crash or at school), the court often requires extra protections before any settlement or release […]

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Iowa: How Lump‑Sum Personal Injury Settlement Negotiations Work

Detailed Answer This section explains, in plain language, how negotiation for a lump‑sum personal injury settlement typically works in Iowa. It covers the steps from initial demand through final disbursement and highlights Iowa‑specific legal considerations you should know before deciding whether to accept an offer. This is educational information only and not legal advice. 1. […]

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Iowa: Steps to Take When an Insurance Company Says Their Offer Is Final

What to do when an Iowa insurer says the settlement offer is final Not legal advice. This article explains common options and steps under Iowa law; consult a licensed Iowa attorney for advice about your situation. Detailed answer — clear steps to protect your rights When an insurance company tells you its offer is "final," […]

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Iowa — How to Get All Owners to Approve a Realtor Before Marketing

Getting Everyone to Approve the Listing Agent: Practical Steps for Iowa Property Owners Disclaimer This is educational information only and not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Consult a licensed Iowa attorney for legal advice about your specific situation. Detailed answer — clear steps to secure unanimous approval before marketing When more […]

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Iowa: What to Do When a Relative Refuses to Turn Over the Original Will

How to get a will before probate when someone is refusing to turn over the original Detailed Answer When someone withholds the original will, Iowa probate law still gives you tools to get the will before the court and to protect the estate. Below is a step-by-step explanation of what usually happens and what you […]

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Iowa: Life Estate Holder Obligations to Repair and Maintain Property

Understanding a Life Estate: Duties to Repair and Care for Property in Iowa This article explains what someone who holds a life estate in Iowa normally must do to repair, maintain, and otherwise care for the property. It summarizes common-law duties as applied in Iowa, shows typical examples, and offers practical tips for life tenants […]

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Iowa — Handling a Full and Final Insurance Settlement When You Still Need Treatment

Detailed answer: How to respond when an insurer offers a "full and final" settlement but you still need more treatment Short version: A "full and final" settlement usually means you sign a release that gives up the right to pursue more money later. In Iowa, releases and settlement contracts are enforceable as contracts. If you […]

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Iowa: Evidence Needed to Challenge a Will for Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity

Proving Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity in Iowa Probate Disputes Purpose: This FAQ-style guide explains the kinds of evidence that commonly matter when a person challenges a will in Iowa on grounds of undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed answer — how courts […]

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What Happens After You File an Insurance Claim in Iowa

What Happens After You File an Insurance Claim in Iowa Short answer: After you submit a claim the insurer usually acknowledges receipt, assigns an adjuster, investigates coverage and damages, requests any missing documentation, and then either pays, offers a settlement, or denies the claim. If you disagree with the insurer’s decision you can dispute it, […]

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