Iowa Probate: Who Pays Mortgages and Utilities While an Estate Is Administered?
Detailed Answer When a person dies and their estate enters probate in Iowa, someone (the personal representative, sometimes called an executor or administrator) takes control of the decedent’s assets and pays valid debts and expenses from estate funds. Iowa’s probate rules and the personal representative’s duties are set out in Iowa Code chapter 633 (Iowa […]
Read article →How to Decide Which Assets to List on an Iowa Small Estate Affidavit
Understanding which assets to list on an Iowa small estate affidavit Short answer: For an Iowa small estate affidavit you normally list the decedent’s personal property that is solely owned by the decedent (and that is collectible without formal probate). Do not list nonprobate assets (assets that pass by beneficiary designation, joint tenancy with right […]
Read article →How to Open an Estate for a Sibling’s House in Iowa When There Is No Will
Detailed Answer This is general information about administering an estate in Iowa. This is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult a licensed Iowa attorney about your specific situation. Do you need to open an estate for your sibling’s house? If your sibling died without a will (intestate) and the house was titled […]
Read article →Iowa: Do Jointly Held Right-of-Survivorship Assets Belong on a Probate Inventory?
How Iowa Probate Works When Assets Pass by Right of Survivorship Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For advice about a specific case, consult a licensed Iowa attorney. Detailed Answer In Iowa, the probate inventory that a personal representative (executor) files with the probate court generally covers only assets that are […]
Read article →How to Find a Missing Parent as Next-of-Kin in Iowa: Probate Steps and Resources
Detailed answer: Steps to locate a missing parent as next-of-kin during Iowa probate Short summary: When you are a next-of-kin trying to locate a missing parent while handling a probate matter in Iowa, combine a targeted records search and investigative steps with the court procedures that address unknown or missing heirs. Iowa probate law requires […]
Read article →Iowa: How to Confirm a Bank Account Is Below the Small‑Estate Limit
Quick checklist: How to confirm a bank account falls below the small‑estate limit in Iowa This FAQ explains, in plain language, how to determine whether a decedent's bank account should be included in the probate estate and how to verify whether its balance falls below the small‑estate threshold so you can consider using Iowa's simplified […]
Read article →Iowa: Using a Small Estate Affidavit to Claim a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account
How to Use a Small Estate Affidavit in Iowa to Claim a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account Short answer: In Iowa you can often use a sworn affidavit to collect small amounts of a decedent’s personal property (like money in a bank account) without formal probate, but you must meet the statutory requirements, follow the bank’s […]
Read article →Do I need to file a federal tax return for an Iowa estate if no distributions were made?
Federal estate and income tax filing when an Iowa estate made no distributions Detailed answer — do you need to file a federal return if the estate made no distributions? Short answer: Possibly — it depends on the type and amount of income the estate generated and whether other filing triggers apply. The two separate […]
Read article →Iowa: Moving Brokerage Account Assets into an Estate Checking Account
What to do when brokerage assets must move into an estate bank account Detailed answer This section explains, in plain language, how brokerage assets are typically moved into an estate checking account under Iowa law and common financial-practice rules. It covers ownership checks, whether probate is needed, practical steps you must take, likely documents the […]
Read article →Iowa: Selling a Co-Owned Property to Cover Funeral and Property Tax Costs
What to know about selling a co-owned property in Iowa to pay funeral and property taxes Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article explains general Iowa legal concepts and common steps people take. This is educational information only and does not constitute legal advice. For help specific to your situation, consult a licensed Iowa […]
Read article →