Taking Over a Deceased Parent’s Mortgage in Iowa: What You Need to Know
Can I keep my late parent’s home and its mortgage in Iowa? Short answer: Possibly — but ownership and mortgage responsibility are separate. You must determine how title to the home transfers, keep paying the loan, and work with the lender. You may need probate or to record proof of survivorship, and you may need […]
Read article →Proving You Are Your Father's Child for Inheritance in Iowa
Detailed Answer — How to prove you are your dad's child for inheritance under Iowa law Short answer: Iowa will recognize you as an heir if legal paternity is established. If your father’s name is not on your birth certificate, you can still prove paternity through a voluntary acknowledgement, a court order (often supported by […]
Read article →How to Protect an Inheritance in Iowa When an Estate Is Contested
Protecting an Inheritance When an Estate Is Contested — Practical Steps Under Iowa Law Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Iowa attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer If someone in your family challenges the probate of an estate or claims a right to some or all of the assets […]
Read article →How to Get Appointed Administrator of an Intestate Estate in Iowa
Getting Appointed Administrator of an Intestate Estate in Iowa Short answer: If your sister died without a will in Iowa, you can ask the county probate court where she lived to appoint an administrator (also called a personal representative). The court will follow Iowa law to determine who has priority to serve, require certain filings […]
Read article →Iowa: What Notices Must Be Sent to Heirs When Opening Probate
Notices to Heirs When Opening Probate in Iowa — FAQ Short answer: When you open probate in Iowa you normally must give notice to the decedent’s heirs and to any named beneficiaries (devisees), notify known creditors, and publish notice to unknown creditors. The exact forms of notice, who must receive them, and the time for […]
Read article →Iowa: Selling a Parent’s Home When a Reverse Mortgage Lender Asks for Renunciation Letters
Detailed Answer Short answer: A reverse mortgage (typically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM) becomes due when the borrower dies. The insurer or servicer can demand payoff before a sale closes. A lender asking for “renunciation letters” is usually trying to confirm who has authority to act, who will not claim occupancy, or which […]
Read article →Iowa: Steps to Take When an Uncle Refuses to Sign a Renunciation for Personal Representative Appointment
Can I Become Personal Representative if an Uncle Refuses to Sign a Renunciation? Clear, practical steps under Iowa law to move forward when a named person won’t renounce appointment. Detailed Answer Short answer: Yes — you usually have practical options if your uncle refuses to sign a renunciation. Iowa courts will not let a single […]
Read article →Iowa: How to Include an Out‑of‑State House in Your Will
Including a House Located in Another State When You Make a Will in Iowa Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in Iowa and in the state where the house is located. Detailed Answer Yes — you can name […]
Read article →Iowa — First Step to Verify Legal Ownership of a Portion of Your Grandfather’s Land
How to start confirming who legally owns a portion of land your grandfather owned (Iowa) Detailed Answer When you first try to determine who legally owns a piece of land that once belonged to your grandfather in Iowa, take a methodical, document-first approach. The single best first step is to run a chain-of-title check at […]
Read article →Iowa — What Happens to Jointly Held Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How Iowa law treats jointly held bank accounts and property when someone dies without a will Not legal advice. This article explains general Iowa law and common outcomes — speak with a licensed Iowa attorney about your specific situation. Detailed answer — overview of what happens in Iowa When a person dies without a will […]
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