Iowa: Expenses Executors Can Reimburse for Maintaining Estate Property Before Sale
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. It explains how many Iowa estates handle property maintenance costs before a sale. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed Iowa attorney. Detailed Answer When someone dies and leaves real property, the person administering the estate (the personal representative, executor, or administrator) often must maintain the property until […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Iowa
Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney or the Iowa district court where the decedent lived. Short answer To be appointed as an administrator (or co-administrator) of an estate in Iowa you normally: identify whether a will exists and who is named executor; […]
Read article →Iowa — Can Wills and Beneficiary Designations Keep My Family Out of Probate?
How to keep assets out of probate in Iowa: wills vs. beneficiary designations (FAQ) Short answer: A will alone will not keep assets out of probate. In Iowa, beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts), payable‑on‑death (POD) or transfer‑on‑death (TOD) arrangements for financial accounts, joint‑owner rights with survivorship, and properly funded trusts are the common ways […]
Read article →How to Verify an Original Will in Iowa
Detailed Answer: How to confirm a will is the original under Iowa law This page explains, in plain language, how to tell whether a document you received is the original will (the one a probate court will normally require) or merely a copy. It explains what Iowa courts expect, practical steps to verify authenticity, and […]
Read article →How to Buy Out Siblings’ Interests in Property in Iowa
Buying Out Co-Owners of an Inherited or Shared Property in Iowa: A Step-by-Step FAQ Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Iowa attorney for advice about your specific situation. Detailed Answer When multiple family members have ownership interests in real property and one person wants to […]
Read article →Iowa: How to Buy Out Siblings’ Shares of a Parent’s House Instead of a Probate Sale
Can I buy out my siblings’ shares of our parent’s Iowa house instead of selling it through probate? Short answer: Often yes — but the route depends on how the property was titled, whether a will exists, whether formal probate is required under Iowa law, and whether your siblings agree. You will typically need a […]
Read article →Iowa: Can an Estate Recover Money an Heir Withdrew from a Deceased Parent’s Bank or Credit Card Accounts?
Detailed Answer — What Happens If an Heir Withdraws Money from a Deceased Parent’s Bank or Credit Cards in Iowa? Short answer: In Iowa, money or charges taken from a deceased person’s accounts after death usually belong to the estate, not to an heir. The estate’s personal representative (executor or administrator) can usually recover funds […]
Read article →Iowa: Appointing a Guardian ad Litem for Minor Heirs Before Selling Inherited Land
Can a court appoint a guardian ad litem for minor heirs before an inherited land sale in Iowa? Not legal advice. This article explains general Iowa procedures and should not replace consulting a lawyer about your specific situation. Short answer Yes. If minor children (or other incapacitated persons) have an ownership interest in land that […]
Read article →Selling an Inherited Home in Iowa When Co-Owners Include Minors: Court Approval Steps
Overview If a house was inherited by multiple co-owners and some of those co-owners are minors, a court typically must approve the sale before the property can be transferred. The court’s role protects the minor owners’ financial interests. The following explains the common steps under Iowa practice, the likely documents and hearings involved, and practical […]
Read article →Filing a Year's Allowance Petition in Iowa: What to Include
Filing a Year's Allowance Petition in Iowa: What to Include Disclaimer: This is general information about Iowa probate procedures and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Iowa attorney for advice about your specific situation. Detailed answer — what a year's allowance is and who can ask for it A "year's allowance" (sometimes called "year's […]
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