Why Your 18-Year Old Needs an Estate Plan

The law says that your kids magically become adults the day they turn 18. Regardless of their ability to wash a load of laundry or prepare a meal for themselves, our society has decided that their 18th birthday is your kids’ moment of emancipation from the totalitarian regime that is – according to your kid, anyway – your parenting. They’re not done with high school yet, but they’re certainly capable of reading and understanding a residential lease or property disclosure statement. Right? [Read More]

A Young Parent’s Guide to Estate Planning

For many parents, estate planning is primarily about their relationship with their children. But it’s hard to know where to even start thinking through the many decisions you need to make to set up an effective plan. Never fear; we’re here to help! If you’re a young parent (or even if you’re not), read on to find a few thought-provoking … Read More

FAQ: How do I Choose a Guardian for My Child?

One of the most important jobs of an estate planning attorney is to help parents choose the right guardian for their children. This is the person (or people) designated by you to care for your minor children if you should die before they become adults. Working with an estate attorney to choose a guardian gives you a say in the … Read More

Why Should I Work with a Special Needs Planning Attorney in Northwest Iowa?

Parents of children with special needs in Northwest Iowa face a whole extra set of challenges in addition to those of other parents. On top of physical therapy, occupational therapy, IEPs, and any of a million other details, these parents face additional planning needs. That’s where a special needs planning attorney in Northwest Iowa can make a huge difference in these parents’ peace of mind. [Read More]

Northwest Iowa Estate Planning Lawyer Discusses Estate Planning for Women

The needs of women have been changing dramatically over the past several years. Gone are the days when a woman was expected to stay home and live on an “allowance” if her husband chose to give her one. Instead, so many women today have their own jobs, their own finances, and their own desire to protect their assets. In addition, women typically live longer than men. [Read More]

Estate Planning for Single Parents in Northwest Iowa

Single parents tend to work hard for their children. Every day it falls to the single parent to provide just about everything for his or her children, and with 13 million single parent households in the US, there are a whole lot of folks doing their best to provide everything their children need today. So it’s no wonder that those in Northwest Iowa want to protect the children they would leave behind should they be killed or become incapacitated. [Read More]

Do You Know Where Your Children Will Go?

Happy Children

Obviously the choice of a guardian for minor children can be an emotional one. Your children are precious, and your options are limited. But not deciding ahead of time could result in a judge—who doesn’t know you or your kids—choosing the guardian for you. [Read More]