The beneficiary is what it sounds like: the person who receives the benefit from a trust. [Read More]
Watch Your Language: Trustee
A trustee has legal title to assets subject to certain conditions and requirements that are spelled out in the trust document. [Read More]
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
High Five: 5 Things Your Nursing Home Social Worker Won’t Tell You
At an average of $180 per day in Iowa, paying $60,000 per year for a nursing home is not only likely, but it’s almost guaranteed. Staring that number in the face can make your stress level rise pretty quickly. So, you ask the nursing home social worker for information about applying for Medicaid. Unfortunately, nursing homes are being put in a position where they simply can’t talk to their patients about Medicaid eligibility planning. As a result, there are a few things the nursing home social worker may not tell you. [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]
Things to Consider When It Comes to Special Needs Planning in Iowa
Families who have members with special needs have a variety of concerns that most of the population don’t deal with on a regular basis. Whether you’re traveling to occupational therapy appointments, choosing the most effective medical devices, or contemplating whether to “mainstream” your special needs child, there are so many parts and pieces to keep in mind. For that very reason, you may not have even considered the need to meet with a special needs planning lawyer in Northwest Iowa. [Read More]
Estate Planning for Generation X
GenX-ers are no longer angst-ridden youth trying to figure out where they fit in this world. Instead, they’re adults with real jobs, real retirement plans, life insurance and real health problems. And they’re people who need to do their estate planning. [Read More]
