Probate is the legal process of validating a decedent’s will and distributing their assets in accordance with Iowa law. If you were appointed as the personal representative for a decedent’s estate in Iowa, it is crucial to understand the duties and responsibilities associated with the role. This blog post will discuss the personal representative’s role and various duties during Iowa’s…
If someone dies in Iowa and leaves a will, the probate court will validate the will and allow the executor to distribute the estate’s assets according to the last will and testament. However, if the decedent died without leaving a valid will, Iowa law deems them to have died intestate. This means that the court must follow intestate succession laws…
Charles Smith’s professional accolades placed him in the top 10% of America’s Most Honored Lawyers in 2022. The American Registry recognized Mr. Smith for his continuous public recognition of excellence. He has been referenced in the press, honored by professional organizations, and praised by his peers and clients. Charles Smith is a partner in law firm of Telpner Peterson Law…
When selling a home, many people choose to forgo the traditional method of working with a realtor. Instead, they are engaging in for sale by owner (FSBO) transactions. This type of transaction eliminates the middleman (the realtor), allowing the buyer and the seller to communicate directly with each other. FSBO has become increasingly attractive for sellers because it allows them…
Bankruptcy and debt settlement can solve the same financial problem. However, determining the most appropriate method to get out of debt can take time and effort. You should understand the differences between the options and consider which can help you reach your goals. Differences Between Bankruptcy and Debt Settlement The primary difference between bankruptcy and debt settlement is the court’s…
Estate planning can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve never made an estate plan before. Creating a plan of this kind requires various legal documents so you can thoroughly safeguard your assets and secure your family’s future. Before you create an estate plan, itemize each asset you own and decide who you want them to transfer to when you die. Below…
Losing a cherished loved one can be crushing. Yet, the law doesn’t wait while you work through your grief. When someone passes away, the next step in the legal process is probate. Probate is the review and administration of the deceased individual’s will or estate. Iowa law mandates that an estate must be closed within a certain period. Probate can…
The prospect of talking to an estate planning attorney can make anyone feel anxious. Addressing your final wishes can be a challenging and sensitive topic. Often, people become overwhelmed simply trying to prepare for an initial meeting with an estate planning attorney. At the Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP, we don’t want the estate planning process to be intimidating. We…
If you recently lost a parent or another close family member, you are probably still dealing with the grief of their passing. But even as you mourn, you might have to deal with probate or the process of satisfying their debts and transferring ownership of their assets. Depending on the size and contents of your loved one’s estate, you might…
Chapter 12 bankruptcy is designed to help family farmers struggling to pay off debt. Like Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Chapter 12 is a type of reorganization bankruptcy. It allows farmers to continue operations and avoid going out of business by restructuring their debts and alleviating the financial pressures that family farmers often face. Filing for Chapter 12 bankruptcy tends to be…