Receiving an inheritance is both an honor and a responsibility, and Northwest Iowa probate and trust administration lawyers constantly see individuals who are just not ready to take that on appropriately. The temptation to simply spend away an inheritance as “bonus” money can be strong, but there are a whole lot of very practical means by which to manage the funds for your own future. [Read More]
Every family has its own approach when it comes to talking about financial and legal information. However, families who are at the estate planning phase should be having at least some superficial conversations about these topics, as there is significant information which needs to be shared just to make the estate plan work smoothly. [Read More]
Choosing children as heirs to your inheritance makes sense. After all, most people want their life’s hard work to go toward the betterment of their children’s lives. Due to age differences, children will usually outlive their parents, as well. But, what happens when you outlive an heir? What becomes of the inheritance you wanted to be passed on to him or her?[Read More]
An essential part of business success is the development of achievable goals and implementing them, often on a schedule. So, even though I don’t need the new year in order to start or change a habit, I’ve settled on two main goals for The Huizenga Law Firm in 2015: increased productivity and increased giving. [Read More]
Two possible scenarios play out when someone dies with debt. Both require the effort of the Personal Representative (or executor) and are based on the assets in your estate. [Read More]
Elder lawyers in Northwest Iowa work not just with older clients, but also with their caregivers. Unfortunately, there are some legal issues which arise – caused by people who see the elderly as targets or victims – and often the caregiver is left to pick up the pieces.
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Why should a single person work with a will and trust attorney in Northwest Iowa? The answer is simple: if you don’t plan, then if you have a medical emergency or pass away, the state will step in and impose its own plan on your body and your assets. [Read More]
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]
A standard estate plan deals with the real-world assets you own. Your house. Your car. Your bank accounts. Often, though, the standard estate plan doesn’t account for your digital assets. “I’m not a computer nerd,” you say. “I don’t have a digital estate.” But that’s not entirely true. [Read More]
