Ames Estate Planning Lawyer

Don’t make the mistake of putting off estate planning until it’s too late, and your grieving family members are trying to sort through your assets and settle any debts you owed. Make your wishes known and take the first steps toward building generational wealth with a personalized, comprehensive estate plan created by the attorneys at Law Group of Iowa. Our Ames, IA estate planning lawyer helps individuals and families write wills, grant trusts, and take the right legal steps to protect everything they’ve worked so hard for. Call us today to get started.

Estate Planning Lawyer Ames, IA

Have you thought about who you want to inherit specific property or amounts of money? Maybe you’ve written a will, but you’re not sure if you need other types of legal protection. Our Ames estate planning lawyer can explain how a trust, power of attorney, and other estate planning documents can preserve your assets so there’s more for your heirs and help you take the right steps toward building generational wealth.

Estate planning can help you before you pass away. A trust can help ensure that your children’s education is paid for or provide you with a steady stream of income in your retirement. There are certain estate planning strategies that can reduce your tax liability and improve your position for retirement, including protecting your investments and helping ensure you can qualify for Medicare.

A robust estate plan helps you reach your financial goals and gives you peace of mind, knowing that you and your family are protected, no matter what the future throws at you. As your Ames estate planning lawyer, we start by getting to know you and your goals, including who you need to provide for and any special circumstances you need to consider, such as having children from a prior marriage or needing to take care of a loved one with a disability. We provide you with the pros and cons of different estate planning strategies, ensuring you have accurate, sound information to make informed decisions for your family. As your needs change, we’ll help you update your estate plan to better reflect your new relationships and obligations.

Why Experience Matters When Planning Your Estate

Good estate plans cover all eventualities, from a guardianship for minor children to ensuring that your money doesn’t run out in retirement. Our Ames estate planning lawyer creates the right combination of a will, trust, and power of attorney, plus any other documents you need, so your future and family are secure.

• Three Best Rated Estate Planning Lawyers in Des Moines
• Compassionate estate planning attorney Jason Yates is passionate about community involvement, including administering a small business lending program in Iowa
• Firm founding partner Christopher Johnson is a Certified Civil Trial Specialist – Minnesota State Bar Association

Do you need help creating an estate plan or assistance revising one? Call Law Group of Iowa today for a consultation.

Types Of Estate Planning Services We Offer

Your Ames, IA estate planning lawyer can help you and your family make important decisions about your future. These steps involve creating legal tools that protect assets, providing direction for healthcare and finances, and outlining how property will be distributed. At Law Group of Iowa, we work closely with our clients to create plans that reflect their goals and address their unique situations. We’ve been helping our clients for over 17 years. Now, it’s time to help you. Below are some of the main services we offer to help people prepare for the future. Read on, and contact us today.

Wills

A will is a document that states how a person’s assets will be distributed after their passing. When you create a will with an estate lawyer, you’re able to name guardians for minor children and provide instructions for final arrangements.

Trusts

Trusts can help manage and distribute property during a person’s lifetime and after their passing. Your trust planner can help you protect assets, provide for loved ones, and simplify the transfer of property.

Powers Of Attorney

A power of attorney gives someone the authority to make financial or legal decisions on another person’s behalf. This can be temporary or long-term, depending on the needs of the individual.

Healthcare Directives

Healthcare directives provide guidance about medical care in case a person becomes unable to communicate their wishes. This document helps family members and medical providers know what decisions to make.

Guardianships

Guardianships may be needed when someone is unable to care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Through this process, a responsible person is appointed to make decisions and provide support.

Probate Administration

After someone passes away, their estate often goes through probate. As your probate counselor, we’ll help your family through this process by managing court filings, addressing debts, and distributing assets according to the will or state law.

Asset Protection Strategies

Protecting assets is an important part of estate planning. We assist with strategies designed to safeguard property from future claims, taxes, or other financial risks.

Business Succession Planning

For business owners, planning for the future includes deciding who will take over the company. As your Ames estate planning lawyer, we can help create plans that support a smooth transition and protect the interests of both you and your business.

Charitable Giving Plans

Some clients wish to include charitable organizations in their plans. We assist with structuring gifts and donations so they align with both personal goals and tax considerations.

Updating Estate Plans

Life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can affect an estate plan. We work with clients to review and update their documents so they stay current and effective.

Moving Forward With Confidence

At Law Group of Iowa, we are committed to helping our clients make informed decisions about their future. It’s why we’ve helped countless clients with wills, trusts, asset protection, and more – and all for over 17 years. Estate planning provides peace of mind and clarity for both individuals and families. If you are ready to create or update your plan, contact us today to discuss your options with an Ames estate planning lawyer you can trust.

Common Mistakes People Make With Their Wills

Creating a will is one of the most important steps in planning for the future, yet many people make errors that can cause confusion or disputes later on. A well-written will provides peace of mind and clear direction for your loved ones, and your Ames, IA estate planning lawyer will make sure it’s airtight. At Law Group of Iowa, we have over 17 years of experience with wills, trusts, and more. Here are the five common mistakes we’ve seen people make with their wills:

1. Forgetting To Update The Will

One of the most common mistakes is failing to review and update a will after major life changes. Events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the passing of a loved one can all affect how your assets should be distributed. People often assume their will automatically adjusts to new circumstances, but it doesn’t. Every few years, review your will with your estate lawyer.

2. Leaving Out Important Assets Or Beneficiaries

It’s easy to overlook certain accounts or personal property when writing a will. Some people forget about retirement plans, digital assets, or small but meaningful possessions. Others unintentionally leave someone out, especially when family situations are complicated. Listing all assets and reviewing who you want to inherit them helps avoid confusion and potential disputes among family members later.

3. Using Online Templates Without Legal Review

While online templates may seem convenient, they often don’t meet state-specific legal requirements. What works in one state might not be valid in another. Many of these forms also lack the detail needed for unique family or financial situations. Even a small wording mistake can lead to misunderstandings or make parts of the will invalid. This is why it’s so important to contact an Ames estate planning lawyer.

4. Failing To Name The Right Executor

Choosing an executor is a decision that deserves careful thought. Some people select a close friend or relative without considering whether that person has the time, organization, or impartiality to manage the estate effectively. An executor must handle legal filings, communicate with beneficiaries, and manage financial accounts responsibly. Your will and trust lawyer can help you choose the right person.

5. Not Considering Debts And Taxes

Many people focus only on distributing assets but overlook how debts and taxes will be handled. If debts are left unpaid or taxes aren’t addressed properly, it can create unexpected financial burdens for beneficiaries. Planning ahead for these obligations makes the transition smoother and helps protect the estate’s value. Discuss these matters in advance with your living trust lawyer or estate attorney.

Take The Right Steps Now

Writing a will is more than a formality—it’s a way to protect your loved ones and give them clarity when they need it most. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure your final wishes are carried out the way you intend. At Law Group of Iowa, we help clients with wills, trusts, and a broad range of other estate planning needs. Contact us today, and start planning your future with an Ames estate planning lawyer you can trust.