West Des Moines Probate Lawyer

Probate is the legal process of transferring the assets of a deceased person to their heirs and beneficiaries of their will. In Iowa, every estate must pass through probate, whether the person writes a will or not. If you have a question about probate for your own estate planning decisions or if you recently lost a family member and aren’t sure what your next steps are (including whether you have to go through probate), an experienced West Des Moines, IA, probate lawyer can help you.

Perhaps you have been named as an executor of a will and aren’t sure what your responsibilities are. An attorney from the Law Group of Iowa can explain the fiduciary duties of the executor. Or maybe you were named as the estate administrator for a family member who dies intestate or without a will. We can guide you through this process, as well. For all your probate questions, call our offices for answers.

What Does A West Des Moines Probate Lawyer Do?

Our attorneys offer comprehensive probate-related services, explaining the legal steps of probating an estate in Iowa and offering guidance during your estate planning to help you avoid probate. We work with you to achieve your goals and preserve as much of the assets of the deceased as possible for their heirs. We can help you with matters such as:

• Locating, identifying, and properly valuing assets belonging to the deceased person, including bank accounts. Life insurance policies, contents of safety deposit boxes, and their personal property. Our firm uses expert assessors and, if necessary, forensic accountants to develop a full picture of the extent of the deceased’s person’s estate.
• We oversee the asset appraisal process and verify that each assessment is accurate. We also verify the legitimacy of independent appraisals that may have been among your loved one’s estate planning documents.
• Ensuring that all the property belonging to the estate is accounted for. We can also provide asset management services during the probate process, as long afterward as you wish.
• Collecting life insurance policies and managing these details, including searching for outstanding policies from a former employer.
• Drafting and filing any legal documents or motions required to move the estate through probate.
• Maintaining a proper accounting of all transactions enacted by the estate administrator or executor of the will.
• Evaluating the merits of debts owed by the estate and reviewing each creditor petition for accuracy and eligibility.
• Preparing the estate’s tax returns in each year it’s required for them to be filed.

We ensure that the remainder of the estate’s assets are distributed according to the terms of the will. If your family member dies without a will, we can ensure that the assets pass correctly to the heirs of the deceased, according to Iowa inheritance laws.

Solid Legal Advice For All Iowa Probate Concerns

If you need guidance through the probate process, whether you were named as the estate’s admin attorneys at or by an Iowa probate court, the attorneys at Law Group of Iowa can help you. We offer sound legal advice and answer all your questions about Iowa probate. Contact our firm today for a s of Iowa probate. Contact our firm today for a consultation with a professional West Des Moines probate lawyer.

When a loved one passes away, there’s an entire process to deal with before property and assets can be transferred. Your West Des Moines, IA probate lawyer can walk you through your next steps. At Law Group of Iowa, we’ve been helping our clients with estate planning and probate for over 15 years. We’re ready to help you, next. Read on to see the services we offer, and contact an executor lawyer from our team to get started.

Formal Probate Administration

Formal probate involves court supervision from start to finish. We assist with preparing required filings, managing deadlines, and communicating with the court and interested parties. This process is commonly required for larger estates or situations involving disputes.

Informal Probate Administration

Some estates qualify for informal probate, which involves fewer court appearances and streamlined procedures. We help determine eligibility and handle the necessary filings so the estate can proceed efficiently while still complying with Iowa law.

Will Validation And Interpretation

We review wills to confirm they meet legal standards and help clarify how specific instructions should be applied. Clear interpretation can reduce confusion and limit disagreements among beneficiaries during administration.

Executor And Personal Representative Guidance

Serving as an executor or personal representative comes with legal duties and responsibilities. As your West Des Moines probate lawyers, we’ll assist with tasks such as gathering estate assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property according to the will or state rules.

Intestate Estate Administration

When someone passes away without a will, Iowa law determines who inherits the estate. We guide families through this process and handle the court requirements involved in administering an intestate estate.

Creditor Claims And Debt Matters

Estates must address valid debts before distributions are made. We assist with reviewing creditor claims, responding within required timeframes, and resolving disputes over questionable or improper claims.

Probate Asset Review

Not all assets are subject to probate. We help identify which property must pass through the probate process and which assets may transfer outside of court, such as jointly owned property or beneficiary-designated accounts.

Beneficiary Disputes

Disagreements can arise over distributions, estate management, or fiduciary conduct. Your estate settlement lawyer can address these disputes through communication, negotiation, or court involvement when necessary.

Will Contests

In certain cases, family members challenge the validity of a will due to concerns like undue influence or lack of capacity. We assist clients involved in will contests, whether they are raising concerns or defending the document.

Small Estate Administration

Iowa allows simplified procedures for estates that meet certain value limits. We help determine whether an estate qualifies and prepare the documentation needed to complete the process properly.

Trust And Probate Coordination

When a trust is involved alongside a probate estate, coordination is often required. Your estate executor lawyer can help with aligning trust administration and probate proceedings to keep asset transfers organized and consistent with governing documents.

Contact Us Today

Probate matters can involve many moving parts, and no two estates are exactly alike. At Law Group of Iowa, we focus on providing practical guidance tailored to each situation. We also offer a wide range of estate planning services, such as wills, trusts, and advanced medical directives. If you have questions about probate services or need help managing an estate, get in touch with a West Des Moines probate lawyer from our team today.