Not just anybody can administer wills and trusts in Iowa; there is a certain level of responsibility that goes with this position. It is therefore very important that you choose somebody trustworthy to administer any trust you create. Although many people will feel honored to be chosen as trustee, the job can be quite burdensome, so we always recommend to clients and potential clients that any trustee they are considering be asked in advance. Don’t you want to make sure your

If you are young (I am 46 and still feel young), you may be delaying your estate plan because you feel invincible and estate plans are for people much older than you. Commit to break out of this thinking. An estate plan is important for everyone and the steps are straight forward. We can help you start an estate plan and put you on solid foundation. Assets that people of our generation and younger often overlook are “digital assets.” This would include your social media accou

There are few more important endeavors we undertake as we age then properly planning our estate, and in doing so, it is very important to pick the right attorney. But how do you know who the best estate planning attorney for your needs is? What is “Estate Planning”? To pick the best attorney, it is helpful to first understand what your needs are. Most of us hear the term “estate planning” and think it is not something that applies to us because we aren’t rich. You do not need

This is something most of us do not like to think about, but what happens if you suddenly become seriously ill and you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself? Without advance directives like a Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will, your family and loved ones have to make medical decisions on your behalf, including in some cases whether or not to prolong your life through the use of medical technology. A Living Will allows you to decide what is wort

After the Estate Planning and Probate Attorneys at Whitaker Hagenow & Gustoff successfully help a client with their estate plan, we recommend that our clients host an Estate Plan Dress Rehearsal with the beneficiaries and advisors to talk about what is contained in the Estate Plan. This Estate Plan Dress Rehearsal with clients and their children, and the various professionals responsible for the estate plan, is to review the various steps that are necessary to settle the esta

As we age, most of us get our affairs in order, and engage in estate planning activities to ensure that when we die our assets and liabilities are handled in accordance with our wishes. It is also important, however, that when you decide to get your affairs in order, you plan for issues that may arise while you are still alive. People use many tools to plan for future illness or incapacitation; one such tool is a document called a power of attorney. What is a Healthcare Power

If you are a real estate investor, estate planning allows you to optimize capital gains while reducing your tax liabilities. Estate planning facilitates the strategic organization of assets to ensure that you attract a minimum of taxes on real estate holdings. It can be very complicated, but this solid plan will keep you organized and on track at all times. Capital gains derived from the transfer or sale of a principal residence are not taxed. For obvious reasons, an investo