No one should risk passing away without a will. Dying intestate can result in serious complications, expense, heartbreak, and arguments among your family members. It also means you have no say in what happens to your valuable property, personal items, and even the well-being of underage children.
If you die intestate, your estate is in the court’s hands. Regardless of what you prefer, and what members of your family may want, it is up to the court to decide what to do with everything you own. It does not matter whether you have a large estate or very little property. If you want everything disbursed according to your wishes, you need an Iowa attorney.
You also need to designate someone as executor. This person will be responsible for initiating probate after you pass away. Probate is the process by which a will is shown to be valid. Probate also involves appraising your estate, noting anything that must be paid to creditors, paying taxes, and distributing the contents of your estate as you have stated in your will.
Your personal circumstances are not nearly as important as being responsible. Regardless of your age, income, or situation, consulting an Iowa attorney is the responsible way to put everything in order. Your estate is too important to leave to the court to decide. Whatever estate you have earned and own, what happens to it after you die is best decided by you, yourself.
Some people believe they do not need a will. Their families usually suffer for this irresponsibility afterward. Others believe a do-it-yourself will is good enough. Some use a handwritten will, or print something they find on a website. However, in lacking the legal expertise of an Iowa attorney, too much is left to chance. Most average people do not know their rights and obligations. There is also the chance a court will not accept a document that is not prepared by a competent Iowa attorney.
If you are an adult, your best course of action is to discuss your estate matters with an Iowa attorney. Your lawyer will explain everything you need to know, and help you with this all-important legal document. You will have the peace of mind of knowing your estate will be distributed as you see fit. In addition to wills, Railsback Law Office can prepare medical power of attorney and general power of attorney documents to complete your estate planning.