Wills And Trusts Lawyers Serving Cedar Rapids And Across Iowa
Knowing you need a plan for your family but not knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. At Klinger, Robinson & Ford, LLP, we understand. We have served Cedar Rapids, Iowa, since 1979, and our attorneys bring more than 140 years of combined experience and a general practice background to every estate plan. We take the full picture into account and help you protect what matters most.
Understanding Wills And Trusts In Iowa
A will is a legal document that names who receives your property when you die and can also name a guardian for your minor children. A trust is a legal arrangement in which one party holds and manages assets for the benefit of named beneficiaries. Together, they help you plan for real estate, farm and agribusiness interests, business ownership, blended families and privacy concerns.
Having these documents in place gives your family clear direction. Your will or trust can help protect:
- Your family home and other real estate
- Bank and investment accounts
- Personal property and belongings
- Business interests and ownership shares
- Farmland and agribusiness assets
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. A will does not avoid probate. In Iowa, estates with a will go through this court process to validate the document and distribute assets. Trust planning may help simplify administration in some situations by keeping certain assets outside of probate.
Signs It May Be Time To Update Your Estate Plan
Outdated estate planning documents may no longer reflect your current wishes or your family’s needs. You should consider updating your documents after:
- Marriage, divorce or remarriage
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a beneficiary or executor
- New property or changes in your business
- Moving to a new state
We recommend reviewing your documents every few years or after any major life change. Attorneys Phillip Klinger and Jeffrey Taylor hold AV Preeminent* peer-review ratings through Martindale-Hubbell, the highest recognition in the legal field. Working with a recognized attorney helps ensure your documents stay thorough and legally sound.
Your Family Deserves A Plan They Can Count On
You do not have to figure this out on your own. Klinger, Robinson & Ford, LLP, offers free consultations so you can get clear answers with no commitment. Call our office at 319-512-7001 or reach out to us online to get started today.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.