Probate and Estate Administration Attorneys in Hull, Iowa
There’s likely nothing more challenging in life than losing a loved one. At De Koster & De Koster, we understand that you may have many practical needs and concerns about the details of this difficult time. As a small family-run practice since 1952, we strive to create a compassionate and trusted environment. Our probate and estate planning law firm is here to guide you and handle your legal needs, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on your loved ones.
How Our Probate Lawyers Can Help
Serving as the personal representative or executor of your relative’s estate comes with significant responsibility. Through our unique perspective, formed by years of familiarity with the local community and decades of deep experience in Iowa probate law, this father-son team – John G. De Koster, licensed since 1975, and Philip J. De Koster, licensed since 2010 – can be the local help you need managing the details of your beloved family member’s matters.
At De Koster & De Koster, we walk you through the essential stages of the Iowa probate process.
- Filing the petition: To formally initiate your process at the probate court, we will complete and submit the necessary paperwork to have you appointed as executor or personal representative by the court.
- Assuming executor duties: We guide you through your official duties as an executor, ensuring you are fully prepared from day one.
- Inventorying estate assets: We help you discover, value and inventory all the estate’s assets, including real estate and bank accounts.
- Managing creditor claims: We place legal announcements for you and assist you with their proof, validation and payment, as well as proper handling of your creditor accounts.
- Filing taxes: Our lawyers will help determine which final return must be filed on behalf of the deceased and their estate.
- Final inheritance distribution: Upon payment of all debts and settlement of all outstanding bills, we ensure the rightful beneficiaries or next of kin receive their just inheritance.
Let us handle the technicalities in court and the legwork so you can be assured that you are performing your tasks properly and avoid costly errors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Probate And Estate Administration
Navigating the legal aftermath of a loss can raise many questions. Here are clear, straightforward answers.
What does estate administration involve in Iowa?
Estate administration is the process supervised by the court to validate a deceased person’s will (if there is one), settle their final bills, and distribute the assets left in the estate. It’s important to hire a knowledgeable estate administration attorney to ensure that everything is handled correctly. You may need to seek the court’s approval for several steps, including filing a petition, notifying heirs and creditors, creating an inventory, settling any claims, selling real estate, and distributing the estate’s assets.
How long does probate administration take in Iowa?
Estate settlement can take anywhere from months to years, depending on complexity. We have found that a straightforward estate can be closed in approximately six to nine months. A considerable portion of this timeline is waiting for Iowa’s required creditor-claim period to pass. Creditors of the decedent must submit their claim to probate within four months after the second publication of the notice to creditors.
Due to this creditor-claim period, it is unlikely that even a straightforward estate can be concluded much before six months. A skilled probate attorney can work to move your probate through efficiently, meeting every deadline along the way.
Do all estates have to go through probate in Iowa?
Not all estates in Iowa require the lengthy and formal probate process. Depending on the value of the estate, Iowa law allows for expedited processes for smaller estates.
Some assets will never need to go through the probate process. These include assets placed in a trust, real property held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and any assets that designate a “transfer on death” or “payable on death” beneficiary.
Choosing these alternatives can save you time, money and stress. To find out if small estate administration applies to your situation, consult with one of our Iowa estate administration attorneys.
Schedule A Confidential Consultation With An Experienced Probate Lawyer
If you are dealing with a loss and need practical, compassionate help with estate administration, we are here for you. You do not have to handle the probate court or your executor duties on your own. Let our family-owned firm provide the local, relational support you deserve.
Please call us at 712-439-2511 or use our online form to schedule your confidential consultation with a dedicated probate and estate administration lawyer at De Koster & De Koster today.