SERVICES
Legal support for Individuals, Families and Businesses
Areas of Practice
Estate Planning
Don’t know if you need a Will or a Trust? We dedicate the time to get to know you by understanding your family, thoroughly reviewing asset information, and providing recommendations for the best way to achieve your planning goals. Our attorneys can assist you with advanced and customized planning designed for blended families, family business succession, and high net worth individuals with prospective federal estate tax liability. Services include consultation and preparation of wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney (financial and health care), living wills, prenuptial agreements, irrevocable trusts including ILITs, and assistance regarding title to real estate, federal estate tax and Iowa inheritance tax liability, and disclaimers.
Probate Estates
We provide guidance to fiduciaries in estate and probate matters to make sure that assets are properly identified, all necessary documents and tax returns are filed, costs of administration and taxes are paid, and that beneficiaries receive their designated share. Services include preparation of estate accountings, federal estate tax returns (including to elect portability), Iowa inheritance tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and court-approved trust amendments and modifications. We also provide advice regarding the effect of payable on death or transfer on death clauses and beneficiary designations, qualified disclaimers, estate tax planning, and real estate title matters. We work closely with financial institutions, financial advisors and accountants throughout the probate process.
Trust Administration
So you have avoided probate by owning all of your assets inside a revocable trust. Did you know there are still steps your Trustee must take to administer the trust and make sure your beneficiaires receive everything to which they are entitled? We have extensive experience in advising clients regarding the administration of Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts. Services include preparing necessary “death” notices, federal estate tax and Iowa inheritance tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and assistance with implementing business succession planning. We also work closely with financial institutions who have been designated to act as Trustee and with financial advisors to assure all assets have been properly and accurately accounted for.
Business and Contracts
We assist companies with all aspects of the business cycle, beginning with entity formation, and including company development and in some cases, dissolution. We work closely with our clients to understand and develop their business strategy. We also assist with general business matters including contract review, buy/sell agreements, real estate transactions, entity maintenance and other aspects of business law. Often, we work with business owners to identify and develop business succession strategies for closely-held companies.
Real Estate
Looking to buy, sell or develop real estate? Our lawyers can you assist you on residential or commercial real estate matters. We provide a range of services, including: review and preparation of purchase agreements, negotiations, title opinions and closing/settlement services. We also provide advice on the ownership of farm real estate, review and preparation of leases, formation of business entities for real estate holdings, and general advice and assistance with respect to real estate ownership.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Persons of any age who require assistance with their personal or financial affairs sometimes require a court-appointed guardian or conservator to assist with providing necessary food, shelter, and medical treatment. Our lawyers work for you to protect these persons–whether they are minors, adults with physical or mental limitations, adults with difficulties managing finances, or older adults requiring assistance with these and other personal matters. Our lawyers can help obtain appropriate medical treatment, assist with making appropriate residential arrangements, reporting to the Court, filing tax returns, and protecting assets.
