HOWES & ANDERSON P.C.
Our firm specializes in friendly, efficient and cost-effective preparation of Wills, Revocable Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and other estate planning documents. We understand that our clients' priority in planning for the future is to ensure that their children, family or other beneficiaries are provided for. It is also our priority to ensure that clients' medical wishes are respected. We tailor our services to the needs of the individual or family and provide specialized documents to suit each client's needs. We are particularly adept at drafting documents such as Revocable Trusts which may allow individuals or families to avoid the costly and time consuming process of probate entirely upon the death of a loved one. We also structure Trusts within Wills for the benefit of young children so that their needs can be assured until adulthood if they should lose their parents in an untimely manner.
We understand that estate planning can be a complicated process and are always ready to explain the many choices available to clients as they plan for the future.
Estate planning, which includes legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, is the process of preparing instructions on how to manage your assets after your death. State and federal laws apply to estate planning, and so do taxes. In order to protect your assets, it may be necessary to create legal entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs) or family partnerships. The estate tax and other related issues are a hot political topic, and estate laws change often. It is vital to consult an experienced estate planning attorney, in order to protect your assets and meet the goals of your estate planning process.
"Contact a Iowa Estate Planning lawyer representing clients in Des Moines, Iowa today to schedule your initial consultation."
Estate planning allows you to decide what will happen to your assets after your death. It allows you and your loved one to save time and legal costs, and avoid financial and administrative hassles. Your estate plan should include two vital documents; a will and a durable power of attorney.
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to give directions to another person, who can then make legally binding decisions if you are unable to do so yourself.
A will is a legal document which provides instructions on how to deal with your property after your death.
In addition, other legal documents such as a health care proxy, a living will, and a revocable (or "living") trust can help with decisions should you become incapacitated. A revocable trust can take control of your property before you die, allowing you and your family to avoid probate proceedings.
Molly Anderson has been a valued partner during our estate planning process. She asks questions to understand our individual needs and then advises accordingly. Her thoughtfulness and attention to detail makes estate planning straightforward and painless."
Denis F., Urbandale, Iowa
The basic purpose of estate planning is not simply to distribute property after death, but to reduce inefficiency and taxes throughout the probate process. Most estates are free of federal taxes, and a spouse can leave a surviving spouse an unlimited amount of money free of taxes. Many states also charge an inheritance tax.
Estate planning is vital to work towards security and peace of mind for yourself and your family. If you need help an any stage in the estate planning process, you should contact a lawyer experienced in estate planning to ensure your needs are met and your estate is protected.
If you would like to schedule an initial consultation contact an Iowa estate planning attorney, representing clients in Des Moines, Iowa at Howes & Anderson P.C. Give us a call at (515) 225-9000 or complete our inquiry form.
