In her final act Des Moines woman donated to 485 Iowa libraries: A woman named Norma Jean Warner left her estate to hundreds of small-town Iowa libraries and senior centers. Warner, who lived a modest life, directed her savings to be distributed directly to various...
Recent legislation answers a huge estate planning question: the federal estate tax exclusion limit will be extended. When an individual dies, the owned assets are generally referred to as the “estate.” Settling the estate – either through the court-supervised probate...
Ross F. Barnett Attends National Law Conference Focused on Older Americans and Individuals With Disabilities Des Moines, Iowa — Ross F. Barnett, managing partner of Abendroth Russell Barnett Law Firm attended the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) 2025...
Are you worried about your family paying taxes when you die? There is some good news that can affect your estate planning. Every estate is liable for a few different kinds of tax. Whether it is Federal estate tax, income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax,...
Probate is the court-supervised administration of an estate. If you have a Will, upon your death your Executor will present it to the Court. It is a common misconception that merely possessing the Will vests someone with the authority to act. In order for a Will to be...
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding Wills and estate planning, so here are some commons myths, explained: Myth: Estate planning is for rich people Everybody needs a Will. A Will allows you to designate who will receive your property when you die. If you die...
One of the more important decisions you must make when writing your Will is the selection of an Executor. The Executor is responsible for administering your Will and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Ideally, an Executor should...
Effective estate planning involves not only directing the distribution of your wealth after death, but also making decisions about your care while alive. Medical technology can extend life, but many clients prefer to focus on the quality of that life. Decisions about...
When it comes to making an estate plan, many people are not as diligent as they should be. Because estate plans decide where your assets will be transferred at your death, it is important to have your affairs in order. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when...
Estate planning is not only about directing the distribution of your assets when you pass away. Effective planning helps you manage each stage of your life, depending on your specific needs. Young parents need to protect and provide for their minor children. Older...