Iowa: Recovering a Cash Bequest When an Executor Refuses to Cooperate
What to do if an executor refuses to pay a cash bequest under Iowa law — FAQ Short answer: If the executor refuses to pay a pecuniary legacy (a cash bequest), you can demand an accounting, file objections in probate court, and ask the court to compel distribution or remove the executor. Many disputes resolve […]
Read article →Filing a Notice to Creditors in Iowa: Step-by-Step FAQ
Detailed Answer Purpose of a Notice to Creditors A Notice to Creditors tells people and businesses that the estate of a person who died is being administered and gives creditors a deadline to submit claims against that estate. The goal is to make sure valid debts are paid in an orderly way and to limit […]
Read article →Iowa Guide: How to Become the Personal Representative When the Named Executor Refuses
Can you be appointed to administer a parent’s estate if the person named first in the will refuses to serve? Short answer: Yes. Under Iowa probate law, if the person your parent named as first choice to serve as personal representative (executor) refuses or fails to qualify, the probate court can appoint another eligible person […]
Read article →Iowa: Can Iowa Medicaid File a Claim Against My Mother’s Home or Force Me to Sign the Deed?
How Iowa Medicaid Estate Recovery Can Affect a Parent’s Home — What You Need to Know Short answer: Under federal law, states (including Iowa) generally can pursue recovery from a deceased Medicaid beneficiary’s estate for certain long‑term care and related Medicaid benefits. That usually means the state can make a claim against the decedent’s probate […]
Read article →Iowa: Why an Inherited House May Avoid Probate and Paying the Mortgage to Prevent Foreclosure
Understanding when a transferred house avoids probate and whether you can pay the mortgage to stop foreclosure in Iowa Short answer Many homes never go through probate because ownership passes automatically by operation of title law or by an express nonprobate transfer. If title already passed to you (for example by joint tenancy, beneficiary deed, […]
Read article →Iowa: Challenging a Sibling’s Use of a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account for Mortgage Payments
Overview When a parent dies, handling their bank accounts and paying estate bills (like a mortgage) must follow Iowa probate rules. If a sibling withdraws money or uses the decedent’s account before a court appoints a personal representative (administrator or executor), that use can raise civil and criminal issues. This FAQ-style guide explains what typically […]
Read article →Iowa: Forcing the Return of Sentimental Items from a Sibling During Probate
Can I force the return of sentimental items from my sibling during probate in Iowa? Short answer: Possibly. If the items are part of the decedent’s estate or were removed without authority, Iowa probate law and the probate court can order their return. You should act promptly, preserve proof of ownership, and pursue remedies through […]
Read article →Iowa: How to Get Court Approval for a Minor’s Personal Injury Settlement
How a Court Approves a Minor’s Personal Injury Settlement in Iowa Short answer: In Iowa, a personal injury settlement on behalf of a minor usually requires court approval so the settlement legally binds the child and protects the child’s financial interests. The process typically involves appointing a guardian or guardian ad litem, filing a petition […]
Read article →Iowa: How to Apply to Serve as Administrator of a Parent’s Estate (Intestate Administration)
Overview When an adult dies without a will (intestate) in Iowa, the court appoints a personal representative—often called an administrator—to collect assets, pay valid debts, and distribute the estate according to Iowa law. This FAQ-style guide explains, step by step, how to apply to serve as administrator in Iowa, what the court will expect, and […]
Read article →Do Administrators in Iowa Need to Post a Bond When There's No Will? — Iowa Probate Guide
When an intestate administrator must post a bond in Iowa: clear answers and steps Short answer: In Iowa, the court generally requires an administrator (appointed when someone dies without a will) to give a fiduciary bond. The requirement can sometimes be waived if all interested persons (heirs and beneficiaries) knowingly and voluntarily waive the bond […]
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