Comments on Iowa Estate Plan: What to Do When Someone Dies in Iowa

Good question. Minimal typing abilities from my p...

2009-09-10T11:30:34.355-05:00

Good question. Minimal typing abilities from my phone.

When there is no will, there is a heirarchy process on who can be appointed administrator: (1) surviving spouse, if any; (2) heirs; (3) creditors; or (4) other persons showing good grounds.

The surviving spouse has 20 days to petition, and each successive category has 10 days. After those periods have run, #4 applies. This is only as to appointment and has nothing to do with inheriting. That is a separate matter and procedure.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

What do you mean by priorities? Is there not an o...

2009-09-10T09:50:30.820-05:00

What do you mean by priorities? Is there not an order of appointment of the decendants..minor children, then to parents of the father (who are deceased) then to siblings, then to interested parties?
Also can the estate be held liable for child support until the children reach the age of 18?

It is possible that the ex wife could be appointed...

2009-09-10T08:12:55.020-05:00

It is possible that the ex wife could be appointed, but it is up to the court to determine. First come first serve may be the result. After priorities are applied (which doesn't appear to apply here) it is opened up. At least this is the law in Iowa.

If no will is left and a single father passes how ...

2009-09-09T23:42:44.859-05:00

If no will is left and a single father passes how is it determined who will be the executor of the estate. The next living of kin other then the minor children is a sibling. The exwife wants to be appointed. Is this possible?