Heemstra Trial and Asset Protection In Iowa

The local Rodney Heemstra trial has brought asset protection into the local news lately. Mr. Heemstra shot and killed his neighbor during a dispute. After the incident, Mr. Heemstra made several restructuring changes to his finances and assets which involved the use of irrevocable trusts and other entities.

Revocable trusts are a common estate planning tool, but they do not provide any asset protection for the person who creates the trust. With revocable trusts, the person has the power to revoke, or cancel the trust. That power to yank the assets back removes the option to protect those assets from your creditors as your creditors can access them as well.

The question of when is it "too late" is a key issue in the asset protection plan is important. If transfers are made after an event that gives a basis for someone to bring a claim to collect, the state's fraudulent transfer statute under Iowa Code chapter 684 can apply to revoke those transfers as if they didn't happen. In the Heemstra trial, I would think that Iowa's fraudulent transfer would be applicable.

Proper asset protection planning takes place prior to any potential threat of a lawsuit or a claim. Once there is a basis for a claim, it is usually too late.

Comments

concerned said…
What do the iowa courts mean when a court filing says, "Order appointing administrator with a $5,000 bond?"
Matthew Gardner said…
Unless the heirs consent or the will waives the requirement, a bond is required in probate proceedings for the personal representative. A bond is simply an insurance policy protecting the heirs and creditors if the administrator were to "misdirect" the estate assets. In this case, the administrator needs to obtain a bond providing coverage up to $5,000. Bonds can be difficult to obtain if there are any credit problems or risks.

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