Roles Of A Real Estate Attorney In West Des Moines, Ia

By Author: Deborra Mitchell
Total Articles: 60

How do you protect your loved ones and your assets after your death? One of the things you should do is to consult an estate planning attorney in Des Moines, IA or attorney in your local area. This is to ensure you not only have a solid plan established, but that your plan is valid and recognized under the current state laws. 
Many people believe that real estate planning is something done only by elderly people or those who are extremely wealthy. This could not be further from the truth. Whether you are young or old, rich or just have enough to get by, it is important to meet with a reliable and trusted estate planning attorney in Des Moines, IA and in your area, so you can have your affairs in order in case of an accident or sudden loss of life.
An estate planning attorney in West in Des Moines, IA will help establish a power of attorney, a health care proxy, and other important documents/arrangements for your estate or will. The lawyer listens to you to ensure your documents reflect your wishes.  He will work with you to establish a testamentary or will provisions within your living trust to protect your loved ones and whatever material things you have worked hard for.

Real estate planning is not merely the preparation of will and documents. It is a relationship with an estate or elder law attorney in IA or in your area who understands and knows your goals.  Your probate attorney in West Des Moines will take the time to ensure you understand each document or the will and its purpose. 
Roles of a Real Estate Lawyer
Being chosen as real estate lawyer can be both an obligation and an honour depending on the estate and the complexity of issues that arise. So a potential executor should make sure he or she knows what he or she is getting into before accepting the roles and responsibility. Below are the top duties of a real estate attorney.
Getting a copy of the will and filing it with the local probate court
Notifying government agencies, banks, and credit card companies of the decedent’s death
Paying any ongoing bills and setting up a bank account for incoming funds
Filing an inventory of the estate’s assets with the court
Deciding what kind of probate is necessary 
Maintaining property until it can be sold or distributed
Paying the estate’s taxes and debts
Distributing assets
Disposing of other property
 Representing the estate in court

When selecting an estate lawyer, you should always inquire about his or her qualification and level of experience in estate planning. Membership in certain estate planning organizations or bar associations often indicates a commitment to keeping abreast of the law and shows level of dedication to the estate planning field.
Most importantly, you should choose an attorney whom you have confidence in, either through referrals or recommendations from family members, friends, colleagues or your other professional advisors. Also choose a lawyer that is known to stand behind your documents in the event they are contested.