How Do I Know If Mom Left Me Her IRA?

My mother and father had retirement funds. My father passed and it went to my mother. My mother got remarried and she had a will when she died. My stepfather is to get what they agreed upon. She never made him the beneficiary of that retirement fund that was between my mother and father., However, when I asked to see the amount of this fund, the executor would not produce it. How can we find out the amount?

Ethan Huizenga November 17, 2020

Preparing for the Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease

It is estimated that by 2040, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive disorders is expected to double to close to 12 million due to the aging population, according to a recent study by RBC Wealth Management and Aon.

Ethan Huizenga November 16, 2020

Northwest Iowa Estate Planning Documents

Wrong Powers of Attorney Have Consequences

When do you need your estate plan to ‘go to work’ for you? While you may think the right answer is ‘after I die,’ the actual answer is ‘if I lose the ability to manage my own affairs.’

Ethan Huizenga November 14, 2020

What’s the Best Way to Do a Intrafamily Loan?

As parents, we often want to help our adult children who need a financial boost. Many times, this assistance comes in the form of a loan.

Ethan Huizenga November 12, 2020

Why Pair a Roth IRA and Social Security?

Although Social Security helps millions of seniors stay afloat financially, living on those benefits alone could mean winding up cash-strapped in retirement.

Ethan Huizenga November 11, 2020

How to Ask Parents about Estate Planning?

Do you expect your parents to leave you a financial legacy? Nearly half of working-age Americans assume that they will receive an inheritance that will support them later in life, according to a survey by financial services company HSBC. Perhaps the bigger question, though, is how to even approach this topic with your parents.

Ethan Huizenga November 9, 2020

Attorney-client privilege after death

Attorney-client privilege requires that attorneys keep confidential and refrain from sharing all secrets and other confidences of clients.

Ethan Huizenga November 6, 2020

Can I Afford In-Home Elderly Care?

Amid headlines of COVID-19 infiltrating nursing homes and large senior care facilities, it’s understandable that many Americans would prefer to avoid assisted living environments as they grow older. However, the trend to age in place predates the pandemic. Remaining at home was the first choice for 76% of Americans age 50 and older, according to a 2018 AARP survey.

Ethan Huizenga November 5, 2020

5 Ways to Protect Your Estate Plan

The inheritance you leave could be eaten away by taxes or given to the wrong person. Here are five tips to avoid that.

Ethan Huizenga November 3, 2020

Can an Inheritance Lead to Trouble for Marriages?

Most states recognize inheritances as separate property, and many experts say keeping them separate is often the best approach.

Ethan Huizenga October 30, 2020

Orange City Estate Planning Blog