What a Will Can and Cannot Do
A will allows you to distribute your worldly goods, select a guardian for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes.
Ethan Huizenga February 4, 2022
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How to: Protect Your Child’s Public Benefits
If you have a child or other family member who has special needs due to physical or mental conditions, you face a variety of challenges planning for their care, including financial ones.
Ethan Huizenga May 12, 2021
Who Needs a Special Needs Trust?
If you are the parent of a person with special needs, you are well aware that the role you play is very different than it may be for other children. Properly planning to meet their financial needs, both in the immediate and long term, is a critical part of supporting your child. This support must often continue well past the typical age of adulthood, which means parents need to put in place financial tools to care for their children, in the event of the parents’ death.
Ethan Huizenga November 25, 2020
Different Trusts for Different Purposes
Trusts are legal entities that own assets, and all trusts are not alike. They are created by a written trust document with certain provisions that can vary from trust to trust.
Ethan Huizenga September 7, 2020
Can Bad Thoughts Bring on Dementia?
A new study has identified a possible link between negative repetitive thinking and the key signs of dementia.
Ethan Huizenga July 17, 2020
Not a Billionaire? Trusts Can Still Be Beneficial
Even if your asset base doesn’t measure up to the Bill Gates standard, you may consider using trusts in estate planning. This is because they can help your heirs in many different ways.
Ethan Huizenga February 20, 2020
Protecting Adult Children with Disabilities
Adults with disabilities are living much longer than in the past, which means their aging parents must plan for the day when their dependent children outlive them.
Ethan Huizenga February 14, 2020
In the News: Iowa’s Highest Court Rules Against Medicaid Applicant
Trusts can be a highly effective tool in nursing home planning. Certain types of trusts are effective even when a nursing home stay is imminent
Ethan Huizenga January 29, 2019
101 Death Hacks [Part Four]
When you build a house, you want to do so efficiently. Pine 2x4s are cheaper than 1½” oak floor boards, so that’s what you use to frame the house. When you’re making your estate plan, you don’t want the family farm to wind up being sold to pay a tax bill, the costs of probate, or the medical expenses of your beneficiaries. Fortunately, with a little forethought and some organization, you can avoid those kinds of problems and make a plan to pay or even avoid those costs without jeopardizing your wishes. [Read More]
Ethan Huizenga October 22, 2015
Why a Special Needs Planning Attorney?
Parents of children with special needs in Northwest Iowa face a whole extra set of challenges in addition to those of other parents. On top of physical therapy, occupational therapy, IEPs, and any of a million other details, these parents face additional planning needs. That’s where a special needs planning attorney in Northwest Iowa can make a huge difference in these parents’ peace of mind. [Read More]
Ethan Huizenga July 14, 2015
