Articles & insights
Plain-language articles from Pearson Bollman Law attorneys on estate planning, elder law, Medicaid, probate, and trust administration.
As 2025 ends, many Overland Park families are taking time to organize legal and financial plans for aging loved ones. These six elder law steps help protect assets, support caregivers, and prepare for medical and financial decisions in the year ahead.
Probate can reveal unexpected challenges from unclear wills to property titled incorrectly. Knowing the most common surprises helps you protect your loved ones and keep your estate plan on track. This guide walks through the issues families encounter most often and how to prevent them with thoughtful planning.
Probate can add time, cost, and stress to your family’s experience. With a few thoughtful planning steps, you can help your Overland Park estate avoid probate and give your loved ones a smoother, more private transition.
Probate can delay inheritance and add stress for families in Overland Park. Understanding how probate costs work and how a real estate lawyer can help may save time and protect your loved ones.
Probate can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving. Knowing how Iowa probate works and when a probate attorney can help can save time, reduce stress, and protect your family’s next steps.
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your estate plan. Major milestones such as marriage, the birth of a child, retirement, or moving to a new state can all impact how your assets are managed and distributed. Understanding when and why to update your estate plan in Iowa helps ensure your wishes are protected and your loved ones are cared for.
If you’ve started thinking about your estate plan, you may be wondering whether you need both a will and a trust. Each serves an important purpose, and depending on your circumstances, having both could offer the best protection for your loved ones and your legacy.
Many families are surprised to learn that without proper estate planning, their assets could be tied up in probate, a costly, time-consuming, and public court process. Creating a thoughtful estate plan can ensure your loved ones receive their inheritance smoothly, privately, and according to your wishes.
Dying without a will in Cedar Rapids, IA means the state, not you, decides how your property and assets are distributed. This process, known as intestacy, can leave loved ones facing confusion, delays, and unintended outcomes. Taking time now to create an estate plan ensures your wishes are respected and your family is cared for.
Estate planning in Iowa isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. A complete plan includes documents to guide financial, medical, and personal decisions, so your family knows your wishes and avoids unnecessary stress.
Medicaid can recover costs from your estate. Learn how to protect your house from Medicaid with trusts, transfers, and legal strategies explained by elder law attorneys.
Settling an estate through probate in Iowa involves publishing notices, paying debts, closing probate, and distributing property. This complex process can take months or years. An experienced probate lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure compliance, and guide your family through each step with confidence.
Free monthly e-newsletter
Plain-language estate planning, long-term care, and probate articles from our attorneys. We never share your information.
Talk with one of our attorneys at a free initial consultation, at any of our six offices.
