Michele McCarty-Woods

Serving Des Moines
and surrounding communities
515-777-2534
641-755-2530

Estate

Effective estate management enables you to manage your affairs during your lifetime and control the distribution of your wealth after death. An effective estate strategy can spell out your healthcare wishes and ensure that they're carried out – even if you are unable to communicate. It can even designate someone to manage your financial affairs should you be unable to do so.

 
 
Estate Management 101

Estate Management 101

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

Intellectual Property and Your Estate

Intellectual Property and Your Estate

Do you have intellectual property? Consider how you might include your IP into your estate strategy in this detailed article.

When Do You Need a Will?

When Do You Need a Will?

When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.

 

Put It in a Letter

A letter of instruction provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate.

How Often Should You Update Your Estate Strategy?

Review your legacy approach regularly, particularly following significant life events or legislative updates.

Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date

Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."

Will Power

Preparing for the eventual distribution of your assets may not sound enticing. But a will puts the power in your hands.

Intellectual Property Rocks in a New Digital Era

Intellectual property ownership and its implications for ordinary people and estates.

Managing an Inheritance

A windfall from a loved one can be both rewarding and complicated.

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Comparing Mortgage Terms

Compare different mortgage term lengths side by side to find the option that fits your budget.

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Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous

Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?

When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.

Estate Management 101

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

4 Elements of an Estate Strategy

Learn about the importance of having an estate strategy in this helpful and informative video.

When Do You Need a Will?

When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.

Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart

Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?

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