When is an Heir an Heir?

-
An Iowan is struggling with the definition of heir under the Iowa Probate Code. In order to qualify as an "heir" under Iowa law, you must have been conceived prior to the death of the biological parent. This has been the definition of an "heir" for 150 years. However, with advances in medical science, it is now possible that a child can be conceived after death through fertilization from frozen sperm. Still a child right? Wrong, under Iowa intestate law and for social security benefits.

Despite the same result, social security administration has ruled that being conceived after death is not the same as being conceived before death of the biological parent. As a result, the child, who has her father's DNA and is in fact the biological daughter of her father, will not be able to reap the benefits of her father's social security benefits, as other children would, that he contributed to during his life.

Due to a split in the circuit courts, expect to see either this case or a similar case before the US Supreme Court in the future. Until then, the legislature should examine the definitions in light of changes in medical science.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I am writing to you because my friend is an ex-attorney.. She has told me that something is wrong...I am a legal heir to my Grandfather's estate/personal property, but have not heard who the legal executor is. I have many questions to ask, but am concerned confidentiality. His daughter is selling his property outright already against grandpa's wishes. He hasn't even been passed away for a month yet. Can we go non-pulic? Please write to me to tell me how.
10:04 PM
Matthew Gardner said…
Anonymous-
You certainly have some potential legal issues. Before I can answer your questions, I need additional information and to perform a conflicts check. Please call or email me to discuss.

One thing to note is that being an heir does not make you a beneficiary. The disposing document (will or trust or other) determines whether you have a right to share in the assets of your grandfather.
9:32 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Iowa Attorney Fees in Probate

-
Attorney fees in probating an estate of a deceased individual in the state of Iowa are set by the court. Pursuant to a state statute, the ceiling for fees is approximately 2%. Iowa Code section 633.198. While the statute states that it is the maximum, many Iowa attorneys treat it as the standard flat fee and will request - and often receive - fees based upon the 2% figure whether the amount of work equates to the 2% fee or not. Life insurance death benefits are not included when applying the 2% fee, but IRA's, 401k, jointly owned property, real estate, etc. are all included. If there is "extraordinary" services rendered, attorneys can also request extraordinary fees. Iowa Code sec. 633.199 . The statute sets out some examples of extraordinary services, such as sale of real estate, litigation and tax issues. Such fees are in addition to the ordinary 2% fees. An option to avoid paying attorney fees based on this flat rate system and approved by the court, whether the 2% o...
Read more

Compensation for Executor in Iowa Probate

-
In Iowa, the fee for the executor is set by the court and is based upon a state statute. Their fee is also based upon the size of the estate, as reported on the inventory filed with the probate court . Iowa Code section 633.197 provides that the personal representative (executor or administrator) fee shall not exceed $220.00 for the first $5,000 of probate assets, and then 2% on all assets over $5,000.00. All assets of the estate are included in the fee determination, with the exception of life insurance payable to others. Any compensation received by a personal representative is taxable income to that individual. Thus, if a personal representative is a beneficiary, they may want to consider whether to waive their fee and thus increase their inheritance, which may be free of tax, or to take their compensation and pay income tax on that amount.
Read more

Time Period to Administer a Probate Estate in Iowa

-
Iowa law limits the time period in which to administer an estate of an Iowa decedent.  Iowa Code section 633.331.  If an estate is not opened up within 5 years after death of the decedent, it will not be able to opened up.  Iowa currently does not recognize any exception to this rule. What does that mean? If there is a will and you wait more than 5 years after death before doing anything, you've waiting too long.  Good luck on the headaches of transferring any assets at that point. This doesn't mean that you always have to probate an estate, but if there are any possible assets that may need to be distributed, don't wait.
Read more