Why do you think estate planning is a valuable practice area?

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Estate planning is valuable because it helps families prevent problems they don’t realize their loved ones will have to deal with when they pass. It’s a proactive strategy that most people don’t realize they need until it’s too late. It empowers families to protect their assets and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth while reducing unnecessary costs when a loved one has passed. By guiding clients through this process in advance, we can help them avoid stress, save money, and preserve family harmony.

What’s unique about your state (legally) and why do you think it matters?

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Iowa doesn’t allow transfer-on-death or “Lady Bird” deeds for real estate, so without proper planning, families are often forced into probate to transfer property upon a loved one’s death. This not only adds cost and delay, but poor planning can also trigger avoidable capital gains taxes—making proactive estate planning essential.

What’s unique about clients in your area?

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Clients in Iowa often have strong ties to family and land—many own farms or other assets that have been in the family for generations. They're hardworking and tend to be practical and modest, which sometimes means they delay planning until it’s urgent. They also value privacy and simplicity but may not realize how default state rules publicize and complicate things without proper planning. Helping them understand how proactive planning can preserve their legacy is key to protecting what they’ve built.

Why is Oath right for your clients?

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Our firm is committed to meeting clients where they are and helping them protect what they have worked hard for. We offer flexible options, personalized planning, and ongoing support to ensure each client’s plan evolves with their life. We believe in educating our clients so they can make informed decisions, understand their plan, and feel confident about protecting their legacy.

What are the state-specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?

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I prepare several key state-specific documents to ensure our clients are fully protected. These include a Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Release. Each plays a critical role: Powers of Attorney allow trusted individuals to make financial, legal, or medical decisions if you're unable to do so; the Living Will outlines your end-of-life wishes; and the HIPAA Release ensures your chosen decision-makers can access necessary medical information. These documents are essential for avoiding court involvement and ensuring your wishes are honored.

What story do you tell at your workshops?

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I share a hypothetical situation where I pass without an estate plan and my husband uses the inheritance I left behind to buy a horse farm with many horses (unnecessary expense). He then hires Rosie the Ranch Hand to help him take care of the farm and the horses, and they fall in love. They have an extravagant wedding, which I technically sponsored, and he leaves everything to her. Our kids are left with close to nothing once he passes away.

What’s the most impactful story you’ve had from one of your clients?

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I had a client share an example about how money and grief can really tear a family apart and why getting your plan for your stuff and your family in writing is so important. Their spouse was completely disowned by the spouse’s siblings after their parents passed due to disagreements regarding the transfer of assets.

Have you ever had a client you couldn’t help because they reached out too late?

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Yes, the client lived out of state but had real estate in Iowa. She was getting her estate plan done in her state because of a terminal illness diagnosis but lost capacity before executing the plan. Her family is having issues with the Iowa property now because there was no estate plan in place.

What do clients ask most at your workshops and how do you answer it?

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One of the most common questions I get at workshops is whether one should add their children as joint owners on their bank accounts or real estate to avoid probate down the road. I explain that while it may seem like a simple solution, it can create serious problems—those assets become exposed to the child’s debts, lawsuits, or divorces. In the case of real estate, it can also lead to higher capital gains taxes down the road. Instead, I recommend safer, more strategic options that protect both the assets and the family’s long-term goals.