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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Iowa on
Q: How do I set up a small estate for my sister that passed away in Cedar Rapids, IA?

My sister left no will and left me as the benefiiciary on her life insurance. The life insurance company said I need to set up an estate, how do I do this for a small estate? My sister has no realestate, nothing else.

Bill Fix
Bill Fix
answered on Jan 8, 2020

If you were the sole named beneficiary on the life insurance policy, you should be able to fill out the company's claim form, supplying whatever documentation they require, and get the proceeds without the need for probate. There is a distinction between probate assets and non-probate assets,... View More

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