Heidman Law Firm
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Stay up to date with the latest law articles from our experienced and dedicated team of attorneys.
March 14, 2022
Save the Farm: Pay Attention to Details
Some laws are very forgiving and only require “substantial compliance.” Other laws are not so forgiving. A recent Iowa Supreme Court case demonstrates the seriousness of “strict compliance” statutes and the great care one must take in deadlines, details, and calculations. Without such care, one might “bet the farm” and lose it.
March 14, 2022
Updates on Proposed CO2 Pipelines
On February 1, Summit Carbon Solutions filed its first permit application with the Iowa Utilities Board and hopes to begin construction as early as 2023. With the application, more details about the proposed pipeline have been released.
February 11, 2022
Proposed CO2 Pipelines Aim to Cross Through NW Iowa Farms What Are Your Rights as a Landowner?
To build a hazardous liquid pipeline, companies must obtain a permit from the Iowa Utilities Board under Iowa Code § 479B. Pipeline companies granted a pipeline permit “shall be vested with the right of eminent domain, to the extent necessary and as prescribed and approved by the Board.” Iowa Code § 479B.16.
December 21, 2021
Bachelor Bill: Reality TV Star’s Case Leads to Real Change in Iowa Law
Former star of The Bachelor and Iowa-native Chris Soules made headlines in April 2017 for all the wrong reasons. Soules rear-ended a John Deere tractor, while operating his pickup north of Aurora, Iowa. Soules called 911, but then left the scene before paramedics arrived. Tragically, the 68-year-old man who was driving the tractor died at the scene.
December 21, 2021
Likes, Libel, and Lawsuits
As the old adage goes, “if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.” This simple adage remains helpful in a modern world of social media “firestorms” and instant responses. But the question remains: if I don’t want to say anything unkind, can I “like,” “share,” “retweet,” or otherwise promote something unkind that someone else said?
August 24, 2021
Want a Beer Delivered with Your Burger?
A new Iowa law allows third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart to deliver alcohol to consumers. To do so, the delivery service must have a contract with the restaurant or grocery store providing the alcohol.
August 24, 2021
Driving Future Farmers/Future Farmers of Iowa Hit the Road
As of July 1, future farmers across Iowa are hitting the road for farm-related errands and activities. In February of 2021, the Iowa legislature added privileges to the Minor School License (MSL) for students who live on or are employed by a farm.
August 24, 2021
You Can Now Die in Iowa Tax Free
On May 19th, 2021, the Iowa Legislature passed S.F. 619, a law which will phase out inheritance taxes at a rate of 20% per year and completely eliminate the tax by January 1st, 2025. S.F. 619 was then signed into law by Governor Reynolds on June 16, 2021.
October 29, 2020
2020 Pro Bono Honor Roll
In celebration of October as National Pro Bono month, the Iowa State Bar Association Journal pointed out that each year Iowa attorneys donate thousands of hours of pro bono legal services and make financial contributions to legal service organizations that assist low income Iowans.
June 8, 2020
Eighth Circuit Examines “Retirement Fund” Exemption in Divorce Context
Most bankruptcy professionals know that “retirement funds” are generally exempt assets under § 522(d)(12) or 522(b)(3)©. However, those funds must meet very precise requirements to meet this qualification. Specifically, the funds must be retirement funds,” and they must be held in an account that is exempt from taxation under certain sections of…
June 1, 2020
Spotlight on Service
The Heidman Law Firm in Sioux City donated lunches for staff at the Siouxland Community Health Center (SCHC), which has been at the forefront of that community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to providing primary care medical services, SCHC operates and staffs a drive-through COVID-19 testing facility.
Estate Planning Mistakes that could cost you Megabucks
Mary Sterk CEO, Founder and Certified Financial Planner™ invited attorney Dan Dykstra to share Estate Financial Planning strategies on her podcast.
Listen Now at Sterk Financial Services Blog