House in spouses name only

My elderly parents in IOWA have an issue. Their house and one vehicle is in my mother's name only. There are also a number of investments in just her name. They have a will with a pass-thru trust. Mom has cancer and will likely pass on in the next few months. Should the ownership of these assets be changed to joint ownership or put into a trust now. Would adding my Dad's name to the titles cause a taxable event ? Any other issues Dad should be concerned about ?

In part it depends on the value of the house and the value of the total estate, and the wishes of your parents. Putting the house into joint title or a living trust for your father would avoid probate and costs thereof.

A consultation with an estate planning lawyer is inexpensive and should pay for itself many times over.