Des Moines Estate Planning Lawyer

Des Moines Estate Planning Lawyer

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Des Moines estate planning attorneys are standing by, ready to help you and your family put the best plan in place. Our firm helps clients find peace, security, and stability through proactive, personalized planning. Do you have questions about estate planning? We are here to help. Contact our law firm today for a fully confidential consultation with an experienced Des Moines estate planning lawyer. 

Give us a call at (319) 220-0416 or submit an online contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

A Word from Our Clients

We Provide a Full Range of Estate Planning Services in Des Moines, Iowa

Every adult in Iowa should have a comprehensive estate plan in place. The primary purpose of estate planning is to ensure that you, your family, and your finances are properly protected—no matter what tomorrow might bring. Estate planning matters we handle in Des Moines include: 

• Wills: A will is a fundamental component of estate planning. It allows you to specify how your assets should be distributed after your death and can also include provisions for the care of any minor children. Creating a will is essential for ensuring that your wishes are carried out and can prevent potential disputes among family members. We have deep experience drafting and reviewing wills. Need help with a will? Contact our Des Moines estate planning attorney today. 
• Trusts: A will is not always the best option to handle your assets. Trusts are versatile estate planning tools that can help manage your assets during your lifetime and distribute them after your death. There are various types of trusts, each serving different purposes, such as avoiding probate, reducing estate taxes, or providing for a loved one with special needs. Trust planning should be proactive. Our Des Moines estate planning lawyers have extensive experience handling trusts. 
• Powers of Attorney: Powers of Attorney (POA) are legal documents that allow you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are different types of POAs, including those for financial matters and healthcare decisions. These documents are crucial for ensuring that your affairs can be managed according to your wishes. Every adult should have a POA in place—even if they are healthy. If you have any questions about POA, our Des Moines estate planning lawyer can help.  
• Living Wills: Living wills, also known as advance directives, are documents that outline your wishes for medical treatment in case you become unable to express those wishes. They are an important part of healthcare planning, ensuring that your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment are known and respected. Our Des Moines estate planning attorneys help clients with living wills. 

Estate Planning in Des Moine: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Probate in Iowa?

In Iowa, probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s property, appraising the property, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property as the will (or Iowa law) directs. Probate can be a complex process. An attorney can help. 

Am I Too Young to Start Estate Planning?

No. If you are an adult, you are not too young to start estate planning. Starting early can help you prepare for unexpected life events, protect assets, provide for loved ones, and can even include making decisions about your health care in case of incapacity. Better yet, once you have a plan in place, it can be easily adjusted to account for life’s ever-changing circumstances. 

How Do You Create a Will in Iowa?

Creating a will in Iowa involves several key steps. First, you should inventory your assets, including property, bank accounts, investments, and personal items of value. Next, decide how you wish to distribute these assets and to whom. You also need to choose an executor, the person responsible for carrying out the terms of your will. In Iowa, you can only create a will if you are at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The will should always be in writing. 

Should I Set Up a Trust?

It depends. A trust can be an effective, efficient estate plan tool. That being said, trust is not the right solution for every situation. Further, there are a number of different types of trusts. You need the right one for your objectives. A Des Moines estate planning attorney can help you navigate trusts. 

Loved One Passed Due to Negligence? Our Firm Handles Wrongful Death Cases 

The loss of a close loved one is never easy. It is especially challenging if your family member passed away in an accident caused by the carelessness, recklessness, or other negligent conduct of another party. It could have been a car crash, semi-truck accident, or medical malpractice. Not only does our firm have extensive estate planning experience, we also take on wrongful death cases throughout Iowa. Our Des Moines wrongful death attorneys will fight for justice for you and your family. 

How the Des Moines Estate Planning Attorneys at Ball, Kirk & Holm Can Help 

Estate planning is complicated. The plan that works well for another person may simply not be the right option for you and your family. At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we provide proactive, personalized estate planning representation. It is our mission to ensure that you have the right structure in place for yourself and your family. Along with other things, our Des Moines estate planning lawyer can: 

• Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review of your case—answering questions;
• Help you gather and prepare all of the documents and records that you need; and
• Craft a personalized estate planning strategy to help you get the best outcome. 

Contact Our Des Moines Estate Planning Lawyers for a Confidential Initial Case Review

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Des Moines estate planning attorneys are committed to helping people and families find the solutions that work best for their specific situation. Reach out to us by phone or send us a message to set up your completely private, no commitment initial case review. We provide estate planning services in Des Moines, Polk County, and all across Iowa. 

Contact us today for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling (319) 220-0416.