Let's Talk About Your Estate Plan

Getting started is easier than you think. I offer flat-fee consultations so you know exactly what to expect before we ever sit down together — no pressure, no surprises, just a straightforward conversation about what you need.

Two Ways to Reach Me

Schedule Online

Use my online scheduler to pick a time that works for you. You'll get a confirmation right away and a reminder before your appointment.

Call or Email Directly

Prefer to talk first? Call me at (319) 804-8346 or send an email to sshoemaker@cedarrapidswills.com. I'm happy to answer a quick question before you book.

What to Expect in Your First Consultation

I keep the first conversation simple. You tell me about your family, your assets, and what you're hoping to accomplish. I listen, ask a few clarifying questions, and give you a clear picture of what an estate plan would look like for your situation — including a flat-fee quote before you leave.


There's no obligation to move forward, and there's no hourly meter running while we talk. Most people leave the first meeting feeling relieved that it wasn't nearly as complicated as they expected.

What to Bring

You don't need to have everything figured out before we meet. A general sense of the following is enough to make our first conversation productive:


  • Names and ages of your spouse, children, or other beneficiaries
  • A rough sense of your assets — home, accounts, retirement funds, life insurance
  • Any existing documents you'd like me to review (old wills, prior powers of attorney)
  • Names of people you'd trust as executor, trustee, or agent under a power of attorney


If you're not sure about any of these, bring what you have. We'll work through the rest together.

Three adults smiling and chatting on a couch in a bright living room

Serving Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa

My office is in Cedar Rapids, and I work with families throughout Eastern Iowa, including Marion, Iowa City, Coralville, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls. If you're not sure whether I serve your area, call or email and I'll let you know.

  • How long does a consultation typically take?

    Most first consultations run between 45 minutes and an hour. That's enough time for me to understand your situation and give you a flat-fee quote for whatever documents make sense.

  • Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?

    No paperwork is required. A general picture of your family structure and assets is all you need to have a productive first conversation. I'll guide you through the rest.

  • Is there a fee for the initial consultation?

    Yes, I charge a modest consultation fee. It applies toward your flat-fee quote if you move forward. You'll know the full cost of your estate plan before you commit to anything.

  • Can I schedule a consultation if I live outside Cedar Rapids?

    Yes. I serve clients across Eastern Iowa, including in Marion, Iowa City, Coralville, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls. Phone and video consultations are available for clients who prefer not to come into the office.

  • How soon can I get an appointment?

    Availability varies, but I typically have openings within one to two weeks. Use the online scheduler to see current availability, or call 319-048-3346 and I'll find a time that works.

  • How do I know if my existing estate plan still works?

    Most plans should be reviewed every three to five years, or after a major life event — marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named beneficiary or executor. If your documents are more than a decade old or were drafted in another state, a review is worth scheduling.

Scott Shoemaker is a Cedar Rapids estate planning attorney with eight years of experience helping Iowa families create clear, practical estate plans. Every client receives a flat-fee quote and personal follow-through from start to finish. Learn more on the about page.