A Will That Actually Reflects Your Life — Drafted by an Iowa Attorney Who Keeps It Simple

An Iowa last will and testament is the foundation of almost every estate plan I draft. If you've been putting it off because you're not sure where to start or what it will cost, this page is for you.

What a Will Does — and What It Can't Do on Its Own

A will is the legal document that tells the court who inherits your property, who manages your estate, and — critically — who raises your children if something happens to you. Without one, Iowa's intestacy laws make those decisions for you, and the results often surprise families.

 

That said, a will only controls assets that go through probate. Retirement accounts, life insurance, and jointly held property pass by beneficiary designation or title — not by the terms of your will. Part of my job as your will attorney is making sure your full picture is coordinated, not just the document itself.

What's Included in a Flat-Fee Will from My Office

Every will I draft is built for your specific situation — not assembled from a generic template. A standard engagement includes:

 

  • A Last Will and Testament tailored to your family structure and wishes
  • Designation of an executor and alternate executor
  • Guardian nominations for minor children
  • Specific bequest language if you have particular assets or heirlooms to address
  • A pour-over provision if your will is paired with a revocable living trust
  • Plain-language drafting throughout — no Latin, no legal jargon
  • A signing appointment at my Cedar Rapids office with notarization and witness coordination
  • Post-signing guidance on what to do with the document once it's executed

 

You receive a flat-fee quote before we begin. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices.

Who Needs a Will in Iowa?

Most adults do — but a few situations make it especially urgent:

 

  • You have minor children and haven't named a guardian in writing
  • You've recently married, divorced, or had a child and your existing documents are outdated
  • You own real estate, a business, or other titled assets
  • You want to leave something specific to a person, charity, or cause
  • You're part of a blended family or non-traditional household and want your wishes legally documented

 

Iowa law does not recognize handwritten wills as valid in most circumstances. A document you drafted yourself, even with good intentions, may not hold up. A properly executed will, signed in front of witnesses and a notary, is the only version that reliably works.

Will vs. Trust: Which One Do You Need?

A will and a revocable living trust often work together, but they're not interchangeable. A will takes effect at death and goes through the Iowa probate process. A trust can hold assets during your lifetime and transfer them to your beneficiaries without probate — which saves time and keeps the process private.

 

For many of my clients, a will is the right starting point. For others, a trust is the better foundation and the will serves a backup role. I'll tell you honestly which approach fits your situation after we talk — not after I've already started drafting.

Sunlit field with tall grass and trees in the background

Why Iowa Families Choose My Office for Will Drafting

I've been drafting wills and estate plans in Eastern Iowa for eight years as a solo practitioner. That means when you hire me, I'm the attorney who handles your file from the first conversation through the signing appointment — not a paralegal, not a junior associate.

 

My office is designed to feel approachable, not intimidating. Most clients tell me they expected the process to be more complicated or more expensive than it turned out to be. That's the point.

 

  • 8 years in practice, focused exclusively on estate planning and related matters
  • 21 five-star Google Reviews from Iowa families
  • Flat-fee pricing with a written quote before any work begins
  • Welcoming of all family structures, including same-sex couples and blended families
  • Cedar Rapids office serving Marion, Iowa City, Coralville, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding communities

Common Questions About Drafting a Will in Iowa

  • How much does it cost to have a will drafted in Iowa?

    My office uses flat-fee pricing, so you'll know the exact cost before we begin. The fee for a basic will depends on the complexity of your situation — a single individual's will is priced differently than a coordinated plan for a married couple with minor children. I provide a written quote after a short consultation, and that number doesn't change.

  • Is a cheap online will valid in Iowa?

    Online will services can produce documents that technically meet Iowa's execution requirements — but they don't account for your specific family structure, asset mix, or the coordination issues that come up in real estate planning. A document that's technically valid but poorly drafted can still cause significant problems for your family. The cost difference between a DIY will and a professionally drafted one is smaller than most people expect.

  • Do I need a will if I already have beneficiary designations on my accounts?

    Beneficiary designations control retirement accounts and life insurance — but they don't cover everything. Real estate, vehicles, personal property, and other assets without a named beneficiary pass through your will. A will also names your executor and, if you have minor children, your guardian nominations. Even with good beneficiary designations in place, a will fills important gaps.

  • How long does it take to have a will drafted?

    Most clients complete the process within two to three weeks from the initial consultation. That includes a review of your situation, drafting, your review of the document, any revisions, and the signing appointment. If your timeline is urgent, tell me — I can usually accommodate.

  • Can I update my will after it's signed?

    Yes. Iowa law allows you to revoke or amend a will at any time while you're living and have legal capacity. I recommend reviewing your estate plan after major life events — marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named executor or guardian.

    Scott Shoemaker is an Iowa estate planning attorney with eight years of experience drafting wills, trusts, and related documents for Eastern Iowa families. His practice is focused exclusively on estate planning, uncontested probate, and adult guardianship. Learn more on the About Scott Shoemaker page.