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Estate planning is valuable because it helps families prevent problems they don’t realize their loved ones will have to deal with when they pass. It’s a proactive strategy that most people don’t realize they need until it’s too late. It empowers families to protect their assets and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth while reducing unnecessary costs when a loved one has passed. By guiding clients through this process in advance, we can help them avoid stress, save money, and preserve family harmony.
Iowa doesn’t allow transfer-on-death or “Lady Bird” deeds for real estate, so without proper planning, families are often forced into probate to transfer property upon a loved one’s death. This not only adds cost and delay, but poor planning can also trigger avoidable capital gains taxes—making proactive estate planning essential.
Clients in Iowa often have strong ties to family and land—many own farms or other assets that have been in the family for generations. They're hardworking and tend to be practical and modest, which sometimes means they delay planning until it’s urgent. They also value privacy and simplicity but may not realize how default state rules publicize and complicate things without proper planning. Helping them understand how proactive planning can preserve their legacy is key to protecting what they’ve built.
Our firm is committed to meeting clients where they are and helping them protect what they have worked hard for. We offer flexible options, personalized planning, and ongoing support to ensure each client’s plan evolves with their life. We believe in educating our clients so they can make informed decisions, understand their plan, and feel confident about protecting their legacy.
I prepare several key state-specific documents to ensure our clients are fully protected. These include a Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Release. Each plays a critical role: Powers of Attorney allow trusted individuals to make financial, legal, or medical decisions if you're unable to do so; the Living Will outlines your end-of-life wishes; and the HIPAA Release ensures your chosen decision-makers can access necessary medical information. These documents are essential for avoiding court involvement and ensuring your wishes are honored.
I share a hypothetical situation where I pass without an estate plan and my husband uses the inheritance I left behind to buy a horse farm with many horses (unnecessary expense). He then hires Rosie the Ranch Hand to help him take care of the farm and the horses, and they fall in love. They have an extravagant wedding, which I technically sponsored, and he leaves everything to her. Our kids are left with close to nothing once he passes away.
I had a client share an example about how money and grief can really tear a family apart and why getting your plan for your stuff and your family in writing is so important. Their spouse was completely disowned by the spouse’s siblings after their parents passed due to disagreements regarding the transfer of assets.
Yes, the client lived out of state but had real estate in Iowa. She was getting her estate plan done in her state because of a terminal illness diagnosis but lost capacity before executing the plan. Her family is having issues with the Iowa property now because there was no estate plan in place.
One of the most common questions I get at workshops is whether one should add their children as joint owners on their bank accounts or real estate to avoid probate down the road. I explain that while it may seem like a simple solution, it can create serious problems—those assets become exposed to the child’s debts, lawsuits, or divorces. In the case of real estate, it can also lead to higher capital gains taxes down the road. Instead, I recommend safer, more strategic options that protect both the assets and the family’s long-term goals.
Estate planning provides peace of mind, clarity, and confidence for you and your family. At Oath Law, our estate planning attorneys in Des Moines focus exclusively on helping clients create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We make the process approachable and transparent — so you can make informed choices about your future and your legacy.
Trusts are among the most effective ways to manage and protect assets during your lifetime and beyond. Our Des Moines trust attorneys prepare revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and other specialized planning tools that help families avoid probate, maintain privacy, and simplify estate administration.
Whether your goal is to preserve wealth, provide for loved ones, or ensure a smooth transition for future generations, Oath Law helps you design a trust that reflects your intentions and values.
A will is the foundation of a comprehensive estate plan. It directs how your property will be distributed and who will oversee the process, giving your loved ones clear guidance when it matters most.
Our Des Moines estate planning lawyers take time to understand your goals and priorities before creating a plan that protects your assets and honors your wishes. With Oath Law, your will is more than a document — it’s a roadmap for your family’s peace of mind.
A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial or legal matters if you can’t do so yourself. Without this important document, your family could face unnecessary court involvement to act on your behalf.
Our Des Moines power of attorney lawyers prepare clear, customized POAs that safeguard your interests and ensure your affairs are handled according to your preferences.
A healthcare directive (or living will) gives your loved ones and medical providers clear instructions about your care if you’re unable to communicate. It ensures your medical preferences are respected and removes uncertainty during stressful times.
Oath Law helps Des Moines clients create healthcare directives that reflect their values and offer comfort to family members — so important decisions are guided by your wishes, not guesswork.
Families throughout Des Moines and Central Iowa trust Oath Law because we provide:
Our Des Moines estate planning team is dedicated to helping Iowa families protect their futures with clarity and confidence. We believe everyone deserves an estate plan they fully understand — one that reflects their goals, values, and priorities. Whether you’re planning for the first time or updating existing documents, Oath Law provides professional, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
1. Why should I create an estate plan?
Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress or confusion.
2. How does a trust differ from a will?
A will directs asset distribution after death, while a trust can manage and protect assets during your life and may help avoid probate.
3. When should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every few years or after major life changes such as marriage, relocation, or retirement.
4. What is a durable power of attorney?
It authorizes someone you trust to handle financial or legal matters on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
5. Why include a healthcare directive?
It ensures your medical care preferences are followed and prevents loved ones from having to make difficult decisions without guidance.
6. Are estate plans only for the wealthy?
Not at all. Estate planning is about protecting your wishes and your family — regardless of income or estate size.
7. Can I include digital property in my plan?
Yes. You can specify how online accounts, digital files, and cryptocurrencies should be managed or transferred.
8. What if I already have a will or trust?
Oath Law can review and update your existing documents to make sure they’re complete, coordinated, and legally current.
9. What happens if I move to another state?
We can review your estate plan and adjust it to ensure compliance with your new state’s requirements while maintaining your goals.
10. What makes Oath Law different?
We focus exclusively on estate planning, offer flat-fee pricing, and guide you through an educational, transparent process designed to give you clarity and control.
“The team at Oath Law made an overwhelming task easy to accomplish through their guidance. They were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive.”
“The whole experience was pleasant and very informative. I now know that I have everything in order for those I leave behind — and that peace of mind is priceless.”
“We had put off proper estate planning for too long. Working with Oath gave us clarity and confidence. We’re grateful to finally have a solid plan in place.”
“They made a complex process simple for anyone to understand. We appreciate their patience and clear communication throughout.”
“I feel confident that my affairs are organized and my family will be taken care of. I highly recommend Oath Law for anyone who wants peace of mind about their estate.”
Address: 666 Walnut St, Suite 2000, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 329-0142
If you’re ready to secure your legacy and protect your loved ones, our estate planning attorneys in Des Moines are here to help.
Book a Consultation today and start planning your future with confidence.
