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Free guide · 5-minute checkup

Your Guide to Estate Planning and Elder Law

Start with a 5-minute checkup to see which topics matter most for you. Then get our free, easy-to-read guide to protect your family, health, and assets at every stage of life.

  • About 5 minutes
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  • Free download

Step 1 · Interactive checkup

5-Minute Estate Planning Checkup

Reflect on ten important topics and create a personal list of questions to discuss with an estate planning attorney.

Before you begin

A little preparation can make a meaningful difference.

This checkup is for anyone beginning an estate plan or revisiting one created in the past. There are no right or wrong answers. The purpose is to identify topics you may wish to explore further.

You can choose Not sure / Not applicable whenever a question does not fit your situation. You will get a printable summary at the end, with the chapters of our free guide to read first.

Your privacy: your answers stay in this browser page while you use it. The checkup does not send your answers, ask for contact information, or save a copy anywhere. Avoid entering private financial, medical, or family details.

The checkup is general education, not legal advice or a determination of whether your estate plan is valid or complete. Using it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Question 1 of 100 answered

Why it matters

Your personal summary

Your Estate Planning Discussion Guide

Use the topics below to organize questions for an estate planning attorney. Your responses are not scored, and they cannot establish whether your plan is sufficient.

Questions to ask during an appointment

    Keep going

    Get the free guide to read more about the topics above, or talk with an attorney about your next steps.

    Your checkup answers are not sent to the firm.

    Educational information only. This checkup is not legal advice, is not specific to the law of any state, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results do not assess legal validity, tax consequences, eligibility for public benefits, or the effectiveness of any legal document. See our website disclaimer.

    Step 2 · What’s inside the guide

    Eight short chapters, written in plain language

    Whether you’re a new parent, nearing retirement, or caring for aging loved ones, this guide explains the essentials and helps you take the next right step. Tap a chapter to preview it.

    1Estate planning basics

    Why planning isn’t just for the wealthy and how it supports you during life, not only after death.

    2Key documents everyone should have

    Financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, living will, and a will or trust.

    3Guardianship & conservatorship

    What happens if you don’t have decision-makers in place and how court involvement can be avoided with planning.

    4Special needs trusts

    How to provide for a loved one with a disability without putting public benefits at risk.

    5Probate & how to avoid it

    What probate is, why people seek to avoid it, and practical strategies that fit different situations.

    6Revocable living trusts

    How they work, potential advantages, and when they may make sense.

    7Irrevocable trusts (MAPT)

    Planning ahead for possible long-term care costs when insurance isn’t an option.

    8Medicaid & estate recovery

    Basic eligibility rules, the five-year look-back, and how estate recovery works in Iowa.

    Step 3 · Free download

    Get your copy now

    Tell us where to send your free guide.

    Ready to Talk About Your Plan?

    Bring your checkup summary to a free initial consultation at any of our six offices.