Pearson Bollman Law

Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorneys Helping You Plan for Everything You Own and Everyone You Love

We help individuals and families throughout Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas create legal plans that reflect their goals and prepare for the future with clarity.

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  • Serving families across Iowa
  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • Kansas

You may have been meaning to create an estate plan for years. Maybe retirement is approaching, your family has grown, you’ve welcomed a grandchild, purchased a home, or a recent life event reminded you that it’s time to put your wishes in writing. Whatever brings you here, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Estate planning brings together the legal documents that help protect your family, your finances, and your future if life doesn’t go as planned. At Pearson Bollman Law, we work with individuals and families throughout Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas to create legal plans that reflect their goals, explain their wishes, and prepare for the future with clarity.

You don’t need to know the legal terminology before you begin. We’ll explain your options in plain language, answer your questions, and guide you through each step so you can make decisions that feel right for you and the people you care about.

How an Estate Planning Attorney Helps Protect Your Wishes

Every person’s circumstances are different, so every estate plan should reflect the people, property, and priorities that matter most to them. Depending on your goals, your plan may include several legal documents that work together.

Wills

A will allows you to state how you want certain property distributed after your death and lets you nominate a personal representative to administer your estate through the applicable legal process. If you have minor children, your will can also nominate the person you would want to serve as their guardian.

Trusts

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows assets to be managed according to your instructions. Depending on the type of trust used and how assets are titled, a trust may simplify the transfer of certain assets and provide additional flexibility for managing property over time.

Financial Powers of Attorney

A financial power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to handle financial matters on your behalf under the circumstances described in the document. Having this authority in place can make it easier for someone to act if you become unable to manage your own affairs.

Advance Directives

Advance directives communicate your health care wishes and allow you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. The specific documents and requirements vary by state.

Beneficiary Designations

Some assets, including certain retirement accounts and life insurance policies, transfer according to beneficiary designations rather than a will. Reviewing these designations as part of your overall estate planning strategy helps your documents work together as intended.

How the Estate Planning Process Works

Many people delay estate planning because they aren’t sure where to begin. Our process is designed to make the experience straightforward and easy to understand. You can also review what to expect when becoming a client before your first consultation.

01

Start with a Conversation

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your family, your goals, and any questions you have. We take the time to understand your circumstances before recommending any legal documents.

02

Understand Your Options

We’ll explain the planning tools that may fit your situation—including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives—in plain English so you understand what each document is designed to accomplish.

03

Create Documents That Reflect Your Goals

Once we’ve identified the right approach, we’ll prepare documents tailored to your circumstances rather than relying on generic forms or one-size-fits-all solutions.

04

Review Everything Together

Before anything is signed, we’ll review each document with you, answer your questions, and make sure you understand how the different pieces of your estate plan work together.

05

Revisit Your Plan as Life Changes

Marriage, divorce, retirement, the birth of a child or grandchild, changes in finances, or the loss of a loved one may all be reasons to review your estate planning documents. Periodic reviews help ensure your plan continues to reflect your wishes.

Take control of your legacy. Request a consultation with Pearson Bollman Law.

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Why Families Across Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas Choose Pearson Bollman Law

Estate planning involves important personal decisions, but it shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

Pearson Bollman Law is committed to making the process easier to understand through clear communication, practical guidance, and a step-by-step approach tailored to each client’s circumstances. Rather than handing you a stack of documents, we take the time to explain your options so you can move forward with confidence.

When you work with Pearson Bollman Law, you can expect:

  • Straightforward explanations in plain English
  • Guidance from your first consultation through the completion of your documents
  • Recommendations based on your goals and circumstances
  • A structured process designed to reduce uncertainty
  • Convenient access to our offices throughout Iowa and Kansas, with licensed services available in Illinois and Missouri

More Ways We Can Help

Related Services

01

Elder Law & Medicaid Planning

Guidance for long-term care concerns, Medicaid planning, asset protection, and future health care needs.


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02

Probate & Trust Administration

Guiding families through estate or trust administration after a death.


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03

Estate Litigation & Disputes

Representing individuals when disagreements arise involving an estate, trust, fiduciary, or inheritance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have a large estate?
Yes. Estate planning is about more than the value of your assets. It also allows you to name trusted decision-makers, communicate your wishes, plan for incapacity, and nominate guardians for minor children.
A will directs how certain property should be distributed after your death and may be administered through probate. A trust is a legal arrangement for managing assets according to your instructions. The right approach depends on your goals and individual circumstances.
If you die without an estate plan, state law determines how certain property is distributed. That process may not reflect your personal wishes or your family’s unique circumstances.
Depending on your circumstances and applicable law, there may be strategies designed to protect certain assets for a spouse. An attorney can review your situation and explain your options.
The cost depends on the planning tools that fit your circumstances and goals. During your consultation, we’ll explain your options and discuss fees before any work begins.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future

Whether you’re creating an estate plan for the first time or updating documents that no longer reflect your life, Pearson Bollman Law is here to provide clear guidance every step of the way.

Request a consultation to discuss your goals with an experienced estate planning attorney, and get started with a team serving individuals and families throughout Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas.

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