Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

Free 30-Minute Consultation: 319-359-6492

Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

319-359-6492

Your Legal
Resource
For Life

Help For Planning Your Estate

Last updated on September 12, 2023

Planning for the future and establishing the right legal documents for the protection of heirs are important steps. Many people are hesitant to begin estate planning, believing that they will have more time “tomorrow.” Often, tomorrow never comes, and, when a family member passes away, the estate administration process can be complex and intimidating during a time of grief.

At Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., we are a team of attorneys that can help you begin your estate plan and assist you with many of the issues related to estate planning and administration.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Our knowledge and experience with a broad spectrum of legal matters, including family law and business law, informs all our estate planning work. We are attentive listeners and resourceful, creative problem-solvers as well as lawyers who know how to develop an estate plan that suits your individual needs.

We bring together more than a century of combined legal experience. You can confidently turn to us for counsel and representation in matters such as:

  • The drafting of essential estate planning documents tailored to your specific needs
  • The selection and development of more sophisticated estate planning tools
  • Petitions for guardianships enabling family members to make vital financial and other life decisions for minors or incapacitated adults
  • Advocacy in disputes that may arise between heirs and other interested parties

Managing All Types Of Estate Planning Documents

Having a strong estate plan depends on the documents that compose it. We can help you develop the necessary documents for your estate plan, including:

  • A will to appoint beneficiaries and their inheritances
  • A health care directive to specify your medical preferences
  • A power of attorney to appoint someone to manage your business, financial and other personal needs
  • Trusts to manage how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritances, including living, testamentary, revocable and irrevocable trusts

No matter what you need in your estate planning, you deserve to have an experienced and committed lawyer at your side. We can help you protect your wishes and best interests before and after your passing by creating a personal estate plan tailored to your unique needs.

Contact Us For Estate Planning Counsel

Our work together on any estate planning issue can begin with a free 30-minute initial consultation. To arrange a meeting at a time that works for you, call our highly accessible, conveniently located offices outside downtown Iowa City today at 319-359-6492.

Practice Areas

Notable Cases

Cedar County AGCR024516 — PLEA OFFER ACCEPTED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of the crime of Operating a Motor Vehicle While License is Barred as a Habitual Offender §321.560/ §321.561/ §321.555 /§321.556 (An Aggravated Misdemeanor), as well as Failure to Use Child Restraint Devise §321.446 (A Scheduled Violation). Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald was able to secure a plea offer satisfactory to both client and state.

Notable Cases

Muscatine County AGCR057733 — PLEA ACCEPTED, CHARGE REDUCED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of Domestic Abuse Assault §708.2A(2)(b) (A Serious Misdemeanor). An initial plea offer stated the client would have to plead guilty as charged, attorney Shawn Fitzgerald worked for a better offer for his client. The client was able to plead guilty to an amended lesser charge of Disorderly Conduct §723.4(2) (A Simple Misdemeanor).