Legal Services Rooted in Experience and Trust

in Sioux City, Iowa

Helping You Bridge the Gap Between Today’s Decisions and a Well-Planned Future

Serving Sioux City, Iowa, and Surrounding Communities for Over 40 Years

Trusted Legal Counsel. Thoughtful Planning. Personal Service.

Daniels Osborn Law Firm is led by John Daniels, a Sioux City attorney with more than four decades of legal and executive experience. Known for his clear thinking and steady approach, John serves individuals, families, and small businesses with a focus on estate planning, trust administration, real estate transactions, and business formation.



As a solo practitioner, he offers each client direct, individualized attention—never routed through staff or layers of intake. From helping local families navigate wills and trusts, to assisting out-of-state heirs with farmland transfers, John provides legal guidance built on clarity, trust, and lasting solutions.

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Clear Legal Solutions for Life’s Most Important Decisions

Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

Create legal plans that reflect your wishes, protect your family, and bring long-term clarity.

Real Estate Transactions

From residential closings to family farmland sales, receive straightforward legal guidance, contract review, and document support for smooth Iowa property transfers.

Title Examination


Ensure your property has clear, marketable title through careful abstract review and attorney-issued title opinions for confident closings.

Business Entity Formation & Guidance

Start or structure your business with clarity through tailored LLC formation, governance documents, and practical startup guidance.

General Corporate Practice

Access steady legal support for contracts, agreements, compliance, and everyday business decisions that require clear, practical counsel.

Farm & Agricultural Estate Planning

Preserve family farmland and plan smooth generational transfers with tailored strategies for Iowa landowners and out-of-state heirs.

A Straightforward Process—From First Call to Final Plan

STEP

01.

Reach Out

Call, text, or submit a detailed form. You’ll hear directly from John—not a staffer.

STEP

02.

Share Your Goals

Call, text, or submit a detailed form. You’ll hear directly from John—not a staffer.

STEP

03.

Get a Personalized Plan

Call, text, or submit a detailed form. You’ll hear directly from John—not a staffer.

★★★★★

Client Testimonials

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  • Super professional

    Stu E.

    Super professional
  • John was very thorough in explaining trusts & wills, and answering my wife's & my questions. After setting up our trust, John has continued to help us with a medical power of attorney. All of his guidance has given us peace of mind, knowing we're prepared for the future.

    Tom S.

    John was very thorough in explaining trusts & wills, and answering my wife's & my questions. After setting up our trust, John has continued to help us with a medical power of attorney. All of his guidance has given us peace of mind, knowing we're prepared for the future.
  • John was extremely helpful settling my dad’s estate, making sure all documents were filed in court correctly, and even settling a small posthumous lawsuit. He kept me up to date on progress of estate progression and was very approachable with any questions I had. Very competent!

    Clayton

    John was extremely helpful settling my dad’s estate, making sure all documents were filed in court correctly, and even settling a small posthumous lawsuit. He kept me up to date on progress of estate progression and was very approachable with any questions I had. Very competent!
  • John took on a very complicated real estate transaction for our family. We are in California and property is in Iowa. From our first meeting John was excellent and personable. He kept us informed and updated on progress all along the way, and explained things in laymans terms so they were easy to understand. We couldn't ask for a more professional attorney to handle our real estate transaction. We felt very comfortable with John handling everything for us...even from afar!! 5+++stars!

    Michele V.

    John took on a very complicated real estate transaction for our family. We are in California and property is in Iowa. From our first meeting John was excellent and personable. He kept us informed and updated on progress all along the way, and explained things in laymans terms so they were easy to understand. We couldn't ask for a more professional attorney to handle our real estate transaction. We felt very comfortable with John handling everything for us...even from afar!! 5+++stars!
  • John spends time to find out exactly what you need. Then he delivers!

    Terry M.

    John spends time to find out exactly what you need. Then he delivers!
  • John is so personable and such a gentleman , he made me and my husband feel at ease making our wills and guiding us with his expertise and knowledge through the whole process , we now consider him a friend ,as he will make you feel the same , he assures your best interest is met ,explains in detail in terms we both understood , we will use their services for our future matters , thanks John , respectfully Steve and Terri

    Terri C.

    John is so personable and such a gentleman , he made me and my husband feel at ease making our wills and guiding us with his expertise and knowledge through the whole process , we now consider him a friend ,as he will make you feel the same , he assures your best interest is met ,explains in detail in terms we both understood , we will use their services for our future matters , thanks John , respectfully Steve and Terri
  • John has assisted us with multiple property acquisitions as well as the formation of our LLC, and his expertise has been invaluable every step of the way. One of the acquisitions turned out to be particularly complex, requiring extensive coordination with both city and county officials. Despite the challenges, John navigated the process with skill and persistence, ultimately securing everything we expected and even more. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly set him apart. We highly recommend John for any real estate transactions—he’s someone you can trust to get the job done right.

    Sid M.

    John has assisted us with multiple property acquisitions as well as the formation of our LLC, and his expertise has been invaluable every step of the way. One of the acquisitions turned out to be particularly complex, requiring extensive coordination with both city and county officials. Despite the challenges, John navigated the process with skill and persistence, ultimately securing everything we expected and even more. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly set him apart. We highly recommend John for any real estate transactions—he’s someone you can trust to get the job done right.
  • John did a great job. We were very pleased with his work. He is quick to respond if you have any questions and is very good about explaining things so that you can understand.

    John M.

    John did a great job. We were very pleased with his work. He is quick to respond if you have any questions and is very good about explaining things so that you can understand.
  • John Daniels has completed numerous Title Opinions for my clients in my 30 year real estate career. I highly recommend John and feel confident my clients are in the best hands. He has reviewed documents and helped solve Title issues numerous times. I referred John to family for estate planning and they were extremely happy with his services. John helps you resolve issues and always goes above and beyond! He has an eye for detail and is a very competent attorney!

    Vicki K.

    John Daniels has completed numerous Title Opinions for my clients in my 30 year real estate career. I highly recommend John and feel confident my clients are in the best hands. He has reviewed documents and helped solve Title issues numerous times. I referred John to family for estate planning and they were extremely happy with his services. John helps you resolve issues and always goes above and beyond! He has an eye for detail and is a very competent attorney!
  • In residing outside of IA, I needed an IA attorney who would not only be able to represent me in tackling the state’s complex estate/probate and guardian/conservatorship laws but also an attorney that would be willing to do so remotely. John checked all of those boxes and much more. He’s an expert in those fields but also one of the most professional, empathetic and kind attorneys that I have worked with especially given the immediacy of circumstances/decisions that I faced. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to John and highly recommend him to others.

    Jan B.

    In residing outside of IA, I needed an IA attorney who would not only be able to represent me in tackling the state’s complex estate/probate and guardian/conservatorship laws but also an attorney that would be willing to do so remotely. John checked all of those boxes and much more. He’s an expert in those fields but also one of the most professional, empathetic and kind attorneys that I have worked with especially given the immediacy of circumstances/decisions that I faced. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to John and highly recommend him to others.

Why Clients Trust Daniels Osborn Law Firm

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Over 40 Years of Legal Experience

Includes private practice, corporate counsel, and six years as CEO of a regional medical center.

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Direct Access to Your Attorney

No gatekeepers. John handles every matter personally—from first call to final signature.

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Client-Centered by Design

A focused caseload ensures every client receives personal attention and clear guidance.

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Downtown Sioux City Office

Professional conference rooms and a live receptionist, without the overhead of a large firm.

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Community Leadership & Long-Term Presence

John is deeply rooted in Sioux City life—from civic boards to local nonprofit leadership.

“Uncommon Strategies. Common Ground.”

This isn’t just a phrase—it’s the philosophy behind everything at Daniels Osborn Law Firm.


John Daniels focuses on building solutions. He helps families plan with clarity, guides business owners through thoughtful decisions, and creates legal structures that bring order, stability, and long-term direction.


John approaches each situation by building a bridge—connecting complexity to clarity, uncertainty to understanding, and different perspectives to practical, workable outcomes.


At Daniels Osborn Law Firm, legal planning is personal. Every family, property, and business has a unique story, and each solution is crafted with uncommon care, insight, and respect for what matters most.



The goal is always the same: common ground. A clear path forward. And guidance that continues well beyond the paperwork.

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Estate Planning FAQs — Questions Clients Commonly Ask

  • What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

    Wills are subject to probate. Trusts allow for more privacy, flexibility, and control over asset distribution.

  • Can I manage an Iowa estate from out of state?

    Yes. We regularly work with adult children and family members who live elsewhere but are handling Iowa-based estates or farmland.

  • What does a trust administrator do?

    They carry out the instructions in the trust—managing assets, paying taxes and debts, and distributing property.

  • How can I keep the family farm in the family?

    Custom estate plans, trusts, and business structures can help avoid conflict and preserve ownership across generations.

  • Do I need both a will and a trust?

    Possibly. It depends on your goals, assets, and beneficiaries. We’ll help you decide what fits your situation best.

The firm’s name honors John’s daughter and former law partner, Ellen Osborn. Ellen practiced law at the firm from 2009 to 2015 and passed away in 2023 after a courageous eight-year journey with cancer. Her legacy of compassion, excellence, and service lives on—both in memory and in the ongoing work of the firm.

Honoring Ellen Osborn

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Serving Sioux City and Beyond

Daniels Osborn Law Firm serves clients across Sioux City and nearby communities within a 40-mile radius, as well as out-of-state clients managing local estates, farmland, or trust administration

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Located in downtown Sioux City

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Live receptionist and private conference rooms

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Contact form sends directly to John’s email—no login required