Estate Planning in Iowa — Trusted Guidance for Wills, Trusts & Family Estates
Protect Your Wishes. Preserve Your Legacy. Plan With Confidence.
Estate planning is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to support the people you love. Whether you are drafting your first will, updating a trust, settling a family member’s estate, or navigating farmland inheritance in Iowa, thoughtful planning brings clarity, security, and peace of mind.
At Daniels Osborn Law Firm, attorney John Daniels brings more than 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, farmers, and out-of-state heirs manage Iowa estates with confidence. Every plan is tailored. Every conversation is personal. Every client receives the attention they deserve.
Why Estate Planning Matters in Iowa
A clear estate plan protects your family, reduces uncertainty, and ensures your wishes are honored. Without proper planning, loved ones may face unnecessary stress, expensive delays, probate challenges, or disputes that could have been avoided entirely.
Estate planning is especially important for Iowa families with farmland, multi-generational property, out-of-state heirs, blended families, or unique financial or personal considerations. Clear documents provide direction now—and protection later.
Thoughtful estate planning helps you maintain control of your assets, choose who will manage your affairs, minimize conflict among heirs, and simplify the administration of your estate, whether you own a home, a business, or family farmland.
Wills
A properly drafted will ensures your wishes are legally protected and clearly communicated. We help you choose executors, plan distributions, and prepare a document that reflects your goals and family structure.
Trusts & Living Trusts
Revocable living trusts and other trust options can help avoid probate, protect privacy, simplify administration, and support long-term planning for real estate, farmland, and blended family situations.
Trust Administration
When a loved one passes, trustees often need guidance. We assist with asset management, distributions, legal requirements, communication with beneficiaries, and the full responsibilities of administering a trust.
Probate & Estate Administration
Executors receive step-by-step support through the Iowa probate process—from initial filings to final distributions. You get clear explanations, personal guidance, and steady support during a difficult time.
Farm & Agricultural Estate Planning
Farm families face unique challenges: high-value land, siblings living out of state, and multi-generational transitions. We help preserve Iowa farmland, reduce conflict among heirs, and plan clearly for the next generation.
Estate Planning Services
Below are the core services in this practice area. Each service links to a dedicated page for more detail.
Why Clients Choose Daniels Osborn Law Firm
Clients trust the firm for:
40+ years of experience in wills, trusts, estates, and farmland planning
Direct access to your attorney—no staff layers, no handoffs
A calm, thoughtful approach focused on planning, not conflict
Clear, practical explanations that make complex decisions easier
Deep community roots in Sioux City and Northwest Iowa
★★★★★
Client Testimonials
Stu E.
Super professional-
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! -
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 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. -
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. -
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! -
Eric B.
As a real estate agent who values proficiency and timeliness, I recommend John Daniels to my clients for their title work and document preparation. We can always count on John to do a great job, competitively priced. He is easily available for consultation, if needed, and competently produces what is needed to complete the real estate transactions. We very much appreciate his skill and professionalism! -
Julie B.
I worked with John Daniels to set up a family trust. I was impressed with his knowledge and professionalism along with his ability to very personable. John really helped put my mind at ease when explaining legal terms I didn't fully understand. He was always patient with my questions about the process and allowed me to take the time I needed to make important decisions. John always responds quickly to communication through phone calls, email or text. I highly recommend using the Daniels Osborn Law Firm. -
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 -
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. -
Diane K.
I was going through a terrible time, I was told I needed a Laywer for an estate. I was in my car crying asked God to help find a good Lawyer and John's name just popped out to me I called him and he answered he was on vacation still took the call. I met with in a few days later, He has helped me so much, keeps me educated every step of the way, he gets the job done, He has reasonable rates, John is not just my Lawyer he became my friend that is just the person he is, kind, caring, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. Thank You John -
Judy H.
I'm very happy I was referred to go to Mr.Daniels for doing my will and everything to deal with that important process. He was very professional and pleasant to work with . I will refer people to go to this law firm for anything they need done . Thank you Judy -
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. -
Terry M.
John spends time to find out exactly what you need. Then he delivers!
Our Estate Planning Process: Clear, Efficient, and Personal
Contact the Firm
- Call, text, or submit a form—you’ll speak directly with attorney John Daniels.
Discuss Your Goals
- We review your assets, family dynamics, real estate, farmland, and long-term wishes.
Create a Tailored Plan
- Your documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, farmland plans—are drafted with clarity and precision.
Finalize & Support Your Plan
- We guide you through proper signing and remain available for updates as life evolves.
About Daniels Osborn Law Firm
Daniels Osborn Law Firm is led by attorney John Daniels, a Sioux City lawyer with more than four decades of experience in estate planning, trust administration, business law, and real estate. Before returning to private practice, John served as corporate counsel and later CEO of a regional medical center—experience that gives him unique insight into organizational clarity, decision-making, and family dynamics.
As a solo practitioner, John offers individualized guidance with a steady, measured approach. His philosophy—“uncommon strategies, common ground”—reflects the firm’s commitment to thoughtful, personalized legal planning.
Your Next Step: Plan With Confidence and Peace of Mind
Your estate plan should bring comfort—not uncertainty. Whether you need to create a will, establish a trust, navigate probate, or plan for farmland succession, Daniels Osborn Law Firm provides clarity, care, and experienced guidance at every step.