How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Linn County, Iowa?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Linn County.
We found 11 estate law firms serving Linn County. Linn County is part of the Cedar Rapids Area region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Linn County District Court.
Iowa uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Linn County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Iowa are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every Linn County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the District Court and responsiveness are.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Cedar Rapids Area Firms
Arenson Hofmeyer PC
FirmEst. 2000
425 2nd St SE, Suite 900
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone:
(319) 363-8199arensonlaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Phelan Tucker Law LLP
FirmEst. 1906
321 East Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52244
Phone:
(319) 354-1104phelantuckerlaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTax PlanningProbate LitigationGuardianshipConservatorship
Pugh Hagan Prahm PLC
FirmEst. 2014
425 E. Oakdale Boulevard, Suite 201
Coralville, IA 52241
Phone:
(319) 351-2028pughhagan.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationBusiness Succession
Scott Shoemaker & Associates, PLC
Firm
425 Second Street SE, Suite 1200
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone:
(319) 379-2007cedarrapidswills.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsSpecial Needs PlanningGuardianshipConservatorship
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout Iowa.
Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C.
FirmEst. 1958
3324 Kimball Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50702
Phone:
(319) 234-2638ballkirkholm.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsElder LawGuardianship
Free Consult
Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.
Firm
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 3700
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone:
(515) 243-4191dickinsonbradshaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationWills TrustsTax PlanningElder Law
Mayne, Hindman, Frey, Parry & Wingert
Firm
701 Pierce Street, Suite 300
Sioux City, IA 51101
Phone:
(712) 277-1434maynelaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder Law
Free Consult
Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
FirmEst. 1918
700 Walnut Street, Suite 1300
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone:
(515) 283-3100nyemaster.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness Succession
Pearson Bollman Law
Firm
1415 28th Street, Suite 160
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone:
(515) 727-0986pearsonbollmanlaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationElder LawTrust AdministrationMedicaid Planning
Free Consult
Reynolds & Kenline, L.L.P.
FirmEst. 1890
770 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52004
Phone:
(563) 556-8000rkenline.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsGuardianshipConservatorship
Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers PLC
Firm
4200 University Avenue, Suite 424
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone:
(515) 327-1000iowawillsprobate.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationWills Trusts
Free Consult
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Iowa self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
Iowa sets probate attorney fees by statute. Linn County attorneys charge the same schedule as the rest of the state — there is no county-level variation. Use the probate cost calculator to see the dollar amount for your estate size.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: May 2026.
District Court
Linn County
51 Third Avenue Bridge
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone:
319-398-3411Fax:
319-398-3469
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
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