How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Wapello County, Iowa?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Wapello County.
We found 9 estate law firms serving Wapello County. Wapello County is part of the Ottumwa & South Central Iowa region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Wapello County District Court.
Iowa uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Wapello 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 Wapello 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.
Ottumwa & South Central Iowa Firms
Gaumer, Emanuel & Goldsmith, P.C.
FirmA locally-owned Ottumwa firm with over 75 years of experience providing full estate services from will drafting and probating to trust creation, distribution, and estate closures.
Location
111 W. Second StreetOttumwa, IA 52501
Phone
(641) 682-7579
Established
1949
Service Area
6 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsTrust Administration
Free consultationVisit site
Orsborn, Mitchell & Goedken, P.C.
FirmBased in Ottumwa, Orsborn, Mitchell & Goedken serves clients in Wapello County and all of south Iowa for real estate, estate planning, and probate matters.
Location
110 E. 3rd StreetOttumwa, IA 52501
Phone
(641) 682-5447
Service Area
10 counties
Estate PlanningProbate Administration
Visit site
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout Iowa.
Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C.
FirmSince 1958, Ball, Kirk & Holm has represented Iowans in estate planning and probate matters. Their attorneys assist with drafting wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, guardianships, and healthcare directives throughout Iowa.
Location
3324 Kimball AvenueWaterloo, IA 50702
Phone
(319) 234-2638
Established
1958
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsElder LawGuardianship
Free consultationVisit site
Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.
FirmFormed in 2024 from the merger of Dickinson Mackaman Tyler & Hagen and Bradshaw Fowler Proctor & Fairgrave, Dickinson Bradshaw has nearly 60 attorneys with over 190 years of collective legal experience. Their estate planning practice includes wealth preservation, asset protection, gift and estate tax minimization, and farm succession planning.
Location
801 Grand Avenue, Suite 3700Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 243-4191
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationWills TrustsTax PlanningElder Law
Visit site
Mayne, Hindman, Frey, Parry & Wingert
FirmLocated just east of the Woodbury County Courthouse in downtown Sioux City, Mayne, Hindman is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell with over 100 years of combined experience. Licensed in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Location
701 Pierce Street, Suite 300Sioux City, IA 51101
Phone
(712) 277-1434
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
FirmFounded in 1918, Nyemaster Goode is the largest law firm in Iowa with 90+ attorneys across offices in Des Moines, Ames, and Cedar Rapids. Ranked in Chambers USA 2025 and recognized in the 2026 Best Law Firms Edition. Their Wealth Transfer, Trusts & Estates practice combines trial, tax, probate, business, real estate, and estate planning expertise.
Location
700 Walnut Street, Suite 1300Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 283-3100
Established
1918
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness Succession
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Pearson Bollman Law
FirmPearson Bollman Law is the largest estate planning firm in Iowa with five offices throughout the state, focusing services in estate planning and elder law. Licensed in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.
Location
1415 28th Street, Suite 160West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone
(515) 727-0986
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationElder LawTrust AdministrationMedicaid Planning
Free consultationVisit site
Reynolds & Kenline, L.L.P.
FirmFounded in 1890, Reynolds & Kenline has attorneys helping executors, beneficiaries, and family members with wills, trusts, conservatorships, guardianships, and estate administration. Relocated to 770 Main Street in mid-2025. Licensed in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Location
770 Main StreetDubuque, IA 52004
Phone
(563) 556-8000
Established
1890
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsGuardianshipConservatorship
Free consultationVisit site
Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers PLC
FirmWilson Deege attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience helping Iowa residents with estate planning, probate law, drafting wills, establishing trusts, and creating living trusts.
Location
4200 University Avenue, Suite 424West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone
(515) 327-1000
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationWills Trusts
Free consultationVisit site
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. Wapello 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: June 2026.
District Court
Wapello County
101 West 4th Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone:
641-683-0060Fax:
641-683-0064
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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