Call 712-309-3738 To Get Started

712-309-3738

Applying Decades Of Experience To Solve Modern Legal Issues

Council Bluffs Attorneys Advising Iowa And Nebraska Residents On Estate Planning

Last updated on May 14, 2026

The elderly population is one of the fastest-growing segments of American society. Older Americans and their families who are dealing with significant life transitions may be confronting difficult financial, medical and family issues. At Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP, our Council Bluffs estate planning attorneys are receptive to the economic and health issues facing the elderly and their families. Our elder law and estate planning practice addresses issues faced by the elderly, such as how your family will be cared for in the event of death, the delegation of responsibility for financial decisions and direction to health care providers in the event of incapacitation.

Understanding Estate Planning Documents

Our estate planning lawyers take a compassionate approach to assisting clients with the following:

We can help you evaluate your goals and determine a solution that will help you support your family and your legacy, including selecting a guardian.

Deciding When To Create An Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan early in life offers clarity and control. It also removes uncertainty for the people who may one day need to rely on your instructions. 

You need not wait for a major milestone to begin this process because your plan will likely evolve over time as your circumstances change. Starting early gives you a solid foundation that can be updated as needed, resulting in a plan that always meets your needs.

Major life events can serve as helpful reminders to put an estate plan in place or revisit the one you already have. Such moments often reshape financial responsibilities, family structure or long‑term goals, which means your documents should reflect your current reality. Taking action during transitions helps your wishes remain clear and enforceable at every stage.

Common life events that often prompt people to create or update an estate plan include:

  • Marriage or partnership: Often, a new spouse or partner may need to be added as a beneficiary, decision‑maker or property co‑owner. Your plan should reflect how you want shared and separate assets handled.
  • Birth or adoption of a child: Parents can rest easier by naming guardians, outlining financial protections and helping ensure assets are managed responsibly for a minor child’s benefit.
  • New job or major career change: A new employment position may come with retirement accounts, stock options or insurance benefits. Like all assets, they require beneficiary designations and planning.
  • Divorce or separation: Ending a relationship often requires removing an ex‑spouse from decision‑making roles, updating beneficiaries and revising property instructions to avoid unintended outcomes.
  • Retirement or near retirement: As income sources shift and long‑term needs emerge, it is important to confirm that your estate plan aligns with your financial strategy and health care preferences.

These events are not the only times to review your documents, but they highlight how quickly your needs can shift. Regular updates help ensure your plan continues to reflect your priorities, protect the people you care about and reduce the likelihood of confusion or conflict later.

Common Estate Planning Questions

At Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP, our experienced Council Bluffs estate planning lawyers understand how complex estate planning can be. We also understand the value of information and education. As such, here are some of the most common questions we see, along with answers that can help you as you start your estate planning journey.

How can I disinherit a child?

Disinheriting someone – like a biological child who expects to inherit – means cutting them out of the estate plan. You can do this just by leaving them nothing, although there is a chance that they will contest the will. They may claim you didn’t mean to exclude them and that it was an oversight. To avoid this, you may want to use a disinheritance clause in your will to make your intentions clear.

Does remarrying mean my ex will no longer get part of the inheritance from my estate plan?

If you get divorced, it’s important to update your estate plan to remove your ex and include a new partner if you get remarried. That being said, there are some legal protections in place. Under Iowa law, many estate planning provisions are automatically revoked during a divorce. That said, some beneficiary designations are not – such as a life insurance policy or a payable on death account – so you need to update them independently.

What complications do blended families create for estate planning?

Blended families can create many estate planning complications. Disputes between adult children are common, especially if they are already relatively old when the families are blended and they do not feel like siblings. There can be many questions about who gets to make health care decisions for elderly parents, who have a right to financial assets, how family heirlooms should be addressed and more.

What happens to debt after you die?

Debt still gets paid off after you pass away, but your children do not inherit it. Instead, the person you choose as your estate executor can use money from your own estate to pay your debts.

An Estate Planning Lawyer Who Cares

Attorney John A. Flaten is the principal elder law attorney for the Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP with extensive knowledge of the estate planning process. Like the other lawyers at our firm, he is a skilled litigator committed to your welfare. Because of this commitment, our lawyers take a team approach to deliver professional and compassionate legal representation.

Start Your Planning Today

Our firm strives to be accessible to you at all times to ensure your needs are met. Call 712-309-3738 or use this form to contact our estate planning and elder law lawyer in Council Bluffs, and let us put our team to work for you.