Cedar Rapids Estate Planning, Done Right — With Flat Fees and No Surprises
I'm Scott Shoemaker, a Cedar Rapids estate planning attorney who believes you deserve to know exactly what your plan will cost before you commit to anything.
8 Years of Practice
21 Five-Star Google Reviews
Flat-Fee, All-Inclusive Quotes
Every Family Structure Welcome
Why Most People Keep Putting This Off — and Why It Doesn't Have to Be That Hard
Estate planning has a reputation for being expensive, confusing, and full of fine print. I built my practice to be the opposite. My office in Cedar Rapids is the kind of place where you can ask every question you've been holding onto, hear a straight answer in plain English, and leave with a clear plan — and a clear price — before you sign anything.
I work with married couples who are finally getting serious about retirement, new grandparents who want to lock in the right protections, adult children navigating a parent's incapacity, and families of every structure who haven't always felt welcome at traditional law firms. Whoever you are, your plan should reflect your life.
As a solo practitioner, I handle your matter personally from the first conversation through the final signed document. There's no handoff to a junior associate, no billing surprises, and no jargon to decode.
What I Can Help You With
Estate Planning
Wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, incapacity planning, and special needs trusts — built around your family, not a template.
Uncontested Probate
If a loved one has passed and you need to move the estate through Iowa's probate process, I can guide you through it efficiently and without unnecessary complexity.
Uncontested Adult Guardianship
When a family member can no longer make decisions independently, I help families establish legal guardianship through Iowa's courts — clearly and compassionately.
Transparent Flat Fees
Every engagement starts with an all-inclusive flat-fee quote. You'll know the full cost before anything moves forward. No hourly billing, no open-ended invoices.
How the Process Works
STEP 1
Schedule a Consultation
Book directly online through Acuity — no phone tag, no waiting. Pick a time that works for you.
STEP 2
Talk Through Your Situation
We'll have a real conversation about your family, your goals, and what you want your plan to accomplish. No forms to fill out in advance, no pressure.
STEP 3
Receive a Flat-Fee Quote
Before anything moves forward, I'll give you an all-inclusive price for your plan. You'll know exactly what it covers and exactly what it costs.
STEP 4
Review, Sign, and Implement
I'll draft your documents in plain language, walk you through every page at signing, and make sure your plan is actually put into effect — not just printed and filed away.
Questions People Ask Before They Call
How much does estate planning cost in Cedar Rapids?
My fees are flat and all-inclusive, which means you receive a complete price before you commit to anything. The cost depends on the complexity of your plan — a straightforward will-based plan is priced differently than a full trust package — but you'll never receive a surprise invoice after the fact.
Do I really need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends on your assets, your family structure, and what you want to happen when you're gone. A will works well for many people. A trust offers additional benefits for others, including avoiding probate and providing more control over how assets are distributed. I'll help you understand which approach fits your situation before recommending anything.
What's the difference between a will and a revocable living trust?
A will takes effect at death and goes through probate before assets are distributed. A revocable living trust takes effect immediately, can be changed during your lifetime, and allows assets to pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate. Both are legitimate tools — the right choice depends on your circumstances.
Can you help same-sex couples or blended families with estate planning?
Yes, and I want to be direct about it: every family structure is welcome here. I've worked with same-sex couples, blended families, and non-traditional households throughout my practice. Your plan will be built around your actual family — not assumptions about what a family is supposed to look like.
How long does it take to complete an estate plan?
Most plans are completed within two to four weeks of our initial consultation. More complex situations may take a bit longer, but I'll give you a realistic timeline upfront so you know what to expect.
Do you only serve Cedar Rapids, or do you work with clients in other Iowa cities?
I serve clients across Eastern Iowa, including Marion, Iowa City, Coralville, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls. Remote consultations are available for clients who prefer to meet virtually or who are located elsewhere in Iowa.
Ready to Get Your Plan in Place?
Most people feel a genuine sense of relief once this is done. The hardest part is usually just getting started. I make that part easy.
Scott Shoemaker is a Cedar Rapids estate planning attorney with eight years of experience helping Iowa families create wills, trusts, and incapacity plans that actually reflect their lives. His practice is built on flat-fee pricing, plain-language drafting, and personal follow-through from first conversation to final signature. Learn more on the About page.
