Scott Shoemaker & Associates, PLC

Scott Shoemaker & Associates, PLC Our unique systems ensure things are as easy as possible after your death for the people you love

Scott Shoemaker & Associates, PLC Provides Estate Planning, Probate, Wills, Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Guardianship, Conservatorship Services to the Cedar Rapids, IA area.

For many families, a vacation home or timeshare is connected to family traditions, special memories, and time spent toge...
09/02/2026

For many families, a vacation home or timeshare is connected to family traditions, special memories, and time spent together over the years. Without a clear estate planning strategy in place, a vacation property can sometimes create confusion, unexpected expenses, or disagreements among family members down the road.

If you own a second home or timeshare, there are a few important estate planning considerations worth thinking through. Swipe to learn more.

If you have questions about structuring a plan for your vacation property or would like to review your current estate plan, feel free to reach out. We would be happy to discuss your options.

Caring for a loved one with special needs often involves planning for both today and tomorrow.Thoughtful planning may in...
08/27/2026

Caring for a loved one with special needs often involves planning for both today and tomorrow.

Thoughtful planning may include tools such as trusts, guardianship planning, and other legal strategies designed to help protect long-term care, quality of life, and access to important support programs.

While every family's circumstances are different, creating a plan now can help provide stability and peace of mind for the future.

If you are caring for a loved one with special needs, we are here to help you understand your options. Learn more at https://cedarrapidswills.com

When was the last time you gave your estate plan a checkup? If it has been a while, you are in good company. Many people...
08/24/2026

When was the last time you gave your estate plan a checkup? If it has been a while, you are in good company. Many people sign their documents and assume they are set for life, but an estate plan should evolve as your life does.

Here are a few reminders our team at Scott Shoemaker & Associates shares with clients across Iowa:

• Regular reviews every three to five years help ensure your plan still reflects your goals
• Major life changes like marriage, divorce, or welcoming a child should prompt a review within 60–90 days
• The "5 Ds"—death, disability, divorce, distance, and descendants—are some of the most common triggers for an update

Your estate plan should grow with you. If it has been a few years since your last review, we are here to make the process simple and stress-free. Reach out anytime to get started.

Americans are living longer, and that has a real impact on how we approach estate planning here in Iowa. Recent data sho...
08/20/2026

Americans are living longer, and that has a real impact on how we approach estate planning here in Iowa. Recent data shows U.S. life expectancy has climbed back up to nearly 79 years, which means many families are preparing for longer retirements and more complex needs over time.

Longer lives often bring bigger questions about wills, trusts, long‑term care, and future decision‑making. Our team regularly helps individuals and families revisit their plans to make sure they truly reflect today’s realities.

If it has been a while since you last reviewed your estate plan, now is a great time to take another look. We’re here to help you plan ahead with clarity and confidence across Cedar Rapids and communities throughout Iowa.

Have questions about updating your plan? Drop them in the comments or reach out anytime.

As children head back to school and routines begin to change, it is a good time for parents to revisit an important ques...
08/17/2026

As children head back to school and routines begin to change, it is a good time for parents to revisit an important question: Have you reviewed your guardian choices recently?

The people you selected years ago may no longer be the best fit based on changes in location, health, family dynamics, or personal circumstances.

Guardian designations should be intentional and reviewed as your children grow, and your support network evolves.

Learn more at https://cedarrapidswills.com

Creating a will is an important milestone, but it is not always the finish line. Major life events can affect whether yo...
08/12/2026

Creating a will is an important milestone, but it is not always the finish line. Major life events can affect whether your current documents still reflect your wishes, including:

🔹Marriage or divorce
🔹A new child or grandchild
🔹Purchasing a home
🔹Changes in finances
🔹Significant family changes

Many people are surprised to learn that updating a will requires proper legal procedures and that handwritten changes may not accomplish what you intend. That’s why a periodic review can help ensure your plan stays current.

Learn more at https://cedarrapidswills.com

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder that creating a will is one of the most important steps you can ...
08/04/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder that creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones.

A properly prepared will can help:

🔹Name beneficiaries
🔹Appoint an executor
🔹Provide important instructions
🔹Reduce confusion during probate

If you do not have a will, or if your current will no longer reflects your wishes, now is a great time to take action.

Schedule a conversation today: https://cedarrapidswills.com

When an adult loved one can no longer make or communicate important personal decisions, families often face difficult ch...
07/30/2026

When an adult loved one can no longer make or communicate important personal decisions, families often face difficult choices.

Adult guardianship may provide a legal framework to protect a loved one's well-being and ensure important decisions are made in their best interests.

The process is about dignity, support, and protection, not taking away someone's value or voice. If your family is navigating these challenges, understanding your options is an important first step.

Learn more at https://cedarrapidswills.com

One of the biggest misconceptions about trusts is that they are only useful for wealthy families. In reality, trusts can...
07/21/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about trusts is that they are only useful for wealthy families. In reality, trusts can benefit many individuals and families by helping:

🔹Protect assets
🔹Provide greater control over distributions
🔹Support loved ones over time
🔹Potentially avoid probate

Every family's situation is unique, and a trust may be one of several tools available to help achieve your goals. If you have wondered whether a trust could be right for your family, now is a great time to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more: https://cedarrapidswills.com

Serving as an executor or handling a loved one's estate can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Even uncontest...
07/15/2026

Serving as an executor or handling a loved one's estate can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Even uncontested probate matters often involve:

🔹Court filings
🔹Deadlines
🔹Asset inventories
🔹Creditor notifications
🔹Final distributions
When everyone works together, the process may be smoother, but important legal steps must still be completed correctly.

Having legal guidance can help reduce stress and provide clarity during a difficult time. Learn more about probate services at https://cedarrapidswills.com

Address

425 Second Street SE, Ste 1200
Cedar Rapids, IA
52401

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13198048346

Website

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