Business Details
39 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Des Moines, IA
Founded in 1987 by Mark Abendroth and David Russell, our law firm was established with a commitment to providing accessible, expert legal counsel to our community. We prioritize client-centered service, addressing individual needs through specialized practice areas including estate planning, real estate, and probate. Our team of dedicated attorneys, including Ross Barnett, Charlotte Sucik, and Gail Barnett, brings decades of combined experience to every case. We focus on building lasting relationships, offering tailored solutions that span multiple legal disciplines. Our approach combines strategic thinking with creative problem-solving to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.We maintain transparency in all communications and uphold the highest ethical standards in legal practice. While specializing in core areas, we also provide referrals for services outside our scope. Our administrative team ensures prompt responsiveness, allowing attorneys to focus on delivering quality representation. We regularly share expertise through professional speaking engagements and collaborate internally to enhance client service. Our mission remains rooted in serving clients with professionalism and compassion in an increasingly impersonal legal landscape.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Real Estate Law
Disability Claims
Business Formation
Guardianships
Medicaid Planning
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of combined experience in Iowa legal practice
- Our attorneys maintain active roles in professional legal education
- We offer multidisciplinary solutions through coordinated practice areas
- Our client-focused approach includes transparent communication practices
- We provide strategic legal planning with personalized attention
What people say
Wonderful and super helpful
Excellent legal services
Personalized estate planning
Compassionate disability advocacy
Knowledgeable real estate guidance
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning attorneys create customized wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect your assets and legacy. We specialize in Medicaid planning, special needs trusts, and tax-efficient strategies. Clients receive comprehensive guidance through probate processes and estate administration, ensuring compliance with Iowa law while minimizing family conflict.
Probate Administration
We guide executors and beneficiaries through Iowa's probate process with clear, efficient representation. Our services include asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution planning. We help resolve disputes while maintaining court compliance, ensuring smooth transitions during difficult times with compassionate, professional support.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice handles residential transactions, title examinations, and closing procedures. We represent buyers, sellers, and lenders in property transfers, contract negotiations, and boundary disputes. With decades of local experience, we ensure compliance with Iowa real estate regulations while protecting clients' interests throughout the transaction process.
Social Security Disability
We advocate for clients seeking Social Security Disability benefits through initial applications and appeals. Our attorneys prepare medical documentation, represent clients at hearings, and challenge denials with strategic legal arguments. We focus on building strong cases that demonstrate eligibility while providing compassionate support throughout the process.
Business Formation
We advise entrepreneurs on optimal business structures including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. Our services cover formation documents, operating agreements, and compliance strategies. We help businesses navigate Iowa's regulatory environment while protecting owners' assets and establishing frameworks for long-term success.
People
Mark U. Abendroth
Founding Attorney
Co-founder with over 35 years of legal experience, specializing in estate planning and probate. Active in professional legal education and community service, Mark maintains a client-focused approach to complex estate matters.
David B. Russell
Founding Attorney
Co-founder recognized for expertise in real estate law and business formation. Combines practical business knowledge with legal acumen to help clients establish and protect their assets through strategic planning.
Ross F. Barnett
Managing Partner
Estate planning specialist with national recognition in elder law. Regularly speaks at legal conferences and focuses on comprehensive solutions for families with special needs members and complex asset protection requirements.
Charlotte W. Sucik
Attorney
Experienced practitioner in probate administration and disability claims. Known for compassionate representation and thorough case preparation, Charlotte advocates effectively for clients navigating complex legal challenges.
Gail L. Barnett
Attorney
Specializes in Social Security Disability claims and Medicaid planning. Recognized for patient client counseling and successful advocacy in administrative hearings and appeals processes.
Questions
What legal services do you specialize in?
We focus on estate planning, probate administration, real estate transactions, Social Security Disability claims, business formation, and guardianships.
How are you different from other law firms?
Our client-centered approach combines specialized expertise with collaborative problem-solving, maintaining personal attention while offering multidisciplinary legal solutions.
Can you help with out-of-state legal matters?
We primarily serve Iowa clients but can assist with interstate legal issues through strategic partnerships and our comprehensive understanding of local regulations.
Do you offer document review services?
Yes, we provide legal document review and preparation services for estate plans, business contracts, and real estate transactions with clear pricing options.
What happens if my case goes to court?
Our attorneys provide full trial representation while prioritizing negotiated solutions. We prepare every case for litigation to ensure strong advocacy if court action becomes necessary.
