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Telk Law | Estate Planning That Works for Real Iowans

Estate Planning is Essential for Every Stage of Life

No matter your age or income, having a solid estate plan in place is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. At Telk Law, we make the process simple, clear, and customized to your life stage.

From new parents to empty nesters, Charles Telk works with clients throughout Central Iowa to make sure their wishes are honored—legally and practically.

Estate planning is important when you:
  • Get married or start a family
  • Buy a home or start a business
  • Experience a major life or health change
  • Receive an inheritance
  • Care for aging parents or dependents with long-term needs
  • Want to avoid court involvement after death

Estate planning isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. Let’s make sure your future is in the right hands.

What’s Included in a Comprehensive Estate Plan

A solid estate plan is more than just a will—it’s a full strategy designed to protect your family, honor your wishes, and reduce legal and financial complications. At Telk Law, we help you create a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique goals, assets, and life stage.

As both a CPA and estate planning attorney in Des Moines, Charles Telk ensures every part of your plan works together—legally and financially.

Key components of a comprehensive estate plan often include:
Last Will and Testament
Names guardians, outlines asset distribution, and appoints an executor
Revocable Living Trust
Avoids probate and gives you more control over how assets are handled
Financial Power of Attorney
Allows someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf
Living Will / Advance Directive
Communicates your end-of-life care preferences
Beneficiary Designations
Coordinates with your plan to avoid conflicts
Business & Farm Succession Plan
For owners who want to protect what they’ve built

A comprehensive estate plan gives you peace of mind today—and clarity for those you care about tomorrow.

Estate Planning for Small Business Owners in Iowa

Owning a business adds a layer of complexity to your estate plan—but also a greater need for protection. At Telk Law, Charles Telk works with small business owners across Iowa to develop estate plans that account for both personal and business assets.

As a CPA, attorney, and MBA, Charles brings a full-spectrum approach that ensures your business doesn’t become a burden on your loved ones or your partners.

Your estate plan can help you:
  • Create a clear business succession strategy
  • Minimize estate and capital gains taxes
  • Protect your family from business debt or liability
  • Keep operations running in the event of incapacity
  • Designate successors or prepare the business for sale

Your business is part of your legacy—Telk Law helps you protect it.

Wills vs. Trusts: What’s Right for You?

When planning your estate in Iowa, one of the first choices is whether to use a will, a trust, or both. Each tool offers unique advantages, and the right fit depends on your goals, your family structure, and the complexity of your assets.

With dual credentials as a Des Moines estate planning attorney and CPA, Charles Telk helps clients understand the legal, financial, and tax implications of each option.

Feature Will Revocable Trust
FeatureAvoids probate? WillNo Revocable TrustYes
FeaturePublic or private? WillPublic Revocable TrustPrivate
FeatureCovers incapacity? WillNo Revocable TrustYes
FeatureCan manage ongoing distributions? WillNo Revocable TrustYes
FeatureNames guardians? WillYes Revocable TrustNo

Still unsure what’s right for you? Telk Law can create a custom estate plan that uses one—or both—tools to achieve your goals with clarity and confidence.

How Telk Law Helps You Avoid Common Mistakes

Even well-intentioned estate plans can fall short if they’re missing key details or aren’t updated with life’s changes. At Telk Law, Charles Telk uses his deep legal and financial expertise to spot gaps, prevent conflicts, and ensure your plan works exactly how you intend.

With experience as both a CPA and estate planning attorney, Charles helps you take a comprehensive, strategic approach—so nothing slips through the cracks.

Avoid issues like:
  • Outdated wills or missing beneficiary designations
  • Assets that don’t align with your trust or estate documents
  • Failing to plan for incapacity or healthcare decisions
  • Ignoring tax implications of large transfers or retirement accounts
  • Overlooking business ownership or succession planning

Estate planning isn’t just about having documents—it’s about making sure they work together. Telk Law ensures they do.

Start Your Estate Plan with Confidence

Whether you’re just getting started or need to update an old plan, Telk Law is here to help you through the process—step by step, with no pressure or confusion. Charles will make sure your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.

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