Hendricks Law Office - Fort Dodge, IA

A Multi-Generational Legacy of Trusted Advocacy in Central Iowa

With roots extending back to 1947, Hendricks Law Office (formerly known as Kersten Hendricks PLLC) stands as one of Central Iowa's most respected multi-generational law practices. Serving clients across Webster, Calhoun, Sac, Carroll, Hamilton, and surrounding counties, our firm operates with a simple mindset established by founder Lewis S. Hendricks: treat people right and the rest will follow. Today, attorneys Steven W. Hendricks and Colin L. Hendricks carry on this rich tradition, providing highly strategic legal counsel to individuals, multi-generation farming families, and local business owners. If you need to find a lawyer who combines deep historical community roots with modern legal expertise, our office on the 7th floor of the Snell-Crawford Building is ready to protect your interests.

Custom Estate Planning, Wills, and Advanced Trust Services

Securing your legacy and planning for the smooth transition of family assets requires meticulous preparation. At Hendricks Law Office, we draft personalized estate plans designed to minimize estate taxes and protect your wealth from costly future litigation. Our estate planning services include drafting wills, establishing revocable and irrevocable trusts, setting up charitable trusts, and preparing financial powers of attorney and healthcare directives. We work closely with families to structure trusts that minimize tax liability, protect minor children, and avoid long probate disputes, ensuring your final wishes are executed with precision.

Seamless Probate and Trust Administration

When a family member passes away, navigating the administrative probate court system can feel overwhelming. Our experienced probate attorneys guide executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through the formal administration of estates and trusts in Scott and Webster counties. We handle all required court filings, assist with settling outstanding debts, manage asset distributions, and file federal and state estate tax returns. Our goal is to reduce administrative burdens and protect families from stress during a difficult period of loss.

Specialized Agricultural Law and Farm Succession Planning

Farming operations represent complex commercial businesses with unique legal and tax challenges. Our attorneys specialize in agricultural law, assisting local families in structuring successful farm transitions to future generations. We help you draft farm leases, manage boundary easements, navigate zoning guidelines, and establish legal entities such as LLCs or family partnerships. Our specialized succession planning protects your family farm's long-term operational viability.

Residential and Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Buying or selling property is a major financial transaction that requires absolute legal security. We manage residential, commercial, and agricultural real estate transactions, performing detailed abstract title examinations to ensure your purchase is free of liens or title defects. We draft purchase agreements, represent buyers and sellers at closing, and resolve land disputes.

Super Lawyers Recognition and Proven Legal Prowess

The attorneys at Hendricks Law Office are widely recognized for their legal excellence. Steven W. Hendricks has been consistently selected to the prestigious Super Lawyers list (including 2007 and 2011-2024) for his work in estate planning and probate law, and graduated with honors (Order of the Coif) from the University of Iowa College of Law. Colin Hendricks is deeply involved in community business organizations, including the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. Our Fort Dodge office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.