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Michael William O'Malley, Estate Planning Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning and Probate · 4.7/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

Retired

Des Moines, IA

Practicing estate planning in Des Moines since 1974.

52+
Years practicing
4.7 ★
7 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael William O'Malley is a retired based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

Based in
Des Moines, IA
Experience
over 52 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Probate
  • Handles Estate Planning and Probate matters from Des Moines, IA.
  • Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Michael William O'Malley: Michael William O'Malley is a retired based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael William O'Malley

Michael concentrates on estate planning and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Michael takes estate planning matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Michael takes probate matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael William O'Malley — Over 52 years of Iowa estate planning experience

Michael William O'Malley is a retired based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

Michael William O'Malley is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning. Michael William received a A.B. degree from Creighton University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Michael William practices in Des Moines, IA.

Working with Michael on a estate planning matter

Michael William O'Malley is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning. Michael William received a A.B. degree from Creighton University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Michael William practices in Des Moines, IA.

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning and probate matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Michael William O'Malley's legal education and bar admissions

  • Creighton University

    J.D. · 1974

  • Creighton University

    A.B. Loras · 1971

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Iowa

    1974 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1974 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Creighton University and A.B. Loras in Creighton University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Creighton University and A.B. Loras in Creighton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael William O'Malley

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Michael William O'Malley's office in Des Moines

Michael's primary office is at 1 Unknown, Des Moines, IA, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1 Unknown

Des Moines, IA 50309

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael William O'Malley — 4.7/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Des Moines.

4.7

7 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael William O'Malley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael William O'Malley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael William O'Malley

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a estate planning case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate planning cases in Iowa typically take?

    Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?

    Michael is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new estate planning clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa

Michael handles estate planning matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.