Richard P. Wilson, Estate Planning Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
Over 64 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
West Des Moines, IA
Practicing estate planning in West Des Moines since 1962.
- 64+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Richard P. Wilson?
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Quick answer
Richard P. Wilson is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Richard has over 64 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- West Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 64 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate · Trusts
- Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts matters from West Des Moines, IA.
- Over 64 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Richard P. Wilson: Richard P. Wilson is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Richard has over 64 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard P. Wilson
Richard concentrates on estate planning, probate, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Probate
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Trusts
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Wills
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Estate Planning cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Richard takes estate planning matters in West 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Richard takes probate matters in West 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Richard takes trusts matters in West 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Richard takes wills matters in West 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard P. Wilson — Over 64 years of Iowa estate planning experience
Richard P. Wilson is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Richard has over 64 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Richard P. Wilson is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning, trusts and 1 other area of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1957, and has been licensed for 64 years. Richard practices in West Des Moines, IA.
How Richard handles estate planning matters
Richard P. Wilson is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning, trusts and 1 other area of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1957, and has been licensed for 64 years. Richard practices in West Des Moines, IA.
The kind of cases Richard takes
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and trusts matters in West Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Richard P. Wilson's legal education and bar admissions
Dickinson School of Law
LL.B. Temple · 1960
University of Pennsylvania
B.S. · 1957
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1972 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1962 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at LL.B. Temple in Dickinson School of Law and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed LL.B. Temple in Dickinson School of Law and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard P. Wilson
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Richard P. Wilson's office in West Des Moines
Richard's primary office is at 6456 Orchard Dr, West Des Moines, IA, 50266-2302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard P. Wilson — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in West Des Moines.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard P. Wilson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard P. Wilson — 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 Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in West 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 Richard
Richard 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard'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 Richard P. Wilson
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside West Des Moines?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Richard'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 West Des Moines, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
Richard 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
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Iowa
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in West Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





