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Steven Charles Despotovich, Estate Planning Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing estate planning in West Des Moines since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Steven Charles Despotovich is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Steven has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson, Deege, Dollar, Despotovich & Riemenschneider. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
West Des Moines, IA
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Probate · Trusts
  • Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts matters from West Des Moines, IA.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Steven Charles Despotovich: Steven Charles Despotovich is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Steven has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson, Deege, Dollar, Despotovich & Riemenschneider. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Steven Charles Despotovich

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

Estate Planning cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Wills cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Steven Charles Despotovich — Over 43 years of Iowa estate planning experience

Steven Charles Despotovich is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Steven has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson, Deege, Dollar, Despotovich & Riemenschneider. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Steven Charles Despotovich is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate, wills and 1 other area of law. Steven received a B.S. degree from Drake University in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Steven practices at Wilson, Deege, Dollar, Despotovich & Riemenschneider in West Des Moines, IA.

How Steven handles estate planning matters

Steven Charles Despotovich is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate, wills and 1 other area of law. Steven received a B.S. degree from Drake University in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Steven practices at Wilson, Deege, Dollar, Despotovich & Riemenschneider in West Des Moines, IA.

The kind of cases Steven takes

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

Credentials

Steven Charles Despotovich's legal education and bar admissions

  • Drake University

    J.D. · 1983

  • Drake University

    B.S. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

  • Iowa

    1983 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at J.D. in Drake University and B.S. in Drake University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Steven Charles Despotovich

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Steven's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Iowa State and American Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Steven Charles Despotovich's office in West Des Moines

Steven's primary office is at 1601 22nd St., Ste. 300, West Des Moines, IA, 50266. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Wilson, Deege, Dollar, Despotovich & Riemenschneider

1601 22nd St., Ste. 300

West Des Moines, IA 50266

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Steven Charles Despotovich — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven Charles Despotovich claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Steven Charles Despotovich — 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 Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven 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 Steven

Steven 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Steven'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 Steven Charles Despotovich

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

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

  • Does Steven offer a free consultation?

    Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Steven'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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?

    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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Steven accepting new estate planning clients right now?

    Steven'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

Steven 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 Steven'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.