Practices

Bankruptcy

In times of financial turmoil, considering bankruptcy can be a terrifying and overwhelming thought. However, many are unaware that with adequate representation, most individuals do not lose their home or car after filing for bankruptcy in Iowa. Swanson Law Firm has extensive experience in handling Iowa bankruptcies, offering clients the chance for a fresh start by relieving them from debt, garnishments, repossession and foreclosure. We carefully analyze each client’s unique situation in order to formulate a plan that will best serve his or her individual needs. Call us today to schedule a consultation – relief from crushing debt may be closer than you think.

Personal Injury

Personal injuries have the potential to negatively impact every aspect of one’s life, especially if they fail to seek compensation from those at fault. If you were seriously injured as a result of the negligence of another, whether it is an individual, an employer, or any other organization, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We handle most types of personal injury cases, including car, truck and motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, and slip-and-fall injuries. At Swanson Law Firm we provide you with the zealous representation you need to ensure that every possible avenue for compensation is explored. Combined with the personal touch you could only find at a small town law firm, you can rest assured that your rights are being protected to the fullest extent possible. If you have suffered a serious injury, please contact us for a consultation before negotiating with or signing anything from an insurance company.

Family Law

Divorce & Child Custody

At Swanson Law Firm we strive to provide you with professional representation and the personal attention that you could only expect from a small town law firm.  We understand that divorce is a complex process that reaches far beyond the legal realm, with many emotional, personal, and familial issues to be considered.  Our goal is to provide you with the zealous representation and guidance you need in order to reach an efficient and acceptable final outcome.  We have deep rooted experience in child custody and child visitation matters, child support and alimony arrangements, division of personal, real, and business assets, division of pension and retirement plans, and all associated tax implications.  Additionally, we can also help you modify any existing arrangement that was established in the past, of which may no longer suit your needs.  Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Adoption

Adopting a child is a noble undertaking that will forever change the life of a child in need.  Adoption is often a complex process that can quickly become frustrating and defeating if the proper steps are not taken.  At Swanson Law Firm, we guide you through all of the requirements and formalities, allowing you to focus on what is most important: the comfort and well being of your new family member as they make the transition into a new life.  There are many types of adoptions, including second parent, stepparent and relative adoptions, as well as extra-familial adoptions, such as adopting through an agency or adopting through a private party.  In addition to the type of adoption, there are other factors to consider, such as whether the adoption will be ‘open’ or ‘closed,’ depending on you and your child’s individual needs.  We take the time to explain all of your options, enabling you to make an informed decision as to the best path forward. If you are considering adoption, please call us today to schedule a consultation.

Tax Planning

Swanson Law Firm offers an array of tax planning and tax preparation services, including:
  • Individual income tax returns
  • Fiduciary income tax returns
  • Federal estate tax returns
  • Iowa inheritance tax returns

In addition to these services, we also offer accounting and small business services for payroll and quarterly reporting, such as form 943, form 940, W-2, and all form 1099’s.  Specific services include pre-tax appointments as recommended or requested, personal interviews with clients or drop-off services for simpler returns, electronic filing of federal and state returns, and instituting plans for future returns.  We are also capable of filing many out-of-state returns.  Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Estate Planning & Probate

Estate planning is an essential element in preparation of anyone’s future, and should never be overlooked, regardless of age, health, or family status. At Swanson Law Firm we take special care to ensure that each individual’s exact wants and needs are fully and accurately expressed in their final estate plan. A properly formulated estate plan includes not only asset distribution, but can also contain a vast array of subjects, such as healthcare directives and delegation of financial responsibility (more commonly known as Power of Attorney arrangements) in the event of personal incapacitation. This is accomplished through the attentive formation of a will, a trust, or a combination of instruments, depending on the unique situation of each client.
The loss of a loved one is often a traumatic experience that is fraught with questions and uncertainty. At Swanson Law Firm, we understand the complexity of such an event, and we strive to ensure our clients can rest assured knowing that we are here to analyze, untangle, and settle any unfinished business left behind by a loved one. Regardless of whether a decedent planned for the succession of their estate, our firm strives to make certain that each individual’s estate is administered faithfully and appropriately per the laws of the State of Iowa. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Real Estate

Swanson Law Firm has deeply rooted experience in most types of real estate transactions in southwest Iowa. Proficiency, personal consideration, and attention to detail are just the fundamentals of what every client can expect while working with us. Our real estate services include preparation and execution of proper documentation, including issuing title opinions, negotiating all terms and conditions on behalf of the client, closing of sale contracts, and transferring legal title of the property. Call us today to set up an appointment.

Commercial Law

Swanson Law Firm has experience in handling complex business-related transactional legal matters, including those involving creditor rights, foreclosure, contract formation and disputes, and many other forms of business transactions.  Our goal is to provide our clients with representation that will yield an optimal outcome.  We understand that the best results are not always found in the courtroom.  With this understanding, we apply inventive and detailed strategies to ensure that your needs are met with the least amount of stress and inconvenience as possible.  Our business law services include:

Contract Formation & Disputes

At Swanson Law Firm, we handle a wide range of business-related contract issues.  This includes contract drafting for various needs, tailored specifically to work for your situation.  Unlike some firms, we do not simply print out ‘one size fits all’ boilerplate contract terms.  Our attorneys pay close attention to every detail of each contractual document, to ensure that it always meets the exact specifications required for the application.  In addition, we also handle contract disputes between parties.  Though these matters can sometimes necessitate formal litigation, we pursue. every avenue possible before resorting to the court system.  Often, such disputes can be settled through mediation, or even simple negotiation, saving you time, money, and headaches.  Not sure if we can help?  Give us a call!  Consultations are always free.

Business Entity Formation

Our firm has rooted experience with helping clients properly create and organize a variety of business entities.  Our object is to help you choose and form a fitting type of entity, based on your business’ specific needs and goals.  Types of business entities we regularly form are LLC’s (Limited Liability Corporations), ‘S’ Corporations, ‘C’ Corporations, and general partnerships.  Once you decide the type of entity that fits, we ensure all of the requirements of formation are executed accurately, efficiently, and quickly, allowing your business to move forward with peace of mind.

Notary Public

Swanson Law Firm offers Notary Public service, regardless of whether we prepared the documents in need of authentication. All of our attorneys and staff are notaries licensed with the state of Iowa, guaranteeing that the authenticity of the signatures on your document are verified. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. For simple notary signings, walk-in’s are welcome.