We provide services in all aspects of estate planning, probate, estate and trust administration, wills and living trusts, conservatorships, guardianships and premarital agreements.
Guardianship
We provide services in all aspects of estate planning, probate, estate and trust administration, wills and living trusts, conservatorships, guardianships and premarital agreements. We prepare living wills, health powers of attorney, and property powers of attorney. We assist beneficiaries in receiving their proper inheritance and also assist creditors in filing claims during probate.
Claims for the death of a family member caused by the wrongdoing of another. These claims include intentional and unintentional acts, and seek to recover both the economic and emotional loss caused by the wrongful death.
Theft
Murder
Phil came to Council Bluffs to begin his legal career. He focused mostly on defense work for insurance companies, although in the 1950's he was assigned two murder trials, one of which ended in an acquittal. In 1974, Phil and Allan D. Vestal co-authored "Iowa Practice" to help guide attorneys in the practice of law. In 1994, Phil and Frank Pechacek, Jr. formed Willson & Pechacek, P.L.C., located at 421 West Broadway in Council Bluffs. Through his leadership and experience, the firm has expanded to six additional offices in Carroll, Clarinda, Harlan, Oakland, Onawa, and Treynor.
Identity Theft
The law protects consumers by requiring that consumer reporting agencies furnish correct and complete information to businesses for use in evaluating your application for credit, insurance, employment and identity theft. There are also strict regulations that require landlords to maintain the premise, return your security deposit, pay interest on security deposits, and provide various notices.
Lonny is licensed to practice in Iowa (2002) and Nebraska (2003). He practices primarily in the areas of elder law, corporate law, real estate, estate planning, probate, and taxation.
Business Disputes
Paul is currently licensed to practice law in Iowa (2015), Nebraska (2016), and Missouri (2022). He practices primarily in the areas of civil litigation, taxation, real estate, and business law. Paul regularly staffs the firm's offices in Council Bluffs and Clarinda, Iowa.
Business Transactions
Lee is licensed to practice in Iowa (2005) and Nebraska (2006). He practices primarily in the areas of taxation, real estate, estate planning, trust and probate administration and business transactions. Lee regularly staffs the firm's offices in Council Bluffs and Onawa, Iowa.
Limited Liability Companies
Willson & Pechacek represents corporations, LLCs, and other business entities in all aspects of planning and operation; the formation of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and joint ventures; and mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations.
Phil was a member of the American Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association (President, 1977-78), the Nebraska State Bar Association, the Southwest Iowa Bar Association, the Pottawattamie County Bar Association (President, 1963-64), Iowa Defense Counsel Association (President, 1969-70), the Iowa Association of Workers' Compensation Lawyers, the Defense Research Institute, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, and a Fellow of the Iowa State Bar Foundation.
Wrongful Termination
Willson & Pechacek represents employees, former employees, and job applicants who have been victims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or wrongful termination based on factors such as gender, race, age, disability, and pregnancy. Our attorneys also assist employees in recovering unpaid wages, overtime pay, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation benefits. We assist executives, professionals, and businesses in contract dispute cases involving pensions, retirement, non-compete agreements, and severance packages. Our firm also shows businesses how to reduce the risk of employment litigation and how to comply with federal, state, and local laws by reviewing employee handbooks, manuals, and policy statements.
Willson & Pechacek handles all aspects of eminent domain (commonly called "condemnation" or "taking") issues including, but not limited to, the right to take; inverse condemnation; highest and best use; public use; regulatory takings; partial takings; commercial takings; residential takings; allocation proceedings; leasehold interests; commissioner hearings; valuation hearings; and appeals. Condemnation is the process by which a governmental agency takes private property for a public use such as roads, parks, schools, other public buildings, or any other endeavor where the purpose of the project serves a public good or need. Our attorneys can help you obtain maximum compensation for the taking of your property.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Property Damage
Claims for property damage or personal injuries from motor vehicle accidents and additional claims available where the other driver is intoxicated.
Jamie is licensed to practice in Iowa (2002) and Nebraska (2002) and practices in the area of civil litigation, employment law, personal injury law, general law, collection law, and commercial law.
Because our attorneys are experts in their various practice areas—and consistently recognized as such—clients appreciate the assurance that they are receiving the best available legal service, whether it involves business, estate planning, taxes, litigation, or one of our many other practice areas.
Willson & Pechacek represents lenders in negotiation and drafting of loan and related agreements; advises banks on regulatory matters; represents creditors in bankruptcy and reorganization proceedings; and handles collections and foreclosures for banks and businesses. We represent debtors in "workout" debt reduction negotiations.
Tax Law
Our attorneys stay abreast of current income, payroll, and sales tax legislation and render their expertise in tax law. We represent corporations, businesses, and individuals in the areas of tax planning, tax return preparation, tax litigation, and dealing with federal and state tax authorities.
Debt Collection
Willson & Pechacek represents creditors in pre-suit, suit and post-judgment debt collection across the entire states of Iowa and Nebraska. Our attorneys focus on the efficient and aggressive pursuit of maximum liquidation of accounts for our clients, while strictly complying with all applicable state and federal laws. Our firm is also experienced in defending debt collectors and creditors in federal and state debt collection violation claims. As defense counsel, we understand the need for a resolution that is in your best interest while, at the same time, keeping our overall fees as low as possible.