profile headshot of Ann C. Spellman

Specialties

I am a member of the BrownWinick Law Firm practicing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration.  My practice also includes work in the areas of premarital agreements, corporate matters, and business succession planning. I view estate planning as an ongoing process and recognize the varying needs clients may have as their lives and family situations change. I make it a priority to develop lasting relationships with my clients so that I can provide the best advice possible and to ensure my client’s wants and needs are being addressed for the long term. 

My Approach

I like people. I like talking with people. I like learning about people’s lives, families, and interests. I believe the more I know about you, the better suited I am to assist you with achieving your goals when it comes to estate planning and transfer of wealth issues. Discussing estate planning matters can be intimidating, confusing, and sometimes frightening. My goal is to assist you with piecing together an estate plan that is right for you and your family, and at the same time making the process understandable and, hopefully, less stressful than you anticipate. We are all unique in our family situations, priorities, and what we want to accomplish through the estate planning process. I want every client to leave my office with an understanding of what their estate plan provides, but more importantly the satisfaction and peace of mind that comes with knowing they have taken steps to put together a plan to address those issues that are most important to them, and their families. 

More About Me

I am proud to say that I am a lifelong resident of central Iowa. I come from a long line of Hawkeye fans and graduates of The University of Iowa. Not deviating from that path, I obtained a B.A. in Communcation Studies with a Minor in Business Administration from The University of Iowa in 1991. I attended law school at Drake University obtaining my J.D. in 1994. Following law school, I started my career working in a small Des Moines law firm practicing primarily in the family law area. In 1995, I joined a private practice law firm in Des Moines where I worked in various areas including civil litigation, real estate condemnation, workers' compensation, business law, succession planning, and estate planning. I am privileged to have joined my colleagues at BrownWinick Law Firm in March 2023 where I focus on estate planning, premarital agreements, and probate, estate, and trust administration matters.  I maintain an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating through Martindale-Hubbell and have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for the years 2020-2024. 

My Specialties

  • Estate Planning
  • Wills, Trusts & Estates
  • Premarital Agreements
  • Probate, Estate & Trust Administration
  • Planned Giving
  • Business & Corporate Law
  • Business Succession Planning

33 BrownWinick Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers® in America 2025 List

07-9-2024 BrownWinick is pleased to announce that 33 of our lawyers have been included in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. BrownWinick would like to congratulate the following attorneys named to the 2025 The Best...
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BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers® List

08-17-2023 BrownWinick is pleased to announce that 33 lawyers have been included in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. BrownWinick would like to congratulate the following attorneys named to the 2024 The Best Lawyers...
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Four New Estate Planning Attorneys Join BrownWinick

04-26-2023 BrownWinick is pleased to announce the addition of Christine Long, Abigail Hillers, Stephanie Sarcone and Ann Spellman to the firm. These four highly experienced attorneys, combined, bring more than 108 years of experience in estate planning and expertise in hands-on, client-focused service. Each attorney has a strong background in providing...
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Assistant

Laura Nash

515-248-6633

Undergraduate

University of Iowa

B.A., Communication Studies; Minor: Business Administration, 1991

Legal

Drake University Law School

J.D., 1994

Admitted

Iowa, 1994

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa, 1995

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa, 1995

Memberships & Associations

  • Iowa State Bar Association, Member 
  • Polk County Bar Association, Member 
  • American Bar Association, Member; Trust and Estate Section 
  • Iowa Academy of Trust and Estate Counsel
  • Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity Member
  • Pi Beta Phi Women’s Fraternity Member
  • The University of Iowa Alumnae Association
  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Iowa Chapter, Volunteer