profile headshot of Robert D. Hodges

Specialties

I am a member at BrownWinick and am the Estate Planning and Fiduciary Litigation Practice Group Co-Chair.  I was raised in small-town Iowa and am proud to call Iowa home. My education, training, and experiences, however, have taken me all over the United States and the world. Some of the experiences that influence the way I see the world and practice law include: being involved in a (non-legal) family business since childhood; owning cattle that grazed on my grandparents' farm through law school; and deploying overseas multiple times as a Judge Advocate in the United States Army. My unique and varied background allows me to attack legal problems from a distinct, sophisticated and yet practical perspective. 

My Approach

Since I was involved in business and agriculture long before I became an attorney, I try to think like a businessman practicing law and not the other way around.  This outlook necessarily leads to creating plans and implementing strategies that are workable for clients.  I have seen estate plans fail because the plans were too complex for the clients to implement.  Complexity for complexity's sake does not drive value and I strive to implement strategies that my clients understand.  On the other hand, a multi-million dollar business operation seems to warrant more than a one page will.  Simplicity that leaves out important detail is a disservice to the client and clarity of intent is a driving feature of my planning efforts.  Creating and implementing estate plans or similar strategies with the right level of complexity and flexibility is my primary mission.  Similarly, I try to understand my client's goals and current situation then draw a straight line to their desired “end state” in the best way possible.

The vast majority of my professional time is spent designing, implementing, or litigating estate planning documents.  As such, I am much less of a generalist and focused on the legal topics where I believe I can add value with my education, training and experience.  I have smart colleagues at BrownWinick who can assist with legal needs outside my core competencies.

More About Me

I played football at Central College and left Pella in 2003 with a B.A. in Business Management, summa cum laude; the Wall Street Journal Award for being the top business student in the Class of 2003, and the Borgman Award for academic performance as a senior on the football team. After working as a third-party liability insurance adjuster for a number of self-insured trucking firms in Dubuque, Iowa, I returned to school and graduated with honors from Drake University Law School.  While I was at Drake, I was a member of Drake Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. After being admitted to the Iowa Bar, I accepted a commission as a Judge Advocate with the United States Army. Eventually, I deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Port-Au-Prince, Haiti following the 2010 earthquake as part of Operation Unified Response and to southern Afghanistan as a Brigade Judge Advocate in Operation Enduring Freedom. My time in the Army provided a broad background in the practice of law and once-in-a-lifetime responsibility. Since I knew estate planning was in my future, I returned for another year of schooling following my separation from the Army that was focused on taxation and estate planning.  I graduated with distinction from the Georgetown University Law Center with a LLM in 2012. 

I have been recognized by Chambers USA® in the High Net Worth Guide in the area of Private Wealth Law, selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® in the areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates, and listed in Super Lawyers® in the area of Estate and Probate.

I am active in a number of civic and professional organizations and try to use my training, experience and knowledge to add value to those respective organizations. I am also a frequent speaker on trust, estate planning and business succession-related topics. On a personal note, I am married to another lawyer and my wife and I have one son and one daughter.

My Specialties

  • Drafting and Implementing Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney
  • Probate and Trust Administration
  • Fiduciary Litigation
  • Nonprofits and Planned Giving

How Business Entities Held In Trusts are Treated Under the Corporate Transparency Act

05-1-2023 The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) is a new law coming into effect January 1, 2024, that implements reporting requirements for limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and other business entities that have never had to report such information previously. BrownWinick attorney Brennan Block outlines the main components of the CTA in...
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What is the Purpose of a Trust?

12-6-2022 There are two main types of trusts—Revocable/Living Trusts, and Irrevocable Trusts. This article provides a very short overview of the different purposes of a trust and why you would set one up. Trusts can provide privacy, coordination of assets, asset protection from third-party creditors, gift and estate tax savings, protect beneficiaries from...
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Estate Planning During and After Divorce: What You Should Know

12-1-2022 If you are going through a divorce, there is probably a lot on your mind. One thing you may not be thinking about is your estate plan. If you name your spouse in your estate planning documents, you may want to consider making some changes. This article explains some key estate planning items to consider during and after your divorce. Estate...
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Do You Need to File a Gift Tax Return?

11-22-2022 The holidays are upon us and even though the holidays may mean more than packages, boxes, and bags, gifting during the holidays can put a twinkle in your eye and thaw your heart as the world slowly freezes over for the winter. But have your dreams of sugar plum fairies been interrupted by the unwelcome thought of gift taxes? No need to bah humbug...
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What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

09-14-2022 You may have heard that if you die without a will, your property will go to the state. For most cases, this is not accurate. Iowa has an intestacy statute which dictates where your assets will go if you die without a will. Here is a chart to explain where your property would go depending on the family members you leave behind: If you die with:...
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Powers of Attorney: What They Are and Why You Need Them

09-7-2022 Having a power of attorney is essential for the estate planning process. In Iowa, there are two types of powers of attorney available: medical power of attorney (also known as the health care power of attorney) and financial power of attorney (also known as the general power of attorney). Read on to learn more about the differences between these...
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Estate Planning With Pets

08-4-2022 Who will care for your pet after you die? Can you appoint a guardian for your pet? Who will pay for your pet’s care? If you have a pet, these are questions you may have thought about. Fortunately, you can develop a plan for your pets in your estate plan. In Iowa, pets are treated as property under the law. This means that you cannot leave money...
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Will v. Trust: What's the Difference and Which One is Right for You?

07-6-2022 You have probably heard of wills and trusts in the estate planning context, but what is the difference between the two? Both a will and a trust are used to distribute your assets upon your death. Both allow you to name beneficiaries to receive your assets and a fiduciary to control the distribution of your assets. However, there are some key...
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Estate Planning Considerations with Your Vacation Home

07-1-2022 With Memorial Day in the rear-view mirror and the July 4th holiday quickly approaching, many of us are enjoying weekends or longer stays at a family vacation property on the water. The gathering spot may be known as a lake house, beach house, cabin, camp, cottage, lodge, or condo (depending on the location and use). In addition to waterfront...
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Who Should I Name as Guardian for my Minor Children?

06-17-2022 Naming a legal guardian is often the most important estate planning decision for people with minor children. When you become a parent, it is a good idea to have a will in place so you can name a legal guardian for your children if anything were to happen to you. Here are seven things to consider when choosing who to name as your children’s...
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How the 2020 Presidential Election Could Impact Your Succession Plan

12-8-2020 Like many other things this year, uncertainty reigns supreme for tax planning as we approach the end of 2020. Barring successful litigation by President Trump’s legal team, the Biden-Harris Administration will assume control of the executive branch of the Federal Government in early 2021. With that said, the focus for tax planning is control of...
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Your Estate Plan To-Do List While Social Distancing

03-20-2020 The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event that is changing the way we think about protecting our families, health and wealth. During this time, some of you may find yourself at home practicing social distancing in order to do your part in flattening “the curve”. This time at home may provide an opportunity to consider your estate plan. This...
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Estate Planning Considerations for the New Year

01-24-2020 It's a new year and a new decade. It's the right time to review and update your estate plan. BrownWinick’s Estate Planning Group has three key goals — to ensure our clients and their families: are protected during life (powers of attorney); have a plan for minor children (guardians); and transfer assets in an efficient and organized manner (wills...
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Five BrownWinick Attorneys Rank in Chambers High Net Worth 2024 Publication

07-29-2024 BrownWinick is pleased to announce that five members of our Estate Planning team have been ranked in the Chambers and Partners - High Net Worth 2024 publication in the area of Private Wealth/High Net Worth Law in Iowa. Additionally, our Estate Planning practice as a whole was ranked Band 1 in Iowa. Ranked Attorneys Robert Hodges – Band 1 Christine...
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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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2024 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars Feature BrownWinick Attorneys

05-23-2024 BrownWinick is excited to announce the following attorneys were selected for inclusion in the Great Plains Super Lawyers directory for 2024. The Great Plains Super Lawyers and Rising Stars listings include the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.  Eight BrownWinick attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2024 Great Plains...
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Attorney Robert Hodges Elected to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

01-29-2024 BrownWinick is proud to congratulate attorney Robert Hodges for his recent election into the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). The ACTEC recently welcomed 35 new Active Fellows to membership in the College this year. ACTEC President Kurt A. Sommer stated, “On behalf of ACTEC, I welcome this group of accomplished trust and...
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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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2023 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars Feature BrownWinick Attorneys

06-1-2023 BrownWinick is excited to announce the following attorneys were selected for inclusion in the Great Plains Super Lawyers directory for 2023. The Great Plains Super Lawyers and Rising Stars listings include the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.  Nine BrownWinick attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2023 Great Plains...
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BrownWinick Law Firm and Attorneys Recognized in Chambers USA 2021 – High Net Worth Guide

08-2-2021 BrownWinick has recently been ranked as a “leading law firm” in the Chambers USA® 2021 – High Net Worth Guide in the area of Private Wealth Law. BrownWinick's estate planning team was ranked in Band 1, which is the highest rank Chambers awards. In ranking firms, Chambers assesses technical legal ability; client service; depth of the team;...
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BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2021 Best Lawyers in America List

08-21-2020 BrownWinick is pleased to announce that 26 lawyers have been included in the 2021 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. Best Lawyers® has published their list for more than three decades, earning the respect of the...
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BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers List

08-15-2019 BrownWinick is pleased to announce that 24 lawyers have been included in the 2020 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. Best Lawyers® has published their list for more than three decades, earning the respect of the...
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BrownWinick Law Firm and Two Attorneys Listed in Chambers USA 2019 - High Net Worth Guide

07-12-2019 BrownWinick has been ranked as a “leading law firm” in Chambers USA® 2019 - High Net Worth Guide in the area of Private Wealth Law. Two attorneys from BrownWinick were selected for inclusion in Chambers USA® 2019 as “notable practitioners” in the Private Wealth Law - Paul Carey and Robert Hodges. Wealth management in the United States is an...
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Assistant

Lauren Probst

515-323-8820

Undergraduate

Central College

B.A., summa cum laude, Business Management, 2003

Graduate

Georgetown University Law Center

LLM, with distinction, Taxation; awarded Certificate in Estate Planning, 2012

Legal

Drake University Law School

J.D., with high honors, 2007

Admitted

Iowa, 2007

 

Memberships & Associations

  • Polk County Bar Association
    Member
  • Iowa State Bar Association 
    Member; Sections on: Probate, Trust & Estate Planning; Taxation; Military Affairs Committee
  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
    Fellow
  • Heart of America Fellows Institute
    Member
  • Iowa Trust Association
    Member
  • Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council
    Member