Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Iowa

Wills are not "cushions of protection" from probate, since wills generally need to be probated. However, probate is not a horrible beast from which you need "protection" either. For some folks, wills and probate are the most appropriate approach. Probate does not take your assets, or give them to the state, or (usually) cost large sums of money. I am not sure which urban legend concerns you, but I would suggest that you speak directly to an estate planning attorney in your area to determine the appropriate vehicle to carry out your desires with regard to your estate.