Serves Cerro Gordo and Wright counties from offices in Mason City, Clear Lake, and Clarion. Assists executors and trustees through estate and trust administration and probate, and handles probate and trust litigation, wills, trusts, and estate tax planning. In practice in Mason City since 1938.
Clear Lake is in Cerro Gordo County.
Probate in Cerro Gordo County
Probate Court Record
Cerro Gordo County District Court
Cerro Gordo County · 2nd Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
220 North Washington, Mason City, IA 50401
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Cerro Gordo County →
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Cerro Gordo County? →Settling an estate in Cerro Gordo County →
Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Iowa
Free Iowa forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Iowa and download the PDF.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Iowa
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Iowa: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Iowa.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Iowa happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteIowa Code § 633A.1101 et seq. (Iowa Trust Code)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?
In Iowa, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Iowa Code §§ 633A.4109, 633A.4111, 633A.4202(5)(d), 633.200Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
Calculate the Fee
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Iowa: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysIowa Code §§ 633.361, 633.364, 633.365 (§ 633.361 as amended by 2026 Acts, HF 2532, § 4)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsIowa Code §§ 633.230, 633.304, 633.410, 633.413, 633.425, 633.442Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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