Serves Polk and Marion counties from offices in Des Moines and Pella. Represents fiduciaries in trust and estate administration, including probate, fiduciary tax returns, guardianships and conservatorships, and disputed probate proceedings such as will and trust contests. Formed in 2024 by the merger of Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen and Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave.
Des Moines is in Polk County.
Probate in Polk County
Probate Court Record
Polk County District Court
Polk County · 5th Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
500 Mulberry Street, Room 212, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Polk County →
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Polk County? →Settling an estate in Polk 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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