Free Iowa Last Will and Testament

In Iowa, a will is signed before 2 witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimony.

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This information identifies you as the person making this will. It also determines your state's specific execution requirements.

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

Date of Birth(MM/DD/YYYY)*

Email Address*

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Iowa requires 2 witnesses present when the testator signs. A gift to a witness who is also a beneficiary can be voided or reduced in Iowa, so the usual practice is disinterested witnesses.

No. Iowa does not require notarization for a will to be valid. The notary's role is the self-proving affidavit, a notarized statement the testator and witnesses sign with the will so it enters probate without locating the witnesses; the form includes it.

No. Iowa does not recognize holographic (handwritten) wills. A will must be typed or printed and signed with the formalities Iowa requires; an Iowa probate court will not accept an unwitnessed handwritten document.

No. A will directs who inherits, but the estate still passes through Iowa probate, where the court validates the will and oversees the distribution. A simple estate typically takes 6 months to 9 months, with attorney fees set by the court and capped at a statutory schedule. In Iowa, estates with personal property of $100,000 or less skip probate with the Small Estate Affidavit, 40 days after death. Assets held in a revocable living trust pass outside probate.

Iowa has authorized remote online notarization for many documents, but wills are excluded, so the will's notarization happens in person.

Why Create a Will in Iowa?

If you die without a will in Iowa, state law determines who gets everything — and it may not match your wishes. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and friends inherit nothing under intestacy. Who inherits in Iowa without a will has the specifics.

A will can name guardians for minor children, specify who receives heirlooms and keepsakes, and appoint an executor to manage the estate.

Iowa requires 2 witnesses at signing. The document carries a self-proving affidavit — a notarized statement that lets the will be admitted without the witnesses appearing in court.

Estates under $100,000 in Iowa may qualify for simplified probate. A will directs who inherits, names guardians, and appoints an executor whatever the estate's size.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated October 18, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Iowa statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Free Iowa Last Will and Testament

In Iowa, a will is signed before 2 witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimony.

Progress0%

Why Create a Will in Iowa?

A will can name guardians for minor children, specify who receives heirlooms and keepsakes, and appoint an executor to manage the estate.

Iowa requires 2 witnesses at signing. The document carries a self-proving affidavit — a notarized statement that lets the will be admitted without the witnesses appearing in court.

Estates under $100,000 in Iowa may qualify for simplified probate. A will directs who inherits, names guardians, and appoints an executor whatever the estate's size.

Free Iowa Last Will and Testament

Your Information

Is this your situation?

New Baby or Adoption

Marriage

Divorce

New Home

Forms for Planning Your Estate in Iowa

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Financial Power of Attorney

Living Will

Tools for Planning Your Estate in Iowa

How Much Does a Will Cost?

How Do I Name a Guardian for My Minor Children?

Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?

What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?

How Do I Sign Estate Documents?

Will My Estate Documents Transfer?

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Iowa Estate Planning Resources

Free Iowa Last Will and Testament

Your Information