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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Iowa
Free forms for settling an estate in Iowa: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Renunciation of Executor
In Iowa, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveIowa Code § 633.292 (scan of Chapter 633)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Iowa, the Small Estate AffidavitIowa Code § 633.356Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $100,000Iowa Code § 633.356Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 40 daysIowa Code § 633.356Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
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.
Estate Closing
In Iowa, the personal representative is discharged by court orderIowa Code §§ 633.478, 633.479Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Iowa
Free tools for settling an estate in Iowa: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Iowa lets the court set executor compensation, capped at a statutory schedule — about $10,120 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.0%Iowa Code § 633.197 ("reasonable fees as may be determined by the court...but not in excess of" 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K of "the gross assets of the estate listed in the probate inventory", excluding life insurance not payable to the estate per § 633.197(2))Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Can I Self-File Probate?
Iowa has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableIowa Code §§ 633.290, 633.294 (district court admits the will and grants letters; no registrar/informal track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Iowa, the District Court sitting in probate appoints the personal representative and the Clerk of the district court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtIowa Code §§ 633.290, 633.294 (district court admits the will and grants letters; no registrar/informal track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Iowa, creditors have 4 monthsIowa Code § 633.410Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the last publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Iowa pays the claims in 10Iowa Code § 633.425Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with court costs.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Hire an Iowa Probate Attorney
Browse 62 probate firms in Iowa with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Iowa Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Iowa probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.
