Build Your Iowa Estate Plan with Essential Documents
The Hawkeye State
Access FREE Iowa estate planning forms including Last Will, Healthcare Proxy, and Financial Power of Attorney, plus educational resources about Iowa inheritance laws and probate processes.
What Makes Iowa Different
Like all states, Iowa recognizes formally executed wills and living trusts as valid estate planning tools. A standard will here requires 2 adult witnesses, and adding a notarized self-proving affidavit can streamline the probate process later.
The amount a surviving spouse inherits without a will depends on whether your parents are still alive. If they are, your spouse may have to share the estate with them—a result that surprises many people and underscores why having a will matters.
Unlike states with formal independent administration statutes (such as California and Texas), Iowa doesn't offer a simplified procedure for executors to petition for reduced court oversight. However, executors typically have statutory authority to manage routine estate matters. For families looking to avoid probate court involvement entirely, a revocable living trust remains the most reliable option.
Iowa Estate Planning Resources
Free estate planning forms, calculators, and checklists for Iowa. No account required.
Iowa Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with Iowa's witness and notarization requirements included.
Iowa Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. Iowa's execution requirements included.
Iowa Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Iowa's requirements included.
Iowa Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs. Iowa's requirements included.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Iowa?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge in Iowa?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation in Iowa?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Who Inherits in Iowa?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Iowa?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in Iowa?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
Do I Need Probate in Iowa?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
How Do I Settle an Estate in Iowa?
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
What Are My Duties as Trustee in Iowa?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
What Are My Duties as Executor in Iowa?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
What Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost in Iowa?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
What Does a Will Cost in Iowa?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need in Iowa?
Calculate how much life insurance coverage you need. Accounts for income replacement, debt payoff, college funding, and state-specific factors like cost of living and estate taxes.
What Should I Expect When Inheriting in Iowa?
Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.
Does Iowa have specific laws for revocable living trusts?
Iowa follows the Uniform Trust Code, which provides a comprehensive framework for trust creation and administration. The state recognizes revocable living trusts as valid estate planning tools when properly executed. Iowa law allows trust creators to maintain full control over their assets during their lifetime while providing clear instructions for distribution after death.
