Clear Lake funeral chapel, one of six locations of Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, a Mason City firm whose locations include the Memorial Park cemetery, funeral home and cremation center.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
How probate works in Cerro Gordo County: the District Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
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
E-filing
Required for attorneysFiling is electronic through the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile system (EDMS), self-represented filers included, and filing electronically adds no fee. The clerk can accept a single paper filing for good cause while the office is open (Iowa R. Elec. P. 16.302). On paper: Self-represented parties may be excused from mandatory e-filing for the duration of a case for good cause, such as lack of regular internet access, by court order (Iowa Ct. R. 16.302(2)(c)).
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe statewide court-forms page carries one probate form, the referee's report (Rule 7.4, Form 1). A petition to open an estate is filed with the designation Iowa Code § 633.82 requires; in a 2024 Scott County case a self-represented son's petition was denied for lacking a proposed order, an oath and that designation, and the Court of Appeals affirmed without deciding whether an attorney is required (In re Estate of White).
Accepted payment
- At the counterCredit card, Debit card.Filing fees are paid by credit or debit card in the eFile system at filing, or in person at the clerk's office within five business days of filing. The court takes no action on a filing until its fee is paid.
Fax
1-641-424-6726
Departments
- Case Scheduling1-641-494-3612
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Cerro Gordo County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Cerro Gordo County, probate runs through the District Court at 220 North Washington, Mason City. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Iowa intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Iowa estates take 9 months to 15 months to move through this process. Creditors have 4 monthsIowa Code §§ 633.230, 633.304, 633.410, 633.413, 633.425, 633.442Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the last publication of the notice to creditors.
What Probate Costs in Cerro Gordo County
What probate costs in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at 220 North Washington, Mason City. The court is part of the 2nd Judicial District.
Iowa charges $215Iowa Code § 602.8105(1)(a); 2026 Iowa Acts, ch. 1192, § 24, 27, 28Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Iowa are based on reasonable compensation — usually hourly billing or a flat fee for the engagement.
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 determined by the court, not in excess of 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K of the gross assets in the inventory); § 633.197(2) (life insurance excluded)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Iowa requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under Iowa Code § 633.169Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Iowa typically runs 9 months to 15 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the District Court
Probate cases in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa are filed at the District Court. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Case Scheduling.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
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.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Cerro Gordo County Self-Filing Assessment.
Cerro Gordo County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Original documents must be retained by filer
When the law requires an original document such as a will or codicil, the filer scans it and files the scan electronically, keeps the original for at least two years or until the case, appeal or estate concludes, and delivers it to the court on request. An original will or codicil may also be submitted to the clerk for paper preservation after it is filed electronically (Iowa R. Elec. P. 16.411).
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the District Court: Verified petition for probate of will and appointment of executor, or for administration (Iowa Code § 633.290; small estate § 635.2); Original will and any codicils, where testate; Personal representative's oath / certification under penalty of perjury (Iowa Code § 633.168); Bond with surety unless waived (Iowa Code §§ 633.169-633.173); Written testimony of a subscribing witness proving due execution of the will, where the proof is not taken orally (Iowa Code § 633.295; statutory form)Iowa Code §§ 633.10 (jurisdiction), 633.290 (petitions after death of testator), 633.291-633.292 (contents of the testate petition), 633.229 (contents of the intestate petition), 633.168 (oath), 633.178 (clerk issues letters); ch. 635 (small estates)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Medical Examiner in Cerro Gordo County
In Iowa a death is registered locally, and in Cerro Gordo County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Cerro Gordo County Recorder's Office as well as by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics.
Vital Records Office Record
County Recorder
Cerro Gordo County · Cerro Gordo County Recorder's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401
Website
Local rule
- The Recorder issues certified copies of deaths anywhere in Iowa from 1954 to the present, and Cerro Gordo County death records begin in 1880. Bring a valid photo ID; an applicant must be at least 18.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $20 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
Cerro Gordo County
Website
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in Cerro Gordo County
9 funeral homes and crematories in Cerro Gordo County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
Mason City funeral home with an onsite crematory, catering and a chapel seating over 250 with a pipe organ. Part of a family owned and operated group of four North Iowa funeral homes, whose original home was established in 1916.
Mason City funeral chapel of Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, a six-location firm with chapels in Clear Lake, Northwood, Manly and Nora Springs and the Memorial Park cemetery, funeral home and cremation center.
Mason City funeral home founded in 1863, in its present building since 1939, with an on-site crematory installed in 1999.
On-site crematory of a Mason City funeral home founded in 1863, installed in 1999 in the building the funeral home has occupied since 1939.
Mason City cremation center of Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels on the grounds of Memorial Park Cemetery, beside the firm's funeral home there. The firm also has chapels in Mason City, Clear Lake, Northwood, Manly and Nora Springs.
Funeral homes by city: Clear Lake, Mason City, Rockwell, Thornton
Cremation Services in Cerro Gordo County
2 listings
Pre-Need Funeral Plans in Cerro Gordo County
2 listings
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
Transferring Property in Cerro Gordo County
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Cerro Gordo County are recorded with the County Recorder at 220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401. Phone: 1-641-421-3056. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Recorder charges $7 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page.
Cerro Gordo County accepts electronic recording through Iowa Land Records.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Cerro Gordo County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401
Website
E-recording
Fees
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $7 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
| County Auditor's Transfer FeeRequired with most deeds | $5 per parcel, capped at $50 per instrument |
Iowa Code 331.604(1)-(3)
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Cerro Gordo County
Iowa uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Cerro Gordo County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Iowa are set by the court as reasonable compensation, capped at a statutory schedule tied to the estate's value. Cerro Gordo County firms quote within that ceiling, so ask for the structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
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.
Serves Floyd, Mitchell, Cerro Gordo, and Howard counties from offices in Charles City, Osage, Mason City, and Riceville. Represents estates at every stage of probate and prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and affidavits of surviving spouse, with income and estate tax planning. Licensed in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Serves clients across Iowa from offices in Waterloo and North Liberty. Guides families through the Iowa probate process and drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations, including estate plans for family farms and small businesses. A litigation-focused firm practicing since 1958.
Serves Jasper, Polk, Marion, and Poweshiek counties from Newton. Handles probate and trust law matters, estate planning, wills and trusts, and elder law. Randal B. Caldwell is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
Serves Chickasaw County from New Hampton, with offices in Cresco, Charles City and West Union. Its attorneys list probate and estate planning among their main practice areas, alongside real estate, income tax and agricultural law. Formed in 1993 by the merger of the Elwood firm of Cresco and the O'Donohoe firm of New Hampton, founded in 1948.
Serves families throughout Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota from its Sioux City office, with offices in Omaha and Sioux Falls. Guides executors, trustees, and personal representatives through probate filings, creditor notices, and trust administration, and mediates estate disputes. A women-owned firm founded in 2009.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
(9)·
- Iowa Code § 602.8105(1)(a); 2026 Iowa Acts, ch. 1192, § 24, 27, 28
- Iowa Code § 633.197 (reasonable fees determined by the court, not in excess of 6% first $1K, 4% next $4K, 2% over $5K of the gross assets in the inventory); § 633.197(2) (life insurance excluded)
- Iowa Code §§ 633.10 (jurisdiction), 633.290 (petitions after death of testator), 633.291-633.292 (contents of the testate petition), 633.229 (contents of the intestate petition), 633.168 (oath), 633.178 (clerk issues letters); ch. 635 (small estates)
- Iowa Code §§ 633.230, 633.304, 633.410, 633.413, 633.425, 633.442
- Iowa Code §§ 633.290, 633.294 (district court admits the will and grants letters; no registrar/informal track)
- Iowa Code 331.604(1)-(3)
- Cerro Gordo County District Court, official page
- Cerro Gordo County Recorder, official page
- Cerro Gordo County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Iowa statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
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 taxes. Run each tool for Iowa.
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.
See the Steps
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.
See the Steps
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.
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