Estate Planning & Probate in Delaware County, Iowa

There are two reasons people look up Delaware County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Delaware County's actual court and recording details.

The Probate Process in Delaware 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 Delaware County, probate runs through the District Court at 301 East Main Street, Manchester. The court sits in the 1st Judicial District.

Full Delaware Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →

Probate Court Record

District Court

Delaware County · 1st Judicial District

Address

301 East Main StreetManchester, IA 52057

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysSelf-filing allowed
How to file probate in Delaware County→

Recording Deeds & Property Documents

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Delaware County · Daneen Schindler

Address

301 E Main St, Ste 204Manchester, IA 52057

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

E-recording

Available via Iowa Land RecordsE-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

$7 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page; transfer tax may need separate review.

Full recording details →

Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Local Procedures at the District Court

Per Iowa Court Rule 16.411, when filing original documents (including wills) electronically via EDMS, the filer must scan and upload the document, then retain the original for at least 2 years or until conclusion of the case, appeal, or estate (whichever is later). The original must be delivered to the court immediately upon request. Exception: Wills in safekeeping may still be submitted in paper form.

Iowa Estate Planning Articles

Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Delaware County.