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SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

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Home→Tools→Who Inherits Calculator→Iowa

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Iowa?

Use our free intestacy calculator to see exactly who inherits your estate and how much they get under your state’s intestate succession laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iowa intestacy laws determine who inherits when there is no will.Iowa Code § 633.211Verified May 7, 2026 Iowa follows separate property rules. The surviving spouse's share depends on whether children survive and their relationship to the spouse. The order of priority is: surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, then more distant relatives.

The surviving spouse's share in Iowa depends on family structure.Iowa Code § 633.211Verified May 7, 2026 With no children: Entire estate. With shared children: Entire estate (when all children are also children of surviving spouse). When children from a prior relationship survive: One-half of the estate (minimum $50,000).

Iowa uses the "per stirpes" distribution method.Iowa Code § 633.219Verified May 7, 2026 Under this method, each branch of the family receives an equal share, and a deceased child's portion passes to their own descendants. Per stirpes

Under Iowa intestacy law, stepchildren and unmarried partners do not inherit unless legally adopted or otherwise recognized by statute.Iowa Code § 633.211Verified May 7, 2026 Only legally recognized spouses and blood or adopted relatives are included in the intestate succession order. A will or trust is the only way to provide for stepchildren or unmarried partners. The Iowa will signing requirements page outlines what is needed to execute a valid will.

Probate costs in Iowa depend on estate size and complexity. Estates valued at $50,000 or less may qualify for a simplified procedure that avoids formal probate. For larger estates, fees include court costs, attorney fees, and executor compensation. Use the Iowa probate cost calculator for a detailed estimate.

Intestacy Laws in Iowa

Under Iowa intestacy law, a surviving spouse's inheritance depends on who else survives. The spouse receives Entire estateIowa Code § 633.211Verified May 7, 2026 when there are no descendants. With children from a prior relationship, the share adjusts to One-half of the estate (minimum $50,000)Iowa Code § 633.211Verified May 7, 2026.

Iowa distributes assets to descendants using the Per stirpesIowa Code § 633.219Verified May 7, 2026 method. The state does not impose a survival period requirement, so heirs inherit immediately upon the decedent's death.

For smaller estates, Iowa offers a simplified procedure for estates under $50,000Iowa Code § 633.356Verified May 7, 2026, avoiding formal probate entirely. The probate cost calculator provides a detailed fee estimate for estates that exceed this threshold.

Intestacy rules only apply to assets without a designated beneficiary or title-based transfer. A revocable living trust overrides intestacy law, names specific beneficiaries, and avoids Iowa probate entirely — assets transfer privately without court involvement.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 7, 2026

Legal Sources

  • Iowa Code § 633.211
  • Iowa Code § 633.219
  • Iowa Code § 633.356

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

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Iowa Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Iowa probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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Include home, savings, investments, etc.

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See Who Inherits

Select your state and answer questions about your family to see how your estate would be distributed under intestacy law.

Quick examples:

This calculator provides general information about intestate succession and is not legal advice. Intestacy laws vary by state and situation. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your family.

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