Iowa probate guide
Probate process in Iowa
Iowa probate is filed in the District Court. The standard filing fee runs $250-$300. Iowa offers two simplified paths: a very-small-estate affidavit under Iowa Code § 633.356 for personal-property estates of $50,000 or less (no real property, 40-day wait), and small-estate administration under Iowa Code Ch. 635 for estates of $200,000 or less. Iowa does NOT recognize a real-property TOD deed.
Iowa probate at a glance
- Court
- District Court (Probate)
- Typical timeline
- 30–52 weeks
- Filing fee
- $250–$300
- Small-estate threshold
- $200,000
- TOD deed allowed?
- No
- Bond required by default?
- Yes (unless waived)
- Statute
- Iowa Code Ch. 633 (Probate Code); Ch. 635 (small estates)
Source: www.iowacourts.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.
How Iowa probate works, step by step
- 1File petition for probate of will or administration
- 2Court appoints executor or administrator
- 3Publish notice to creditors; four-month claim period runs
- 4File inventory within 90 days; pay debts, taxes, and Iowa inheritance tax
- 5File final report and close the estate
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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Iowa probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.