States / Iowa
After a death in Iowa
Where to look for a will, who to ask and where to search for money in Iowa.
The will
Which court handles probate
The district court (sitting in probate) in the county; the clerk of district court holds the files.
"the district court sitting in probate shall have jurisdiction of: 1. Estates of decedents and absentees."
What to do with the original will
After being told of the death, whoever has the will must deliver it to the court that has jurisdiction over the estate. Refusing after a court order is contempt, and the person can owe damages.
"After being informed of the death of the testator, the person having custody of the testator’s will shall deliver it to the court having jurisdiction"
Iowa Code § 633.285. Read the source.
Wills deposited during life
The clerk of the district court keeps a file for safekeeping of wills deposited by living people (sealed wrapper). A family can ask the clerk in the county where the person lived.
"The clerk shall maintain a file for the safekeeping of wills."
Iowa Code §§ 633.286-633.288. Read the source.
Opening a safe deposit box
For a state-chartered bank, without a court order a co-owner, a person named in the box agreement, a court-appointed executor/administrator (certified letters), or a person named as executor in a copy of the will may open it; the last may remove only the will. Any will found must be delivered to the court. If nobody asks within 30 days, two bank employees may open it and send the will to the court. Credit unions have a parallel rule (§ 533.318). Federally chartered banks not checked.
"A person named as an executor in a copy of a purported will produced by the person, provided such access shall be limited to the removal of a purported will"
Iowa Code § 524.810A; § 533.318. Read the source.
Searching for a will or case
Contact the clerk of court in the county where the will may be stored.
"Contact the clerk of court office in the county where you believe the will may be stored."
Unclaimed money
Iowa State Treasurer
"The rightful owners or their legal heirs always have the right to claim the assets free of charge."
Instructions for heirs and estates
Source, checked 2026-10-15.
Small estates
A small estate may be able to skip full probate. What counts differs, so check with the court before you rely on a limit.
Distribution by affidavit for very small estates, deaths from 2025
Limit $50,000. Wait 40 days.
Iowa Code §633.356. Read the rule.
Death certificates
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics
First copy $20.00, more copies in the same order $20.00 each. Entitled people include the named person, spouse, children, legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, legal representative or guardian. Some categories require extra proof.
Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.
State will and court rules checked 2026-11-06. See how we check facts or report a mistake. This is general information, not legal advice.