FigureMyTax

Iowa Probate Timeline Calculator

Iowa isn't a Uniform Probate Code state — a judge signs off at both the opening and the closing of every estate, and the creditor clock only starts running after the second newspaper notice.

Based on Iowa Code § 633.361, 633.410 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Iowa probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in Iowa
9–15 months
Regular probate, uncontested
Which Iowa track fits? →
Facing probate in Iowa?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to an Iowa attorney

Iowa's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneIowa ruleSource
Small estate affidavit eligiblePersonal property $100,000 or less, no real estate; 40-day waitIowa Code § 633.356
Chapter 635 small estate eligibleGross probate assets $200,000 or lessIowa Code § 635.1
Report & inventory filedWithin 120 days of qualification (raised from 90, July 2026)Iowa Code § 633.361
Notice to creditors publishedOnce a week for 2 consecutive weeks§ 633.230 / 633.304
Creditor claim barLater of 4 months from second publication, or 1 month from mailed notice§ 633.410
Absolute outer bar on all claims5 years from date of death§ 633.410

Iowa probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in Iowa?

A simple Iowa estate often takes 6 to 9 months; the average runs 9 to 15 months, driven by the 4-month creditor claim period and requirements like the income-tax acquittance before closing.

How long do Iowa creditors have to file a claim?

The later of 4 months after the date of the second published notice to creditors, or 1 month after mailed notice to a creditor whose identity is reasonably ascertainable, under Iowa Code 633.410.

Does Iowa require a court hearing to open and close probate?

Yes. Unlike Uniform Probate Code states that allow a registrar to handle uncontested estates informally, Iowa requires a hearing before the district judge at both appointment and final settlement.

Does Iowa have an inheritance or estate tax?

No — Iowa fully repealed its inheritance tax for deaths on or after January 1, 2025, and abolished its estate tax back in 2005, so there's no separate death-tax deadline to track.

Iowa probate tools & guides

Iowa Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in IowaThe real causes, beyond the baseline Which Iowa Track Fits Your EstateAffidavit, Chapter 635, or regular Iowa Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on Iowa statute (Iowa Code § 633.356, 633.361, 633.410, 635.1). Actual timelines depend on the specific District Court and whether the estate is contested. Confirm current timelines with the District Court or a licensed Iowa attorney before acting.