How to Make a Valid Will in Iowa

Any person of full age and sound mind may make a will (subject to the surviving spouse's elective share). The will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's presence and at their express direction), declared by the will-maker to be their will, and signed by two competent witnesses who sign in the presence of the will-maker and of each other. "Presence" can include real-time electronic means where the will-maker and witnesses can see and hear each other.

No. Iowa does not have a separate rule for handwritten wills. Every will signed in Iowa must meet the formal signing and two-witness requirements. A will signed outside Iowa is valid if it was made the way the law of that place or of the will-maker's home state required, as long as it is in writing and signed by the will-maker.

Yes. A witnessed will can be made self-proved when it is signed or later: the will-maker acknowledges it and the witnesses sign affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths, using the affidavit wording in the statute. A self-proved will can be admitted to probate without witness testimony.