Last Will and Testament in Iowa
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Iowa law says
| Requirements for a valid will | 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. "Full age" means legal adulthood under Iowa law. Source: Iowa Code §§ 633.264, 633.279 |
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| Self-proving affidavit | 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. Source: Iowa Code § 633.279(2) |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | 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. Source: Iowa Code §§ 633.279, 633.283 |
Fill it in
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Iowa tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.