How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Iowa

Short answer

To be appointed as an administrator (or co-administrator) of an estate in Iowa you normally: identify whether a will exists and who is named executor; gather the death certificate and basic documents; file a petition with the district court in the county where the decedent lived; provide required notices; attend the court hearing; obtain letters of appointment (often after posting bond); and then administer the estate under court supervision. If the decedent named an executor in a valid will, that person has priority. If not, the court will appoint a qualified person—often a spouse, adult child, or next of kin. Iowa probate law and local court rules govern the exact procedures (see Iowa Code chapter 633 and the Iowa Courts probate resources linked below).

Detailed answer — step by step under Iowa law

1. Confirm whether a valid will exists and who is named

If the decedent left a will that names an executor, that person should apply to probate the will and be appointed. If no will exists, or the named executor cannot serve, the court will appoint an administrator. Iowa probate procedure is governed by Iowa Code chapter 633: Iowa Code, ch. 633.

2. Determine who can be appointed

The court will appoint a person who is legally qualified and willing to serve. Priority often goes to the person named in the will, then to close family (spouse, adult children, parents, other heirs). If multiple people seek appointment, the court will resolve disputes. For general probate guidance see the Iowa Courts site: Iowa Courts — Probate.

3. Prepare the petition and supporting documents

The typical filing package includes:

• Petition for Appointment of Administrator or Petition to Probate the Will and Appoint Executor (depending on whether a will exists)
• Original will (if there is one)
• Certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate
• A proposed order appointing the administrator and, if required, a proposed bond

Local court clerks provide required forms and filing rules. Many Iowa counties publish probate forms online through the Iowa Courts website.

4. File the petition in the proper district court

File in the district court for the county where the decedent was domiciled. The clerk assigns a case number and sets a hearing date. The court will require proof of service or notice to interested persons (heirs, devisees, creditors).

5. Provide notice to interested persons and creditors

Iowa law requires notice of the probate proceedings to persons who have a legal interest. The clerk or petitioner typically arranges service by mail or publication, depending on the situation. Creditors must be informed so they can present claims against the estate.

6. Attend the hearing and obtain appointment

At the hearing the judge will confirm the petition, evaluate qualifications, and either appoint the petitioner as administrator (or co-administrators) or deny the petition. If appointed, the court issues letters of appointment or letters testamentary. The court may require the administrator to post a surety bond unless the will waives bond or the court dispenses with it for good cause.

7. If seeking co-administration

You can ask the court to appoint two or more co-administrators when the circumstances justify it (for example, when the estate is large, when a named executor requests co-administrators, or when heirs agree to serve together). The court will consider whether co-administration is practical and whether the proposed co-administrators can work together. The petition should state the reasons for co-administration and propose how duties and decision-making will be handled. The court may require separate bonds for each co-administrator or a joint bond.

8. After appointment — administration duties

Once appointed and bonded (if required), the administrator must:

• Locate and safeguard estate assets
• Open an estate bank account and not commingle estate funds with personal funds
• Inventory assets and file inventories with the court
• Notify and pay valid claims and debts
• File tax returns for the decedent and the estate and obtain an EIN for the estate (IRS)
• Distribute remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to the will or Iowa intestacy law
• File a final account and petition to close the estate

9. Timeframe and court supervision

Timing varies by county and complexity. Simple estates may be settled in months; complex estates can take a year or more. The court supervises major steps and must approve final distributions unless the estate is closed by summary procedure.

Where to find forms and more information

Iowa district courts provide probate forms and clerk contact information on the Iowa Courts website: Iowa Courts — Probate. For statutory rules, see Iowa Code chapter 633: Iowa Code, ch. 633.

Helpful hints

• Start by getting several certified death certificates — you will need them for banks, title companies, and government agencies.
• Check for a will before filing. If you find one, deliver the original to the court promptly.
• Talk with the other potential heirs before filing. If interested persons agree, contested hearings are less likely.
• Consider whether you need legal help. If the estate is large, has contested heirs, real estate, business interests, or tax issues, an estate attorney can save time and reduce risk.
• Keep careful records and receipts for all estate transactions. The court will require accounting and beneficiaries expect transparency.
• Do not distribute assets until the court approves distributions or the estate is closed. Early distributions can create personal liability.
• If bond is expensive, the will sometimes waives bond; check the will and discuss options with the clerk or an attorney.
• If you and another person want to serve as co-administrators, prepare a short written agreement describing how you will divide duties to show the court you can cooperate.