Quick answer: If the court-appointed administrator of an Iowa estate dies before closing the estate, you should promptly notify the probate court, file the administrator’s death certificate, and ask the court to appoint a successor (either a permanent successor administrator or a temporary/special administrator to protect assets). You will also need to update inventories, bonds, creditor notices, and any pending actions. The probate court supervises the transition and will tell you exactly which filings are required under Iowa law.

Detailed answer — steps to follow under Iowa law

Below is a step-by-step guide that explains what typically happens and what you should do when an estate’s appointed administrator dies in Iowa. This discussion assumes the estate is already in probate. The exact procedure can vary by county and by the estate’s facts (e.g., whether there is a will, whether the administrator was also a beneficiary, the complexity of assets, outstanding creditor claims, litigation, etc.). This is general informational guidance, not legal advice.

1. Confirm and document the death. Obtain an official death certificate and file a certificate of death or written notice with the probate clerk where the estate is pending. This formally puts the court on notice that the administrator can’t continue in office.
2. Notify interested persons and parties. Notify beneficiaries, heirs, and known creditors that the administrator has died. If the administrator handled bank accounts or other assets personally, freeze or secure those accounts and property so the estate’s assets are preserved and not commingled or dissipated.
3. Ask the court to appoint a successor. File a petition with the probate court requesting appointment of a successor administrator (sometimes called an “administrator de bonis non” when assets remain to be administered). Any interested person may petition; the court will consider priorities and the facts and then appoint a successor to finish administration. If urgent action is needed to preserve assets (collect rents, pay bills, manage real estate), ask the court for a temporary or special administrator immediately.
4. Provide or update required documentation to the court. The petition for successor appointment should include a certified copy of the death certificate, the court file number, a proposed bond (if required), and any other documents the local court requires. The new administrator typically must qualify under the same rules that applied to the original administrator (take oath, post bond if required, and obtain letters of appointment).
5. Inventory, accounting, and records. If the prior administrator prepared an inventory or partial accounting, provide that to the court and to the successor administrator. If no inventory exists or it is incomplete, the successor will usually prepare the statutory inventory and continue required accountings, pay administrative expenses, and then distribute assets according to the will or Iowa intestacy rules.
6. Bond and fiduciary responsibilities. If the original administrator had a fiduciary bond, the court will determine whether it covers losses and whether additional bond is required from the successor. The surety (if any) may have obligations; notify any bond company involved.
7. Creditors and claims. Known creditors should be given notice that administration continues under a new fiduciary. The successor will handle creditor claims and any litigation already filed or required. Follow court directions and local notice rules to preserve the estate’s defenses and preserve any claims.
8. Resolve pending litigation or transactions. If the estate was involved in lawsuits, sales, or closings, inform the court and the opposing parties or buyers. The court may need to authorize continuation or substitution of the fiduciary so those transactions can be completed.
9. Close the estate once administration is complete. When the successor administrator finishes the required tasks—inventory, creditor resolution, paying taxes and expenses, and distributing assets—the successor files final accountings and a petition for discharge, and the court can close the estate.

Relevant Iowa statute overview: Iowa’s probate statutes govern appointment and duties of administrators and successors. See Iowa Code, probate provisions (chapter applying to administration and fiduciaries) for details and local court rules. The Iowa Legislature publishes the Iowa Code online for reference: Iowa Code (probate chapter). For court forms and local instructions, check the Iowa Judicial Branch probate pages: Iowa Courts.

Common scenarios and what they mean

• Administrator was the only person handling assets personally: You must freeze or secure those assets and provide an accounting to the court so the successor can determine estate property and liabilities.
• There is a will naming a successor fiduciary: If the will names an alternate executor/administrator, the court will typically consider that person first when appointing a successor. If the named alternate declines, interested persons may petition.
• No will (intestate) and no obvious successor: Iowa law gives priority to certain close family members to be appointed administrator. If there is dispute, the court resolves the conflict and appoints the person it finds appropriate.
• Urgent estate business (sale, foreclosure, taxes): Ask the court for a temporary or special administrator immediately so deadlines are not missed.

Helpful hints

• File the death certificate with the probate clerk as soon as possible to avoid delays.
• If you are an heir or beneficiary and expect to seek appointment, gather basic documents: original will (if any), death certificate, asset lists, bank statements, and contact info for creditors.
• Ask the court about whether a bond is required and whether the existing bond covers losses caused by the deceased administrator’s acts.
• Keep careful records. The successor administrator must account for the prior administrator’s actions and all estate transactions.
• If the estate has tax filings due (estate tax or final income tax), coordinate with the successor administrator or the court to meet deadlines.
• Contact the probate clerk or use county-specific forms: procedures vary among Iowa counties; clerks can tell you what local filings the court requires.
• When urgent asset protection is needed (risk of loss, foreclosure, or dissipation), ask the court for immediate temporary authority to protect the estate.