Iowa Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Iowa, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Iowa guide.
- Will
- Iowa will requirements: full-age and sound-mind capacity, a signed writing, two witnesses who sign together, self-proving affidavits, and no holographic wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How an Iowa revocable living trust avoids probate under the Iowa Trust Code: creating it, funding it, the pour-over will, and what it costs. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Iowa power of attorney rules under Chapter 633B: durable by default, notarized signing, hot powers that need an express grant, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How an Iowa healthcare directive works: a living will declaration under Chapter 144A, a durable power of attorney for health care under Chapter 144B, and IPOST. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Iowa requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Iowa estate planning guides
Iowa Estate Planning Basics
Iowa estate planning basics: the will, durable power of attorney, advance directive, and beneficiary forms every adult needs, plus no Iowa inheritance tax.
Iowa Will Requirements
Iowa will requirements: full-age and sound-mind capacity, a signed writing, two witnesses who sign together, self-proving affidavits, and no holographic wills.
Iowa Power of Attorney
Iowa power of attorney rules under Chapter 633B: durable by default, notarized signing, hot powers that need an express grant, and how it ends at death.
Iowa Healthcare Directive
How an Iowa healthcare directive works: a living will declaration under Chapter 144A, a durable power of attorney for health care under Chapter 144B, and IPOST.
Iowa Guardianship and Conservatorship Planning
How Iowa guardianship and conservatorship work, and how a durable power of attorney and advance directives can keep an adult out of court under Chapter 633.
Iowa Revocable Living Trust
How an Iowa revocable living trust avoids probate under the Iowa Trust Code: creating it, funding it, the pour-over will, and what it costs.
Iowa Trust Administration
How to administer an Iowa trust after the grantor dies: successor trustee duties under the Iowa Trust Code, notice, accounting, and taxes.
Iowa Pet Trusts
How an Iowa pet trust works under Iowa Code 633A.2105: set aside money for an animal's care, name a caregiver, trustee, and enforcer, and fund it fully.
Digital Assets and Estate Planning in Iowa
How to plan for and access a deceased person's digital assets in Iowa under Chapter 638: online tools, will and POA language, crypto, and executor access.
Not sure what you need in Iowa?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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