Author: Sarah Mitchell, J.D. – I've drafted and reviewed hundreds of estate planning documents for Iowa families over the past 12 years. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to make a will in Iowa that meets all current Iowa legal requirements, explain why having a valid last will and testament in Iowa matters, and provide you with a completely free, attorney-vetted last will and testament template Iowa residents can download and use today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. Always consult a licensed Iowa attorney or qualified professional before finalizing your estate plan.
As an estate planning attorney practicing in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, I've seen too many families torn apart because a loved one died without a valid Iowa will. When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Iowa, Chapter 633 of the Iowa Code dictates exactly who gets what – and it may not match what you want.
Having a properly executed last will and testament in Iowa lets you:
Iowa will laws are found primarily in Iowa Code Chapter 633 – Division of Probate Code. As of 2025, here are the current legal requirements for a valid will in Iowa:
| Requirement | Details (Iowa Code § 633.279 - 633.283) |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 years or older (or married/emancipated) |
| Sound Mind | Must have testamentary capacity (understand nature of assets, relatives, and consequences) |
| In Writing | Must be written (typed or handwritten – holographic wills are recognized) |
| Signature | Testator must sign at the end of the document |
| Witnesses | Two (2) competent witnesses who are at least 16 years old |
| Self-Proving Affidavit | Highly recommended (makes probate faster) |
Source: Iowa Code Chapter 633 – Official Iowa Legislative Site
Before you start filling out any last will and testament template Iowa form, collect:
The most important decisions I help clients make. Your executor should be organized, trustworthy, and preferably younger than you. In Iowa, your executor can be an out-of-state resident, but naming an Iowa resident often speeds up probate.
You have complete freedom (with some exceptions for spouses – see Iowa elective share below). Common distribution methods:
Click below to download my completely free, updated 2025 Last Will and Testament Template Iowa that I personally use as a starting point for clients:
DOWNLOAD FREE IOWA LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT TEMPLATE (Word .docx)
This template includes:
Here's exactly how to execute your Iowa will properly:
Even with a will, Iowa spouses have powerful rights. Under Iowa Code § 633.236 - 633.246, a surviving spouse can "take against the will" and claim approximately 1/3 of your estate if disinherited or left less than their intestate share.
Unlike some states, Iowa does not have forced heirship for children. You can disinherit adult children completely (but must do so explicitly – "I am intentionally leaving nothing to my son John Doe"). Minor children cannot be disinherited.
Iowa adopted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act in 2017. Your will should specifically address online accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, NFTs, etc.
Over 12 years, I've fixed these expensive errors:
Simple estates (under $200k, no minor children, no blended family): My free last will and testament template Iowa residents use is often sufficient.
Complex situations requiring an attorney:
Do I need an attorney to make a will in Iowa?
No, but recommended for complex situations.
Are holographic (completely handwritten) wills valid in Iowa?
Yes! Iowa recognizes holographic wills if entirely in your handwriting and signed.
Can I make my Iowa will self-proving?
Yes – include the affidavit and notarize with witnesses present.
How often should I update my Iowa will?
Every 3-5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death, move).
Where should I store my completed Iowa will?
Original with your attorney, copy with executor, copy in fireproof home safe (NOT sole safe deposit box).
Every week in my practice, I meet families who wish their loved one had taken 30 minutes to complete a simple will. Don't leave your family's future to Iowa's default rules.
Download your free, attorney-created Last Will and Testament Template Iowa right now and get it signed this week:
Your 2025 Iowa Last Will and Testament – Completely Free
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE IOWA WILL TEMPLATE NOW
You've already taken the hardest step – deciding to protect your family. Now make it official.
Remember: This free last will and testament template Iowa residents download is attorney-vetted but is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For complex estates, please contact a qualified Iowa estate planning attorney.
© 2025 Sarah Mitchell, J.D. | All rights reserved. Last updated: November 2025