What does it mean that the will was admitted to probate?

It means the court accepted the will as valid and authorized administration of the estate under court supervision.

Who is the executor and what do they do?

Iowa State Bank, Algona, is the executor; it will manage estate assets, pay debts, and distribute inheritances per the will.

How long do I have to challenge the will?

You must file to set aside the will by the later of four months after the notice's second publication or one month after the executor mails notice to you.

Probate — Algona (ESPR019997)

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Will

Affects:HeirsCreditorsGeneral Public

The will of Eugene C. Mertz, who died around April 15, 2026, was admitted to probate in Kossuth County on April 23, 2026, and Iowa State Bank (Algona) was appointed executor. Creditors and others with claims must act within the court's stated deadlines.

Key Takeaways

Will admitted to probate on April 23, 2026
Iowa State Bank, Algona, appointed executor
Deadline to challenge will: later of four months after second publication or one month after mailing
Creditors must present claims within statutory time limits

Published: May 8, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Probate
City: Algona
Case #

ESPR019997

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If you don't respond

If no challenge is filed by the later of four months after the second publication or one month after mailing, the probate will proceeds and the estate is distributed under the will; creditors who fail to present claims within the time limits may lose the right to payment from the estate.

What to do next

1
Check publication dates
Confirm the date of the second publication to determine the four-month challenge deadline.
2
If you are a creditor, present your claim
Submit your claim to the estate before the statutory deadline—either within four months after second publication or one month after mailing.
3
Contact the executor for information
Reach out to Iowa State Bank, Algona, for estate details and mailing dates to calculate your deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean that the will was admitted to probate?: It means the court accepted the will as valid and authorized administration of the estate under court supervision.
Who is the executor and what do they do?: Iowa State Bank, Algona, is the executor; it will manage estate assets, pay debts, and distribute inheritances per the will.
How long do I have to challenge the will?: You must file to set aside the will by the later of four months after the notice's second publication or one month after the executor mails notice to you.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

probate: Court process that validates a will and supervises distribution of a deceased person's estate.
executor: Person or entity appointed to manage the estate and carry out the will's instructions.
admitted to probate: Court accepted the will as valid and began the probate process.

Full Notice Text

PROBATE: EUGENE C. MERTZ-17971-IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT INAND FOR KOSSUTH COUNTYIn the Matter of the Estate ofEUGENE C. MERTZ, DeceasedProbate No. ESPR019997NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OFAPPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR,AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS.TO ALL PERSONS interested in the Es-tate of Eugene C. Mertz, who died on orabout April 15, 2026.You are hereby notified that on the 23rdday of April, 2026, the Last Will and Tes-tament of Eugene C. Mertz, deceased,bearing the date of the 26th day ofMarch, 2021, was admitted to probatein the above-named court and that IowaState Bank, Algona, Iowa was appointedExecutor of the estate. Any action to setaside the will must be brought in the dis-trict court of said county within the laterto occur of four months from the date ofthe second publication of this notice orone month from the date of mailing of this