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

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

Who is the Personal Representative and what can they do?

Debra Rollins is the Personal Representative; she can collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate per the will.

How long do I have to contest the will?

You must bring an action within the later of four months from the notice's second publication or one month from mailing to heirs/devisees.

What should a creditor do to make a claim?

File a timely written claim with the Lee County District Court or contact the Personal Representative to assert the debt.

Probate — Fort Madison (ESPR013122)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Will

Affects:HeirsCreditors

The Lee County District Court admitted the will of Dollie Mahalic (d. March 14, 2026) to probate and appointed Debra Rollins as Personal Representative. Creditors and interested parties have limited time to contest the will or file claims against the estate.

Key Takeaways

Will admitted to probate on April 22, 2026
Debra Rollins appointed Personal Representative
Deadline to contest: later of four months from 2nd publication or one month from mailing
Creditors must file claims within statutory time limits
Notice concerns estate of Dollie Mahalic (d. March 14, 2026)

Published: May 8, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Probate
City: Fort Madison
Case #: ESPR013122

Research context

4 probate notices in Fort Madison (last 12 months)

View full case dossier

All filings for #ESPR013122 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If you fail to contest the will by the deadline (four months from second publication or one month from mailing to heirs/devisees), you lose the right to challenge probate; creditors who do not file timely claims may be barred from recovery.

What to do next

1
Confirm receipt of mailed notice
If you are an heir or devisee, watch for the mailed notice; the one-month contest deadline starts from that mailing date.
2
Consider contesting the will
If you intend to challenge probate, file an action in Lee County District Court before the later of four months from second publication or one month from mailing.
3
File creditor claims
Creditors should prepare and submit claims to the court or contact Personal Representative Debra Rollins promptly to avoid being barred.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean that the will was admitted to probate?: It means the court has accepted the will as valid and authorized administration of the estate.
Who is the Personal Representative and what can they do?: Debra Rollins is the Personal Representative; she can collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate per the will.
How long do I have to contest the will?: You must bring an action within the later of four months from the notice's second publication or one month from mailing to heirs/devisees.
What should a creditor do to make a claim?: File a timely written claim with the Lee County District Court or contact the Personal Representative to assert the debt.

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

Personal Representative: Person appointed to manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets.
Devisee: A person named in a will to receive real property.
Admitted to probate: Court process recognizing a will as valid and allowing estate administration.

Full Notice Text

Public Notice Public NoticeTHE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY	 CASE NO. ESPR013122IN THE MATTER OFTHE ESTATE OF	 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OFDollie Mahalic, Deceased	 APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL	 REPRESENTATIVE,	 AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSTo All Persons Interested in the Estate of Dollie Mahalic, Deceased,who died on or about March 14, 2026:You are hereby notified that on April 22, 2026, the Last Will andTestament of Dollie Mahalic, deceased, bearing date of February 12,2024, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and thatDebra Rollins was appointed Personal Representative of the estate.Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district courtof said county within the later to occur of four months from the dateof the second publication of this notice or one month from the date ofmailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees underthe will wh

Related Notices

Notice

DateCategoryCity

The Lee County District Court admitted Barbara J. Moeller’s November 15, 2018 will to probate and appointed Wade W. Sass and Randy J. Moeller as executors. Interested parties must act quickly to contest the will within statutory deadlines.

May 19, 2026ProbateFort Madison

This notice informs interested persons that Robert E. Zeh’s August 3, 2020 will was admitted to probate in Lee County on May 14, 2026 and Toni Mecum was appointed executor. Creditors and heirs have limited time to contest or make claims.

May 19, 2026ProbateFort Madison

This notice informs interested persons that Ruth Maxine Anderson's May 28, 2013 will was admitted to probate in Lee County on April 24, 2026, and Cheryl K. Ball was appointed executor. Creditors and interested parties have limited time to challenge claims or the will.

May 13, 2026ProbateFort Madison