What is the deadline to contest Mary Epperly's will?

You must file within the later of four months from the second publication (May 17, 2026) or one month from mailing to you.

What does 'no present administration' mean?

It means the court admitted the will but did not open a formal probate administration with an appointed executor.

Probate — 4200 University Avenue, Suite 424, West Des Moines, IA (ESPR086147)

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Will

Affects:HeirsCreditors

The Polk County District Court admitted the February 18, 2021 will of Mary A. Epperly to probate on May 4, 2026 with no administration. Interested parties have limited time to contest the will or their claims become barred.

Key Takeaways

Will admitted to probate May 4, 2026
No estate administration will occur
Deadline to challenge: later of four months from May 17 or one month from mailing
Challenges not timely filed are forever barred

Deadline · Claims Deadline

September 17, 2026

Pro users tracking probate like this were alerted the second it filed. Never miss a deadline

Published

May 10, 2026 · 1 week ago

What to do next

1
Determine if you are affected
Review the will or contact the attorney to confirm if you are an heir or devisee before the challenge deadline.
2
File a challenge if needed
If you intend to set aside the will, file an action in Polk County District Court by the later of four months from May 17, 2026 or one month from mailing.
3
Contact the estate attorney
Email Steven C. Despotovich at steve@iowawillsprobate.com or call the Wilson Deege Despotovich firm at their West Des Moines address for documents and next steps.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline to contest Mary Epperly's will?: You must file within the later of four months from the second publication (May 17, 2026) or one month from mailing to you.
What does 'no present administration' mean?: It means the court admitted the will but did not open a formal probate administration with an appointed executor.
Who do I contact about the estate?: Contact the estate attorney Steven C. Despotovich at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC, 4200 University Avenue, Suite 424, West Des Moines, or steve@iowawillsprobate.com.

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

Proof of will without administration: Court acceptance of a will where no executor or formal estate administration is appointed.
Second publication: The court-required second public notice date used to trigger statutory deadlines.
Devisees: People named in a will to receive property or assets.

Full Notice Text

IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR Polk COUNTY
CASE NO. ESPR086147
NOTICE OF PROOF OF WILL WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Mary A. Epperly
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Mary A. Epperly, who died on or about March 26, 2026:
You are hereby notified that on May 4, 2026, the last will and testament of Mary A. Epperly, bearing the date of February 18, 2021, was admitted to probate in the above named court and there will be no present administration of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of the county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.
Dated on May 4, 2026
Karen Kordick-Smith, Proponent
Attorney for Estate: 
Steven C. Despotovich, ICIS#: AT0002014
Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC
4200 University Avenue, Suite 424
West Des Moines, IA  50266
steve@iowawillsprobate.com
Date of Second Publication: May 17, 2026
May 10, 17 2026
LIOW0515237