What is a proof of will without administration?

It means the court admitted the will but no formal administration or executor appointment will occur at this time.

Who filed the probate notice?

Richard Russell filed as proponent; attorney is Steven C. Despotovich of Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC.

Probate — 4200 University Avenue, Suite 424, West Des Moines, IA (ESPR086045)

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

Will

Affects:HeirsGeneral Public

The Polk County District Court admitted the June 12, 2024 will of Eleanor E. Russell to probate without formal administration. Interested persons have limited time to challenge the will or they will lose the right to do so.

Key Takeaways

Will of Eleanor E. Russell admitted to probate on April 15, 2026
No administration (no executor appointed) for the estate
Deadline to challenge: later of four months from 2nd publication or one month from mailing
Second publication date: May 17, 2026

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 an heir or devisee
If you believe you are an heir or named in the will, confirm receipt of mailed notice and your status immediately.
2
Consult a probate attorney
Contact an Iowa probate lawyer before the deadline (four months from May 17, 2026 or one month from mailing) to discuss contesting the will.
3
Contact the proponent's attorney
For questions or to confirm filings, email Steven C. Despotovich at steve@iowawillsprobate.com or call the West Des Moines office.

Frequently asked questions

What is a proof of will without administration?: It means the court admitted the will but no formal administration or executor appointment will occur at this time.
How long do I have to contest the will?: You must act within the later of four months from the second publication (May 17, 2026) or one month from mailing to heirs/devisees.
Who filed the probate notice?: Richard Russell filed as proponent; attorney is Steven C. Despotovich of Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC.

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 when no formal estate administration (executor appointment) will occur.
devisees: People named in a will to receive property or benefits.
proponent: Person presenting the will to the court for probate.

Full Notice Text

IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR Polk COUNTY
CASE NO. ESPR086045
NOTICE OF PROOF OF WILL WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Eleanor E. Russell
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Eleanor E. Russell, who died on or about February 17, 2026:
You are hereby notified that on April 15, 2026, the last will and testament of Eleanor E. Russell, bearing the date of June 12, 2024, 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 6, 2026
Richard Russell, 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
LIOW0515283