What does it mean that the will was admitted without administration?

It means the court accepted the will but no executor or formal estate administration is being opened now.

How long do I have to contest the will?

You must bring an action by the later of four months after the second publication (May 17, 2026) or one month after mailing to known heirs.

Who should I contact about the estate?

Contact the proponent Karen Kordick-Smith or the estate attorney Steven C. Despotovich at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC.

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

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

Will

Affects:HeirsCreditorsGeneral Public

The Polk County District Court admitted the February 18, 2021 will of Mary A. Epperly to probate on May 4, 2026, with no estate administration. Interested parties must act by specified deadlines to challenge the will or be barred.

Key Takeaways

Will admitted to probate on May 4, 2026
No present administration of the estate
Deadline to contest: later of four months after second publication or one month after 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 17, 2026 · 2 days ago

What to do next

1
Determine if you are an heir or devisee
Confirm your status and whether you received mailed notice; act if you are named or believe you have an interest.
2
File a court action to contest the will
If you intend to challenge, file suit in Polk County District Court by the later of four months after May 17, 2026 or one month after mailed notice.
3
Contact the estate attorney
Reach out to Steven C. Despotovich at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC, 4200 University Avenue, Suite 424, West Des Moines, for information.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean that the will was admitted without administration?: It means the court accepted the will but no executor or formal estate administration is being opened now.
How long do I have to contest the will?: You must bring an action by the later of four months after the second publication (May 17, 2026) or one month after mailing to known heirs.
Who should I contact about the estate?: Contact the proponent Karen Kordick-Smith or the estate attorney Steven C. Despotovich at 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 where no executor is appointed and no estate administration will occur.
Devisees: People named in a will to receive property or benefits.
Second publication: The second time this notice appears in the newspaper, used to start certain legal deadlines.

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