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

It means the court accepted the will as valid but no executor or formal estate administration will be opened now.

How long do I have to challenge the will?

You must file in Polk County District Court by the later of four months after May 17, 2026, or one month after mailing to known heirs.

Who should I contact about the probate filing?

Contact the estate attorney, Steven C. Despotovich at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC, steve@iowawillsprobate.com.

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

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

Will

Affects:HeirsCreditors

The Polk County District Court admitted the June 12, 2024 will of Eleanor E. Russell to probate on April 15, 2026, with no estate administration. Interested persons must act quickly if they wish to challenge the will or be barred by statutory deadlines.

Key Takeaways

Will admitted to probate April 15, 2026
There will be no administration of the estate
Deadline to challenge: later of four months after second publication or one month after mailing
Second publication date: May 17, 2026
Proponent: Richard Russell; attorney contact provided

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 interested person
Confirm whether you are an heir or named devisee and whether you received mailed notice.
2
Note the challenge deadline
Mark the later of four months after May 17, 2026 or one month after mailing as your last day to file a challenge in Polk County District Court.
3
Consult an attorney
Contact Steven C. Despotovich at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC for guidance before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean that the will was admitted without administration?: It means the court accepted the will as valid but no executor or formal estate administration will be opened now.
How long do I have to challenge the will?: You must file in Polk County District Court by the later of four months after May 17, 2026, or one month after mailing to known heirs.
Who should I contact about the probate filing?: Contact the estate attorney, Steven C. Despotovich at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers, PLC, 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 admission of a will as valid when no executor/administration is being appointed.
Proponent: Person who presents the will to the court for probate.
Devisees: People named in a will to receive property or gifts.

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