Iowa has several important laws you should be aware of when planning your will and estate. For example, Iowa law requires that an estate is closed within three years after the second publication of the notice to creditors unless a court grants an extension. Additionally, in Iowa specifically, there is no probate court. All probate matters are handled by the district court. In the Iowa district court, you will be required to enlist the support of a probate lawyer. This differs from the criminal precedent, where you are allowed to represent yourself.