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Signing a Will

Iowa Code § 633.279 — signed and declared, before two competent witnesses who sign in each other's presence

Any person of full age and sound mind may leave all their property by will, subject to the surviving spouse's elective share and enough to pay debts.

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  • A will is in writing and signed by the testator, or by someone at the testator's direction in the testator's presence.
  • The testator declares it to be the will.
  • Two competent persons witness it at the testator's request, signing in the testator's presence and each other's.
  • A will can be made self proved by acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits before a notary.
Sources for this section (2)
  1. Iowa Code § 633.264 — Disposal of property by will
  2. Iowa Code § 633.279 — Signed and witnessed

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.

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