does an executor of a will in the State of Iowa need to be a resident of the state?

Answer 1

Executors of wills do not need to reside in the state where the will is filed in court. This happens all the time, when children live out of state, for example. Through the court, the executor is named in the will and that is all that matters. Residence is irrelevant.

Answer 2

No, but out-of-state executors must designate a "resident agent" to accept service of process. This is true in all states, as far as I know.

Answer 3

No. But the court may require that a resident be appointed as co-executor:

633.64 Qualification of fiduciary--nonresident.
The court may, upon application, appoint the following nonresidents as fiduciaries:

1. Natural persons. A natural person who is a nonresident of this state and who is otherwise qualified under the provisions of section 633.63, provided a resident fiduciary is appointed to serve with such nonresident fiduciary; and provided further that the court, for good cause shown, may appoint such nonresident fiduciary to serve alone without the appointment of a resident fiduciary.

2. Banks and trust companies. Banks and trust companies organized under the laws of the United States or of another state and authorized to act in a fiduciary capacity in another state, if banks and trust companies of this state are permitted to act as fiduciary under similar conditions in the state where such bank or trust company is located