Iowa Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/iowa/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
4-6 months for uncontested divorces in Iowa (90-day mandatory waiting period under Iowa Code § 598.19 plus 1-3 months for document preparation, hearing scheduling, and decree finalization). Contested divorces with disputes over property division, custody, or support typically take 12-18 months, and complex cases involving business valuations or custody evaluations may extend to 24 months.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Social Security Cards
- Iowa Driver's License or State ID
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
- Property Deeds and Titles
- Insurance Policies
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- 12 Months of Pay Stubs or Income Verification
- Bank Statements (All Accounts, Last 12 Months)
- Retirement Account Statements
- Credit Card and Loan Statements
- Mortgage Documents
- Investment and Brokerage Statements
- Business Financial Records(if applicable)
- Monthly Expense Documentation
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Gather Essential Personal Documents
- Compile Complete Financial Records
- Assess Domestic Violence Safety Concerns
- Determine Whether You Have Minor or Dependent Children
2. Filing Process
- Prepare the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Prepare the Original Notice for Service
- File the Petition Electronically with the District Court
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Dissolution Papers
- Wait for Respondent's Answer Within 20 Days
- Complete the Mandatory Parenting Education Course (Cases with Children)
- File the Financial Affidavit of Financial Status
- Negotiate and Draft a Settlement Agreement or Request Relief
- Attend the Dissolution Hearing After the 90-Day Waiting Period
- File the Report of Dissolution with Iowa Vital Records
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Iowa, you must first verify residency — there is no minimum residency requirement if your spouse is an Iowa resident and will be personally served; otherwise, you must have lived in Iowa for at least one year under Iowa Code § 598.6. File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage electronically through EDMS using Form 101 (no children) or Form 201 (with children) and pay the $265 filing fee set by Iowa Code § 602.8105. Serve your spouse via sheriff, process server, or acceptance of service (Form 205). The respondent has 20 days to file an Answer per Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.303(1). Iowa Code § 598.19 imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of service before any decree can be entered. Both parties must file Financial Affidavit Form 7 under Iowa Code § 598.13 before the hearing. If children are involved, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting course within 45 days of service under Iowa Code § 598.15. Iowa follows equitable distribution of all property under Iowa Code § 598.21. Uncontested cases typically resolve in 4-6 months; contested cases take 12-18 months.