Iowa Divorce FAQS

Divorce decrees can be requested from the clerk of the district court in the county where the divorce was finalized. You’ll usually need names of both spouses, case number (if known), and the approximate date of divorce.

Yes. Divorce decrees are generally public, but certain details (like financial affidavits or sensitive custody evaluations) may be sealed.

A certified decree is an official copy with a court seal, often required for legal purposes such as changing your name, remarriage, or applying for benefits. A regular copy is for personal records.

Yes, because they are public records, but certified copies may only be available to the parties or their attorneys.

The district court clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was granted. The Iowa Department of Public Health keeps divorce certificates, but not full decrees.

Requests typically take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the office and whether it is in person, mail, or online.

Some counties and third-party vendors allow online orders. Official records are usually obtained directly from the Iowa Courts system.

Names of the parties, county of divorce, year of divorce, and sometimes a case number.

Yes. Records involving minors, domestic violence, or sensitive health information may be restricted.

Iowa began keeping state-level divorce records in 1906, but county court records may go further back depending on local archives.

Iowa is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the only ground is “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.

Yes. Misconduct is not required to obtain a divorce.

Iowa uses equitable distribution, dividing property fairly, though not always equally.

Generally no, except in cases where misconduct has direct financial consequences (e.g., spending marital funds on an affair).

No. Couples can file for divorce without legal separation.

Courts consider length of marriage, income, health, education, and contributions to the marriage. Types include traditional, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony.

Yes, through a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement if the court finds it fair and valid.

Generally yes, provided they were signed voluntarily, with full disclosure, and are not unconscionable.

Not always, but many courts encourage mediation for custody disputes.

Yes, for parents with minor children. Courts require attendance at an approved parenting class.

Yes, if it was started or grew during the marriage.

Courts may require a professional valuation considering assets, earnings, goodwill, and market conditions.

Yes, if marital funds or efforts supported the business, even if the spouse was not directly involved.

Prenuptial agreements, buy-sell agreements, or careful financial record-keeping can help.

Yes, debts incurred for the business during the marriage are typically divided equitably.

Yes, it can influence valuation and ownership division but does not override court authority.

In complex cases where business valuation, hidden income, or asset tracing is disputed.

Yes. The court may award the business to one spouse and offset with other assets or buyout arrangements.

Growth in value during the marriage is generally considered marital property.

Yes. Courts consider business earnings when determining spousal support.

Cases involving multi-million-dollar estates, multiple properties, business ownership, or complex assets.

Courts may appoint experts to value and divide them equitably.

Yes. Discovery tools, subpoenas, and forensic accountants are used.

Courts can divide them if subject to Iowa jurisdiction.

Yes. The spouse claiming separate property must provide clear documentation.

Yes. Courts often consider the marital standard of living when setting alimony.

Tax implications are factored into asset division and support awards.

Yes, to prevent dissipation or concealment.

Yes. Experts are often critical in accurately valuing complex assets.

They are valued by appraisers and divided equitably or awarded to one spouse with offsetting assets.

Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the district court.

Yes. At least one spouse must have lived in Iowa for 1 year before filing.

Uncontested cases can finalize in 90 days; contested cases may take a year or more.

Petition for Dissolution, financial affidavits, and child-related forms if applicable.

No. Iowa is a no-fault state, so one spouse’s statement of irretrievable breakdown is enough.

The spouse has 20 days to respond. If they don’t, the court may enter a default judgment.

Yes. A minimum of 90 days after service of the petition.

Courts can issue temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during proceedings.

In uncontested cases with complete agreements, yes. Judges may approve without a full trial.

If a spouse doesn’t respond, the other spouse may be granted the divorce and requested relief by default.