Getting divorced in Iowa? Here’s what the process actually looks like—without the legal jargon. Whether you're trying to plan ahead or already knee-deep in forms, this guide covers what matters.
Prerequisites for divorce in Iowa
Before you file for divorce, make sure you meet these basic requirements.
Residency
- If your spouse lives in Iowa and can be served personally, no minimum residency period is required.
- If your spouse is out of state, you must have lived in Iowa for at least one year.
Waiting period
There’s a 90-day waiting period after your spouse is served before a judge can finalize your divorce. In rare situations, the court may waive it.
Grounds for divorce
Iowa is a no-fault divorce state. You only need to state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. No proof of misconduct is required.
More about Iowa divorce grounds
How to file for divorce in Iowa
- File a Petition: The spouse starting the divorce (the petitioner) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the local Iowa District Court.
- Serve the other spouse: The respondent must be officially served by sheriff, process server, certified mail, or publication.
- Wait for a Response: The respondent has 20 days to file an answer.
- Take parenting class (if required): If you have kids, both spouses must take Iowa’s “Children in the Middle” class.
- Negotiate settlement: Spouses can submit a written agreement to the court for approval.
- Court hearing: May be waived in uncontested cases if both spouses agree not to go to court. If needed, a judge will resolve disputes and issue a divorce decree.
More about how to how to file in Iowa
How much does it cost to get divorced in Iowa?
The filing fee is $265. Additional costs may include:
- Service fees (if using a sheriff or process server)
- Parenting class tuition
- Mediation or legal assistance
If you can't afford to pay, you can apply for a fee waiver.
More about Iowa divorce costs
Property and debt division in Iowa
Iowa follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital property fairly—but not always 50/50.
Judges consider:
- Length of the marriage
- Contributions of each spouse (including non-financial)
- Earning potential and current income
- Prenuptial agreements
- Age and health
All marital property—regardless of whose name it's under—can be divided. Separate property (owned before marriage or inherited) is usually exempt unless co-mingled.
Alimony (spousal support/maintenance) in Iowa
Alimony (called support or maintenance most commonly) in Iowa is not automatic. It’s granted if one spouse needs financial help and the other can afford to pay.
Types of spousal support in Iowa:
- Rehabilitative: Short-term to help one spouse gain job skills
- Reimbursement: Repays one spouse for contributions (like supporting the other through school)
- Traditional: Rare, long-term support for spouses unable to become self-supporting
In most cases, spousal maintenance is capped at three years, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Courts consider:
- Marriage duration
- Age, education, and health
- Income and earning potential
- Contributions to the marriage
There is no official alimony calculator in Iowa.
More about Iowa spousal support
Child custody and child support in Iowa
Custody
Courts focus on the best interests of the child. Types of custody include:
- Legal custody: Decision-making rights
- Physical care: Where the child lives
Iowa encourages joint legal custody unless one parent is unfit. Parents must submit a parenting plan, or the court will decide one.
Child support
Iowa follows child support guidelines based on both parents’ incomes. Use the Child Support Estimator to get an estimate.
Factors considered:
- Number of children
- Income of both parents
- Parenting time
- Health insurance and childcare costs
Military divorce in Iowa
Military members can file in Iowa if they are residents or stationed there. Service members are protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which can delay proceedings during deployment.
Legal separation and annulment in Iowa
- Legal separation: You stay legally married but live apart. You can still divide assets and resolve custody and support.
- Annulment: Rare, but possible if the marriage was illegal due to bigamy, incest, fraud, or lack of capacity.
Can you file for divorce online in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa strongly encourages e-filing through its eFile system. You can upload documents and pay fees online, but in-person steps may still be required in some cases.
After divorce: what happens next
Once your divorce is final, make sure to:
- Update your legal name (can be requested in your divorce petition)
- File taxes as single (if divorced before December 31)
- Modify custody or support if your circumstances change
- Update your will, insurance policies, and beneficiary info
Legal help and resources
Divorce in Iowa is straightforward in uncontested cases but can get complicated with kids, property, or disputes. Whether you're filing alone or working with an attorney, understanding your rights and timelines will help you move forward with more clarity and less stress. Reach out to us if you have any questions.