Iowa Dissolution of Marriage Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Assessment

• Confirm residency: 1 year in Iowa OR spouse currently lives in Iowa
• Identify Iowa county (District Court where either spouse lives)
• Determine path: Electronic Divorce (no children, no real estate, both agree) OR Standard Dissolution
• If Electronic Divorce: access iowacourts.gov Electronic Divorce portal
• If standard: download forms from iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms/family-law

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

Both parties must complete a Financial Affidavit:

• Last 3 pay stubs (both parties)
• Last 2 years federal and Iowa state income tax returns
• Bank and investment account statements
• Retirement account statements (balance on date of marriage and current balance)
• Real estate values and mortgage balances
• Vehicle values and loan balances
• All debt statements
• Business interest documentation if applicable
• Pension or government retirement information

Phase 3 — Complete Forms

Solo Petition (Petitioner Only Files)

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Summons
• Financial Affidavit (Petitioner's)
• Proposed Stipulation / Settlement Agreement
• If children: Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheet

Joint Petition (Both Spouses Sign)

• Joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Both parties' Financial Affidavits
• Stipulation (Settlement Agreement) — signed by both
• If children: Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheet

Phase 4 — File at District Court

• File at District Court Clerk's office in the proper county
• Pay $185–$220 filing fee (or fee waiver application)
• 90-day waiting period begins on filing date
• Obtain case number

Phase 5 — Service (Solo Petition Only)

• Joint Petition: no service required — both parties already filed
• Solo Petition: Respondent served by Sheriff or signs Acceptance of Service
• Respondent files Appearance and files their Financial Affidavit

Phase 6 — 90-Day Waiting Period

• 90 days from filing — cannot be waived or shortened
• Use this time to finalize the Stipulation/Settlement Agreement
• Exchange Financial Affidavits if not already done
• If children: finalize Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet

Phase 7 — Submit Documents or Attend Hearing

• For agreed cases: submit Stipulation and supporting documents to court
• Many Iowa District Courts will enter the Decree without a hearing if all documents are complete
• For contested cases: trial date scheduled before District Court judge

Phase 8 — Decree Entered

• Obtain certified copies of Decree of Dissolution from District Court Clerk
• Real estate: record deed at Iowa County Recorder's office
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans
• Iowa DOT: vehicle title transfer
• Update name: Iowa DOT → Social Security → financial institutions
• Update beneficiary designations: life insurance, retirement, payable-on-death accounts

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 90-day wait — cannot be waived | Spouse-in-Iowa exception | Electronic Divorce path available | Joint Petition — no service required | Financial Affidavit required both parties | iowacourts.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.