Iowa Divorce Papers

One of the first things people discover when they start researching an Iowa divorce is that the court requires specific standardized forms — and using the wrong ones, or forms downloaded from generic legal websites, is one of the fastest ways to get your filing rejected by the clerk.

Iowa's self-represented divorce forms are governed by Iowa Court Rules Chapter 17. They are split into two tracks: Rule 17.100 forms for cases with no minor or dependent adult children, and Rule 17.200 forms for cases involving children.

Forms You File to Start the Case

These documents make up your initial filing packet. You prepare them, scan them to PDF, and upload them through the EDMS e-filing portal.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 101 or 201) — This is the core document that initiates your case. It identifies both spouses, states the no-fault grounds (that the marriage has irretrievably broken down), and outlines what you are requesting regarding property division, support, and custody. You must hand-sign this form on paper before scanning — typed signatures are rejected.

Petition Cover Sheet (Form 102 or 202) — An administrative form that provides the clerk with metadata to categorize your case. It does not contain substantive legal claims.

Confidential Information Form (Form 103 or 211) — Houses sensitive data like Social Security numbers and financial account numbers. This form is sealed from public view on the docket, so your personal identifiers stay protected.

Original Notice (Form 104 or 204) — The formal court summons that your spouse receives. It notifies them of the pending case and sets the 20-day deadline to respond.

Forms for Service of Process

After your filing is accepted, you need to formally deliver the papers to your spouse. The form you use depends on how service happens.

Acceptance of Service (Form 105 or 205) — Your spouse signs this to acknowledge they received the petition voluntarily. No sheriff or process server needed.

Directions for Service (Form 106) — Instructions for the county sheriff on where and how to find your spouse for personal delivery. The sheriff may require prepayment of the fee ($40 to $75) before dispatching an officer; confirm the county's requirements.

Motion and Affidavit to Serve by Publication (Form 107) — Used only when your spouse cannot be located after exhaustive search. Requires court approval before you can publish notice in a local newspaper.

Forms You File During the Case

Financial Affidavit (Form 124 or 224) — A mandatory sworn disclosure of all income, expenses, assets, and debts. Both spouses must file this, even in fully cooperative uncontested cases. Omitting assets can invalidate your final decree.

Motion in a Dissolution of Marriage (Form 122 or 222) — Used to request specific orders from the court, such as shortening the 90-day waiting period or requesting temporary support.

Forms You File to Close the Case

Settlement Agreement (Form 128 or 228) — The comprehensive written contract signed by both spouses detailing the agreed-upon division of property, debts, custody, and support.

Request for Relief (Form 127 or 227) — Filed alongside the settlement agreement and proposed decree. It specifies the exact terms you are asking the judge to approve.

Proposed Decree of Dissolution — The final court order that the judge reviews and signs. In uncontested cases, the judge often signs this electronically without requiring a hearing.

Forms for Special Situations

Application and Affidavit to Defer Payment of Costs (Form 109 or 209) — Requests a waiver or deferral of the $285 filing fee based on financial hardship.

Notice of Intent to File Written Application for Default Decree (Form 126) — Filed when your spouse fails to respond within 20 days. You must serve this notice and wait an additional 10 days before moving for a default decree.

How to Prepare and Submit

Unless a paper-filing exception is granted for exceptional circumstances, forms must be submitted electronically through Iowa's EDMS portal. Register as a "Pro Se" user, select "New Case," and upload each form as a separate PDF attachment.

For the petition specifically, you print the form, fill it out, hand-sign it, and scan it back to PDF. The court will reject electronic or typed signatures on the petition itself.

The Iowa Divorce Filing Process Guide includes a filing document tracker that maps every form to its filing stage, so you can check off each one as you prepare and submit it through EDMS.

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