Iowa · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

Iowa divorce forms and filing fees

Official forms and court costs for a divorce in Iowa: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, the filing fee, how to ask for a fee waiver, which court to file in and e-filing.

In short

What it costs to file in Iowa: $285 filing fee for a petition for dissolution, according to the Iowa Judicial Branch divorce page. Can't afford it? If you can't afford the fee, ask the court to defer (postpone or waive) costs with the fee-deferral application found on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page; ask the clerk if unsure which form applies.

Filing fee
$285
E-filing
Yes
Court
Iowa District Court in the county where you or your spouse live

Official divorce forms for Iowa

Agreeing on everything? See Uncontested divorce in Iowa.

Filing fee in Iowa

  • $285 filing fee for a petition for dissolution, according to the Iowa Judicial Branch divorce page.
  • Service of the papers costs extra.

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in Iowa

If you can't afford the fee, ask the court to defer (postpone or waive) costs with the fee-deferral application found on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page; ask the clerk if unsure which form applies.

Where and how to file

Court
Iowa District Court in the county where you or your spouse live
E-filing
Yes. You must electronically file the petition through Iowa eFile (self-represented people included, unless exempt): https://www.iowacourts.gov/efile/

Filing your divorce papers in Iowa, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Iowa courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Iowa District Court in the county where you or your spouse live.

  3. Pay the filing fee

    $285 filing fee for a petition for dissolution, according to the Iowa Judicial Branch divorce page.

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    If you can't afford the fee, ask the court to defer (postpone or waive) costs with the fee-deferral application found on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page; ask the clerk if unsure which form applies.

  5. File online or in person

    Yes. You must electronically file the petition through Iowa eFile (self-represented people included, unless exempt): https://www.iowacourts.gov/efile/.

  6. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in Iowa

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Iowa?

$285 filing fee for a petition for dissolution, according to the Iowa Judicial Branch divorce page. Service of the papers costs extra.

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in Iowa?

If you can't afford the fee, ask the court to defer (postpone or waive) costs with the fee-deferral application found on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page; ask the clerk if unsure which form applies.

Where can I get official divorce forms for Iowa?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Iowa courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (Iowa courts).

Can I file divorce papers online in Iowa?

Yes. You must electronically file the petition through Iowa eFile (self-represented people included, unless exempt): https://www.iowacourts.gov/efile/

Which court handles divorce in Iowa?

Iowa District Court in the county where you or your spouse live

More about divorce in Iowa

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.