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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Iowa

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Iowa: A Plain-English Guide

If you live in Iowa and you and your spouse both agree the marriage is over, you may be wondering whether you can handle a simple, uncontested divorce without hiring expensive lawyers. In Iowa, divorce is called a dissolution of marriage, and many couples can complete the process themselves when there are no major disputes about children, support, or property.

This guide explains how an uncontested divorce in Iowa works: who qualifies, what steps are involved, how long it usually takes, and where a do-it-yourself approach or self-help kit can fit into the process. We use plain language, but we also use the real Iowa court terms and form numbers you will see in the paperwork so you do not feel lost.

Important: Nothing here is legal advice. PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm and cannot act as your lawyer. This is general legal information only. Court rules, forms, and fees can change, and each case is different. If you have questions about your legal rights or what you should agree to, talk to a licensed Iowa attorney or legal aid office.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Iowa

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Iowa?

In Iowa, the official term for divorce is dissolution of marriage. Iowa is a no-fault state, meaning you do not have to prove that either spouse did something wrong. Instead, the case is based on the idea that the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable likelihood the relationship can be saved.

Iowa does not have a separate “simple divorce” shortcut. When people say simple divorce in Iowa, they usually mean a standard dissolution case that is:

  • Uncontested (both spouses want the divorce and are not asking the judge to decide disputed issues), and
  • Documented (the paperwork is complete, consistent, and gives the court enough information to approve the outcome).

In an uncontested case, you and your spouse usually resolve key issues in a written agreement (often called a settlement agreement or stipulation). If the judge approves everything, the court enters a final order called a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Iowa?

Residency rules

To start a dissolution case in Iowa, you must meet Iowa’s residency rules. Generally:

  • If your spouse lives in Iowa and can be personally served here, you can typically file in the county where either spouse lives.
  • If your spouse does not live in Iowa, you generally must have lived in Iowa for at least one year before filing (and intend to remain in Iowa).

These are general guidelines. Always confirm the current rules and local filing requirements through official Iowa court resources or a local attorney before you file.

When is a case truly uncontested?

  • Both spouses agree the marriage is over.
  • Both are willing to cooperate with deadlines and paperwork.
  • There is clear agreement on children (if any), support, and how to divide property and debts.
  • No one is hiding income, assets, or debts.
  • There is no serious intimidation, threats, or domestic violence affecting decision making.

3. Step-by-Step Overview of the Uncontested Divorce Process in Iowa

Iowa is very form driven. One of the biggest DIY mistakes is filing the wrong “series” of forms for your situation. In plain English:

  • 100-series forms are commonly used in dissolutions without minor children.
  • 200-series forms are commonly used in dissolutions with minor children.

If you file a 100-series settlement form in a case with children, your filing may be rejected or delayed. Always use the correct series for your case.

Step 1 – Confirm you qualify and choose the correct packet

  • Confirm residency and the county where you should file.
  • Confirm whether your case is with children or without children so you use the correct form series.

Step 2 – Work out your agreement in writing (the form people search for)

In uncontested cases, the written agreement is the backbone of the decree. In Iowa, DIY filers commonly see these specific form titles and numbers:

  • No children: Settlement Agreement (Form 128).
  • With children: Stipulation and Settlement Agreement (Form 228) (use the 200-series form for children cases).

This is where you document the actual deal: how property and debts are divided, whether either spouse pays spousal support, and (if you have children) the parenting and support terms.

Step 3 – The Protected Information hard stop (Form 111)

This is a hard stop for Iowa e-filing. To protect Social Security numbers and other sensitive identifiers, many Iowa filers must submit:

  • Protected Information Disclosure (Form 111).

Practical tip: Do not put Social Security numbers in public facing pleadings. The court uses protected information procedures to reduce identity theft risk. If you follow an old guide and hunt for outdated confidential information paperwork, you can waste hours or get rejected.

Step 4 – Financial Affidavit is usually mandatory (Form 124 or 224)

Even in an agreed case, the court expects basic financial disclosure. Iowa DIY packets commonly use:

  • No children: Financial Affidavit (Form 124).
  • With children: Financial Affidavit (Form 224) (the 200-series version).

This form is the math behind the case. It supports decisions about support and helps the court understand whether the settlement makes sense.

Step 5 – File through Iowa EDMS and complete service

After you prepare your petition and required starting forms, you file through Iowa’s electronic filing system (EDMS) in most cases. If you did not file jointly, the respondent must be properly served or must file an acceptance of service or appearance document (depending on what your packet provides).

Service matters because it controls when your 90-day waiting period starts.

Step 6 – The 90-day statutory waiting period

Iowa has a mandatory 90-day waiting period in most cases. Treat this as the default rule. During the waiting period, couples usually finalize and sign their settlement agreement, exchange financial information, and complete any parenting requirements (if applicable).

Timeline (plain English): Service/Appearance → 90-Day Waiting Period → Decree Review/Signing.

Step 7 – Do not miss the vital records reporting form

In addition to court forms, Iowa uses a vital records reporting document commonly called the Report of Dissolution of Marriage or Annulment. This is used for state reporting and is often required so the clerk can close out the case properly.

Ask your clerk or review your local instructions so you know how your county handles this form and when it must be submitted.

Step 8 – Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

If the judge is satisfied that your documents are complete and your agreement is acceptable, the court enters a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. After the decree is entered, request certified copies if you need proof for name changes, insurance updates, retirement paperwork, or remarriage.

4. Special Issues When You Have Children

When minor children are involved, the court focuses on the best interests of the child. Even in an uncontested case, the judge is not required to approve unclear or inappropriate parenting or support terms.

  • A clear parenting schedule and decision making plan
  • Child support handled under Iowa’s guideline framework (or a well explained reason to deviate)
  • Health insurance and uncovered medical expense terms

Many Iowa districts require a parenting education course for parents going through divorce. Always check your local court instructions.

5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Iowa?

The minimum timeline in most Iowa dissolutions is controlled by the 90-day waiting period, which is typically tied to the date of proper service or appearance. After that, your timeline depends on how quickly you finish paperwork and how busy the court is.

A common reason for delay is missing or incorrect forms, especially filing the wrong form series or forgetting the protected information requirements.

6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Iowa?

Costs vary, but common expenses in an uncontested Iowa dissolution include:

  • Court filing fee: Often around $265 (including e-filing related costs), but always confirm the current amount for your county before filing.
  • Service of process: Sheriff or process server fees if your spouse must be served (often reduced if you use cooperative service options where allowed).
  • Parenting education: If required in your district.
  • Copies and certification: Certified copies of the decree may cost extra.

Attorney fees can be the largest expense if you hire a lawyer. Some couples keep costs down by staying uncontested and using limited scope legal advice (for example, paying for a one time review of the settlement agreement).

7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

A DIY Iowa divorce is not always a good idea. Strongly consider legal advice if:

  • There is a history of domestic violence, threats, or controlling behavior
  • You do not feel safe negotiating directly with your spouse
  • There is a family business, farm, or major retirement assets
  • Immigration status, disability benefits, or major tax issues could be affected
  • You believe your spouse is hiding income, assets, or debts

PlainDivorce cannot tell you whether a particular settlement is fair or what you should agree to. Those are legal advice questions.

8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Iowa Process

An Iowa uncontested divorce kit is not a replacement for Iowa’s official court forms or for legal advice. A good kit is designed to work alongside the official process so you stay organized and avoid the most common Iowa rejection points, especially:

  • Using the correct form series (100-series vs 200-series)
  • Not missing Protected Information Disclosure (Form 111)
  • Including the correct settlement form (Form 128 vs Form 228)
  • Including the correct financial affidavit (Form 124 vs Form 224)
  • Planning around the 90-day waiting period

Our focus is to provide information and tools, not legal advice. You are responsible for checking the latest rules, local requirements, standardized forms, and fees before filing.

Download Our Iowa Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Starting a divorce, even an uncontested one, can feel overwhelming. The good news is that many Iowans complete uncontested dissolutions without hiring full service lawyers, especially when both spouses are organized and cooperative.

Use this practical checklist to stay grounded:

  • Confirm you meet Iowa residency rules and file in the correct county.
  • Use the correct form series for your case (with children vs without children).
  • Do not miss Protected Information Disclosure (Form 111).
  • Use the correct settlement agreement form (Form 128 or Form 228).
  • Complete the correct financial affidavit (Form 124 or Form 224).
  • Plan around the 90-day waiting period.
  • Ask about the Report of Dissolution of Marriage or Annulment so your case can be properly closed out.

Remember: PlainDivorce is not a law firm, and this guide is legal information only. If your situation involves safety concerns, major disagreements, or complex finances, talk to an Iowa attorney or legal aid office before you sign or file anything.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.