Home Iowa Uncontested Divorce Kit
2026 edition • Matches Iowa's current Chapter 17 court formsIowa Uncontested Divorce Kit
The Petition, Settlement Agreement, and EDMS e-filing steps for Iowa's 90-day waiting period — matched to whether you have minor or dependent adult children.
- Route-matched forms — no-children (17.100) or with-children (17.200) form set
- Step-by-step filing instructions, in plain English
- Free eligibility check before you pay anything
- Instant PDF download — $129 one-time, no subscription
Takes 2 minutes to check · no commitment
“Stress-free and dignified. We avoided a messy court battle.”
Amelia N. · Davenport, Iowa
Is This Kit Right for You?
Iowa has a specific residency rule for most petitioners. Check below to see if you qualify to file.
Use this kit if:
- You've lived in Iowa for at least 1 year before filing — or your spouse is an Iowa resident and you can have them personally served (Iowa Code 598.5).
- You agree there's been a breakdown of the marriage relationship with no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved — Iowa's no-fault ground.
- You agree on how to divide property and debts, and, if you have children together, on custody, support, and parenting time.
- You're ready to register for Iowa's eFile system (EDMS) and both spouses are willing to sign the Settlement Agreement (often called a "stipulation").
Talk to a lawyer if:
- Neither of you will meet Iowa's residency rule by the time you file.
- You disagree on the Financial Affidavit values, or on property, custody, or support.
- Your spouse can't be located, and you may need the court's permission to serve by publication.
- You need to divide a pension or retirement account (QDRO), or you have a business, investments, or real estate.
Why Choose a DIY Kit?
Iowa's Chapter 17 forms are split by whether you have minor or dependent adult children together, and nearly every filer must e-file through EDMS. We organize the current no-children form set — the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Settlement Agreement — around Iowa's 90-day timeline, and flag the add-on documents a with-children case needs.
Save Thousands
You handle the paperwork yourself and keep the difference between what a lawyer charges and the kit price — see the breakdown alongside.
Understand the Settlement Path
We provide the Settlement Agreement (Form 128/228) and explain when the court can approve your Decree without a trial — and when it will set a hearing instead.
The Cost of Divorce in Iowa
Iowa's dissolution filing fee is $285 (Iowa Code 602.8105(1)(b)), which includes docketing the decree, paid to your County Clerk. Can't afford it? You can ask the court to defer payment with Form 109/209.
What's Included: Iowa Chapter 17 Forms
We match our packet to the Iowa Judicial Branch's current no-children Chapter 17 form set.
Step-by-Step Roadmap
- Filing your Petition through EDMS
- Serving the Original Notice on your spouse
- Submitting your Settlement Agreement and Financial Affidavit after the 90-day wait
Core Legal Documents
Current no-children (rule 17.100) opening and settlement forms:
Financial & Parenting (If Needed)
- The Financial Affidavit (Form 124/224) that each spouse generally must file — waivable by joint motion if you have no assets or debts to divide
- For cases with children: the agreed Parenting Plan (Form 229) or separate plans (Form 230), plus the court-approved parent-education course
What this kit does not include
- A guarantee the court approves your Settlement Agreement without a hearing, or that a clerk accepts your paperwork as filed — the court can set a hearing if it has questions
- Service of the Original Notice and Petition on your spouse — personal delivery, a sheriff or process server, or another adult, completed within 90 days of filing
- The court's own $285 filing fee (Iowa Code 602.8105(1)(b)) or service/publication costs
- The court-approved parent-education course fee, if your case involves child custody or visitation (generally due within 45 days of service, Iowa Code 598.15)
- Legal advice about your specific situation, or review of your completed documents
PlainDivorce is a private publisher, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Iowa courts or any Iowa state agency. Always confirm the current forms and local requirements with your County Clerk before filing.
Built for filing in any Iowa county, including Polk, Linn, Scott, Johnson, and Black Hawk — confirm current local requirements (mediation, parent-education providers) with your filing Clerk.
How It Works
A roadmap to your Decree of Dissolution in Iowa — not a promise of a specific outcome or timeline.
If you agree the marriage is over, Iowa requires you to e-file through its Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) unless the court excuses you. Our kit walks you through filing, service, and Iowa's 90-day waiting period so you know what to expect before you file.
Register & File
Download the kit. Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Original Notice, and Protected Information Disclosure. Register for Iowa's eFile system (EDMS) and file — if you lack reliable computer or internet access, you can apply to the court for a paper-filing exception.
Serve Your Spouse
You have 90 days after filing to complete service: hand the papers to your spouse yourself and have them sign an Acceptance of Service, use a sheriff or process server, have another adult deliver them, or — if you can't locate your spouse — ask the court for permission to serve by publication.
Wait, File & Get Your Decree
Iowa's 90-day waiting period runs from whichever is latest: service, your spouse's filed Acceptance, the final newspaper publication, or completion of any court-ordered counseling. Once it passes, file your Financial Affidavit and signed Settlement Agreement — the court approves and files your Decree if it has no questions, or sets a hearing if it does.
Respondent doesn't file an Answer within 20 days? You can seek a Decree by default. Disagree on some or all issues? Iowa's process moves to a trial before a judge on what's contested. If your spouse can't be found or won't participate at all, talk to a lawyer about your options.
Simple Pricing vs. Lawyer Fees
| Feature | PlainDivorce Kit | Typical Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Cost | $129 | $2,500+ |
| Court Filing Fee | Paid to your County Clerk directly — $285 | Same, often billed by the firm |
| Includes Forms? | Yes (Petition, Original Notice, Settlement Agreement, Financial Affidavit) | Yes |
Secure One-Time Payment · No Subscriptions · The court's $285 filing fee is separate.
What Our Clients Say
Real stories from people who prepared their Iowa divorce paperwork with PlainDivorce.
4.7 out of 5 based on 300+ customer reviews
Customer reviews are collected from purchasers and support conversations. Names may be shortened for privacy, and individual results vary by court, case facts, and filing requirements.
“Professional and accurate — exactly the roadmap I needed to get my paperwork together.”
Anna N.
Des Moines
“Stress-free and dignified. We avoided a messy court battle.”
Amelia N.
Davenport
“The guided steps were easy to follow. I didn't need to hire a lawyer at all.”
Olivia H.
Cedar Rapids
Frequently Asked Questions
“What is a Settlement Agreement (Stipulation) in Iowa?”
Iowa's official court form is called a Settlement Agreement (Form 128 without children, Form 228 with children) — many people search for it as a "stipulation," and it works the same way. It details how you will divide property, handle debts, and, if applicable, manage custody and support. If you and your spouse sign it and the court has no questions, this is the most efficient way to finalize your divorce; if the court does have questions, it will set a hearing first.
“How long is the divorce process in Iowa?”
Iowa has a mandatory 90-day waiting period under Iowa Code 598.19 before a judge can approve and file your Decree. It runs from whichever is longest: the date the Original Notice is served, the last day of publication (if served by publication), the date a waiver or Acceptance of Service is filed, or the completion of any court-ordered counseling. A judge can shorten it only on a written motion, supported by an affidavit, showing emergency or necessity.
“What is the 1-year residency rule?”
Generally, the Petitioner must have lived in Iowa for at least 1 year before filing (Iowa Code 598.5). The exception: if the Respondent is an Iowa resident and is personally served with the divorce papers, this residency requirement doesn't apply.
“Do I have to take a parenting class?”
If your case involves child custody or visitation, Iowa Code 598.15 requires both parties to complete a court-approved parent-education course — often called "Children in the Middle," though approved programs vary by judicial district — generally within 45 days of service of the notice and petition. The court may waive or delay this requirement for good cause.
“Do I have to e-file, or can I file on paper?”
Nearly all Iowa filers must register for and use the eFile system (EDMS). If you don't have reliable computer or internet access, you can apply to the court for an exception — you'll need a good reason and the court's permission before filing on paper.
“What if I can't afford the $285 filing fee?”
File an Application and Affidavit to Defer Payment of Costs (Form 109 without children, Form 209 with children) along with your Petition. A judge will decide whether to postpone your fee payment.
Important Legal Disclaimer
PlainDivorce is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the Iowa courts or any Iowa state agency. We do not provide legal advice or represent you in court. The Iowa Uncontested Divorce Kit is a self-help information product built from publicly available Chapter 17 forms and instructions.
We do not guarantee that a judge will approve your Settlement Agreement without a hearing, that a clerk will accept your paperwork as filed, or a single total cost of your divorce. Court rules and the filing fee ($285, set by the Iowa Legislature) can change, and local practice varies. You are responsible for verifying current requirements with your County Clerk.
This is an instant digital download. Because files are delivered immediately upon purchase, all sales are final and no returns or refunds are provided. Content last reviewed: September 2026.