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How To Find Court Records In Iowa

Finding court records in Iowa is easier with CourtCaseFinder. Our platform allows you to search case information from courts across counties and cities in the state, all in one place. This helps save time while keeping the information clear and consistent.

If you are new to the process, court records refer to official documentation of state judicial actions. There are numerous types of these records, and they vary based on the court custodian. Depending on availability, you can access case numbers, party names, hearing details, case status, and related filings.

By accessing these official documents, you can better understand how cases progress through Iowa's courts. You may review the outcome of a dispute, examine the history of a legal matter, or confirm case details when available.

How To Access Iowa Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder makes searching for Iowa public court records straightforward by bringing together information from courts statewide in a single platform. It also provides convenience as records can be viewed anytime online, without needing to visit multiple courthouses.

Still, there are instances where using official government sources is necessary, especially if you need certified copies of court documents. In such cases, Iowa's state and county offices remain the primary custodians of court records. Below are the main access methods you can use through these official channels.

Online

Online access is one of the most widely used methods of finding court records in Iowa. For this method, the Iowa Courts Online Search can be utilized. This tool allows the public to access information on a wide range of cases filed in courts across the state. In addition, many county-level courts may provide online access platforms on their respective websites.

Regardless of the online database you use, you may look up records using party name, case number, filing date, and other search parameters.

In Person

Another method of obtaining Iowa court records is by visiting a courthouse in person. Each of Iowa's counties has a Clerk of Court responsible for maintaining the official records of cases filed within their jurisdiction. At these offices, you can request to view case files, obtain copies of documents, and, when necessary, secure certified copies for official use.

Check the Iowa Court Directory for the address and contact information of Iowa courts.

By Mail

You can also request court records by mail through the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed. Some offices provide request forms, but you may also write your own request by including key details such as the case number, party names, or filing date. Be sure to specify whether you need plain or certified copies, and include the required payment.

Before mailing your request, contact the court office to confirm the correct address and current fees to complete your request.

Iowa Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

You and the general public can access Iowa court records. This is made possible by the Iowa Open Records Law, which was enacted in 1967. Under this law, the following information can be accessed by the public when available:

  • Party names
  • Case number and type
  • Filing and hearing dates
  • Court orders and decisions
  • Docket entries and case status
  • Transcripts of proceedings (usually available via court reporter requests)

While you are given the right to examine and obtain copies of court records, the state law treats certain information as confidential. The following information is usually sealed from public access:

  • Adoption records, dissolution of marriage, and juvenile court case files
  • Cases with outstanding search/arrest warrants or administrative/investigative filings
  • Mental health records and juvenile delinquency or non-delinquency cases
  • Court-ordered expunged or sealed records
  • Sensitive or personal data: examples include student, medical, peace officer investigative, or education records

Who Oversees the Courts in Iowa?

The Iowa Judicial Branch, under the oversight of the Iowa Supreme Court, manages all state and county courts in Iowa. At the top of this structure is the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court, currently Chief Justice Susan Christensen, who provides overall leadership for the state's judicial system.

Reporting directly to the Supreme Court is the State Court Administrator, the principal administrative officer of the judicial branch. Appointed by the Supreme Court, this executive oversees the day-to-day functions of the Iowa Court system.

Some of the responsibilities of the State Court Administrator, according to the Iowa Code Section 602.1209, are to supervise and manage the operations of the judicial branch, administer funds appropriated to the judicial branch, and authorize the filling of vacant positions within the system.

What Types of Courts Exist in Iowa?

Iowa has a unified court system, meaning that all trial courts in the state are organized under one level of jurisdiction: the Iowa District Courts. Each of the state's 99 counties has a district court, which is grouped into eight judicial districts.

Above the district courts are the state's two appellate courts: the Iowa Court of Appeals and the Iowa Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals serves as the intermediate appellate court, reviewing most appeals from the district courts, while the Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the state, with discretion over which appeals it hears.

The table below provides the breakdown of Iowa's courts, along with their jurisdiction and common case types:

Court Type Jurisdiction Common Case Types

Iowa Supreme Court

The highest court in the state; exercises discretionary review of appeals and oversees administration of the entire judicial branch.

Constitutional challenges, major appeals, administrative rulemaking, and attorney discipline

Iowa Court of Appeals

Intermediate appellate court; reviews most appeals transferred from the Supreme Court.

Civil and criminal appeals from district courts, except those reserved by the Supreme Court

Iowa District Courts

General trial courts are divided into eight judicial districts and handle most cases at the trial level.

Criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil disputes, family law (divorce, custody), probate, juvenile matters, small claims, and traffic cases

Juvenile Court (Division of District Court)

Handles cases involving children; decisions often confidential.

Delinquency, child abuse/neglect, termination of parental rights, and adoptions

Business Specialty Court(Division of District Court)

Special docket for complex business disputes.

Contract disputes, shareholder issues, trade secret litigation, and business governance

What Federal Courts Are In Iowa?

State courts, like Iowa District Courts, handle matters under state law. Federal courts, on the other hand, hear cases involving federal constitutional issues, disputes between states or U.S. and foreign entities, and specialized areas like bankruptcy.

Federal courts operate under the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes. District Courts are the primary trial courts for federal matters, while Bankruptcy Courts handle bankruptcy cases. Appeals from both types of courts are heard at the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Iowa is served by two federal judicial districts: the Northern and Southern Districts. Each district has a U.S. District Court and an associated U.S. Bankruptcy Court. For an overview of the available federal courts in Iowa, refer to the following table:

Federal Court Jurisdiction Location & Contact Information

U.S. District Court - Northern District of Iowa

Hears federal cases in the northern 52 counties of Iowa.

Cedar Rapids Courthouse

111 Seventh Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Phone: (319) 286-2300

Sioux City Courthouse

320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101

Phone: (712) 233-3900

U.S. District Court - Southern District of Iowa

Oversees federal cases in the southern 47 counties of Iowa.

Des Moines Courthouse

111 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515) 284-6248

Davenport Courthouse

131 East 4th Street

Davenport, IA 52801

Phone: (563) 884-7607

Council Bluffs Courthouse

2146 27th Avenue

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Phone: (712) 328-0283

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Iowa

Handles federal bankruptcy cases within Iowa's Northern District.

Cedar Rapids Courthouse

111 Seventh Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Phone: (319) 286-2200

Sioux City Courthouse

320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101

Phone: (712) 233-3939

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Southern District of Iowa

Deals with bankruptcy disputes within the Iowa Southern District.

Des Moines Courthouse

111 Locust Street, Office 320

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Phone: (515) 284-6230

Davenport Courthouse

131 East 4th Street

Davenport, IA 52801

Council Bluffs Courthouse

2146 27th Avenue

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Appeals from these districts are reviewed by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional location in St. Paul, Minnesota.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Iowa Courts?

Each year, Iowa courts manage a substantial volume of cases across different levels of the judiciary.

In 2024, the Iowa Supreme Court continued to hear a smaller, more selective docket. Meanwhile, the Iowa Court of Appeals received 1,010 transferred-in cases and released 941 opinions according to the 2024 Iowa Court of Appeals Case Statistics.

Shifting to the trial level, Iowa District Courts received about 708,000 cases in the fiscal year 2024. The table below shows the annual breakdown of filings by major case type:

Case Type Approx. Annual Volume

Civil Cases (including divorce, domestic relations, medical malpractice, etc.)

~54,000

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Cases

~12,000

Small Claims and Infraction Cases (including landlord-tenant disputes)

~88,000

Juvenile Cases

~8,000

Probate Cases

~14,000

Serious Criminal Cases

~87,000

Simple Misdemeanor Cases (including traffic citations)

~445,000

To get more information regarding the caseload statistics of Iowa courts, refer toIowa Courts' Latest Annual Report.

How Do I File a Case in Iowa Courts?

Filing a case correctly in Iowa courts is critical, as even small mistakes can delay proceedings or risk dismissal. You must be familiar with the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure and the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure (if necessary) to present a valid case accepted by the court. The steps below outline the general process of filing a case in Iowa:

Determine the Appropriate Court

To avoid delays or even dismissal of your case, you must first identify the appropriate court. In Iowa, most cases begin in the District Court, which handles civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and other matters. If you are filing an appeal, you can proceed to the state's appellate courts.

You can refer to the Iowa Judicial Branch website for details of the court's jurisdictions.

Prepare and Complete the Required Documents

Once you have identified the correct court, the next step is to prepare the necessary paperwork. This step typically begins with a petition or complaint explaining the nature of your case, the parties involved, and the relief you seek. Depending on the case type, you may also need additional forms, such as a cover sheet, summons, or financial affidavit.

Iowa provides many of these forms online through the Court Forms page. Make sure you fill them out completely, as missing information could delay your filing. If unsure, you may contact the Clerk of Court for guidance or seek legal assistance.

File Your Case

After completing your paperwork, you must file your case with the appropriate court.

In Iowa, most cases are filed electronically through the Iowa eFile System (EDMS), which is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented individuals. If you cannot file electronically, you may file your documents in person at the Clerk of Court's office in the county where your case is being heard.

A filing fee is usually required, and the amount depends on your case type. For example, a civil petition costs $195 while a small claim costs $95. You can check the Civil Court Fees or contact your court for the latest fee schedule.

Serve the Other Party

As part of the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, you must legally notify the other party (the defendant or respondent) once you file your case. This process is done by serving them with copies of the court documents. In Iowa, service can be carried out by the sheriff's office, a process server, or through certified mail in certain situations.

How Is the Iowa Court System Unique?

Like most states, Iowa follows a unified court system centralized under the Supreme Court. However, it distinguishes itself by having a Court of Appeal and dividing its 99 county district courts into eight judicial districts.

Adding to this uniqueness, Iowa's district courts have divisions not commonly found in other states. The Juvenile Court handles child welfare and delinquency matters, while the Business Specialty Court manages complex commercial litigation with judges experienced in business law.

These divisions and other problem-solving courts, such as drug treatment and veterans courts, highlight Iowa's innovative approach to tailoring justice to specific community needs.

Iowa Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

Where to Find Additional Information About Iowa Courts?

FAQs

Where Should I File for a Divorce?

In Iowa, divorce cases must be filed in the District Court of the county where either spouse resides. The Clerk of Court in that county handles the filing.

Which Court Handles Felony Criminal Charges?

District Courts have general jurisdiction over serious criminal matters, including felony charges. These courts oversee arraignments, trials, and sentencing for felony cases.

What Court Should I File Charges in if I Am Being Evicted?

Eviction cases in Iowa are filed in the District Court, and landlords must follow Iowa's eviction laws when filing. See the Iowa Judicial Branch's Landlord-Tenant and Rental Property page for details.

How To Sue Someone for Less Than $6,500, Which Court to Use?

You can sue someone for less than $6,500 in Iowa by filing a case in a District Court. The fee for such cases is $95. Check the Iowa Judicial Branch's Small Claims page for more information about this case type.

Can I Represent Myself in Courts Without an Attorney?

Iowa courts allow individuals to represent themselves in legal proceedings without an attorney, but they must strictly follow all court rules and procedures. The Representing Yourself Overview page provides helpful guidance for those choosing self-representation.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date?

If you miss a court date in Iowa, the consequences can vary depending on the case type. Common outcomes include the issuance of a bench warrant, dismissing your case, or a default judgment entered against you.

How Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree With a Court's Decision?

You can appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court or Court of Appeals if you disagree with a court's decision in Iowa. Appeals must follow strict deadlines and procedures under the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Are Court Proceedings Open to the Public?

As stipulated in Iowa Code Section 602.1601, all judicial proceedings in that state are public unless otherwise provided by statute or court order. Among the exceptions are cases involving juveniles, adoptions, mental health, or those sealed by law.

How Long Does It Typically Take for a Case To Be Resolved in the Trial Court?

The time it takes to resolve a case in an Iowa trial court varies depending on its type and complexity. For example, small claims may be resolved in weeks, while civil or felony cases can take longer. State courts, like the Courts of Appeal, publish annual caseload statistics that track case processing timelines.

How Can I File a Complaint Against a Judge or Court Staff?

You can file a complaint against a judge in Iowa with the Iowa Commission on Judicial Qualifications. To initiate your complaint, fill out the online Complaint Form. If you have complaints against court staff, direct your query to the Clerk of the Court.

Can I Access Court Hearings Remotely, and How?

Yes, many Iowa court hearings can be accessed remotely via Zoom. Availability depends on the case type and the judge's discretion. For additional guidelines regarding remote hearings, refer to the Iowa Judicial Branch's Remote Proceedings Instructions.

Are There Specific Courts That Handle Environmental or Business Disputes?

Yes, Iowa has a Business Specialty Court within its district courts that handles complex business disputes, such as contract or shareholder conflicts. Environmental cases, however, are generally filed in the district courts.

Can I Access Court Records for Free?

Basic Iowa court records can be accessed for free through Iowa Courts Online Search, which provides case information such as party names and status. However, obtaining official copies or detailed documents may require fees.

How Can I Search Iowa Court Records by Name?

You can use the Iowa Courts Online Search or the respective district court system to search the state's court records by name. Simply enter a party's name in the search portal to view available case information.

How Far Back Do Online Iowa Public Court Records Go?

The Iowa Courts Online Search portal provides public court records dating back to 1998. For cases filed before 1998, you must contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was initially filed to access physical or archived records.

Are Civil and Criminal Case Records Accessed Through the Same Online System?

You can search civil and criminal case records through the Iowa Courts Online Search system. Just change the case type filter accordingly and input other search criteria to retrieve related case information.

Is There a Way To Be Notified of Updates to a Court Case I'm Following?

The Iowa Judicial Branch allows the public to sign up for an account to receive email notifications about case updates. Similarly, the EDMS automatically sends notifications for electronically filed cases whenever a document is filed or presented on a case.

Are Probate and Family Court Records (e.g., Divorce, Custody) Fully Public?

No, probate and family court records in Iowa, such as divorce and custody cases, are partially restricted. While some information, like case numbers and filing dates, may be public, sensitive details such as minor children's information, financial affidavits, or sealed documents are protected by law.

Can I Request Redacted Copies of Court Records That Contain Sensitive Information?

Yes, in Iowa, you can request redacted copies of court records that contain sensitive information. The Clerk of Court reviews the request and provides a version with protected details removed per the Iowa Open Records Law.

Can I Request Bulk Access To Court Records or Data for Research Purposes?

Case information in Iowa can be requested in bulk if it is used for academic, statistical, or analytical purposes. Requests must be submitted to the appropriate court, detailing the scope and intended use. Approval is subject to court review.

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