Iowa Dissolution of Marriage Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Iowa's filing fee varies by county, typically ranging from $185 to $220. The Electronic Divorce path uses the same fee structure.
Court Filing Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | $185–$220 (varies by Iowa county) |
| Counterclaim (Respondent) | $100–$150 (varies) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $10–$20 per copy |
| Filing fee waiver | Application required |
Common Iowa county fees:
- Polk County (Des Moines): ~$220
- Linn County (Cedar Rapids): ~$200
- Johnson County (Iowa City): ~$185
- Check your specific District Court's fee schedule before filing
Fee Waiver — Application for Waiver of Filing Fees
Iowa waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Application for Waiver of Fees (IA forms at iowacourts.gov)
- File with the Petition
- Court reviews income and expenses
- If approved: filing fee waived
Eligibility: Generally income at or below 125% of federal poverty level; receipt of public assistance; gross income insufficient to cover basic necessities.
Electronic Divorce — Fee
The Electronic Divorce uses the same fee structure as the standard petition. There is no additional fee for using the online Electronic Divorce system.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sheriff's service (solo petition) | $25–$60 |
| Certified copies of Decree | $10–$20 per copy |
| QDRO (employer retirement plan) | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $350–$700 |
| Iowa County Recorder deed recording | $7/page (flat in most Iowa counties) |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Mediator | $150–$350/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Electronic Divorce (no children, no real estate) | $200–$450 |
| Agreed, no children | $250–$600 |
| Agreed, with children | $400–$900 |
| With real estate and retirement | $800–$2,500 |
| Contested | $5,000–$50,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $185–$220 filing fee by county | Fee waiver available | Electronic Divorce same fee | County Recorder for deed recording ($7/page) | iowacourts.gov
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.