Iowa Dissolution of Marriage Forms — Complete Guide (2026)
Iowa publishes dissolution forms through iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms/family-law. The Electronic Divorce portal has its own integrated form set for qualifying cases.
Where to Get Iowa Dissolution Forms
Official source: iowacourts.gov → For the Public → Court Forms → Family Law
Electronic Divorce: Access the Electronic Divorce portal at iowacourts.gov. Forms are integrated into the online process.
Forms are free and PDF-based. Some are fillable on your computer.
Core Forms — Standard Dissolution
| Form | Title | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | Initiating document; states ground and relief requested |
| Joint Petition | Joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | Both spouses sign; no service required |
| Summons | Summons | Served on Respondent in solo petition |
| Acceptance of Service | Acceptance/Waiver of Service | Respondent signs; waives formal service |
| Financial Affidavit | Financial Affidavit | Required from both parties; discloses income, expenses, assets, debts |
| Stipulation | Stipulation (Settlement Agreement) | The operative property and custody agreement |
| Decree | Decree of Dissolution of Marriage | Final order; signed by judge |
Financial Affidavit — Required From Both Parties
Iowa requires both spouses to file a Financial Affidavit (available at iowacourts.gov). The affidavit discloses:
- Weekly/monthly income (all sources)
- Monthly expenses
- All assets (real estate, bank accounts, retirement, vehicles, personal property)
- All liabilities (mortgage, loans, credit cards)
The Financial Affidavit is filed with the court and used by the judge to evaluate fairness of the proposed Stipulation.
Both parties sign under oath. Accurate and complete disclosure is required.
Stipulation (Settlement Agreement)
The Stipulation is the operative settlement document that controls property division, alimony, and custody.
The Stipulation must address:
- All real property: assignment, deed transfer, mortgage, refinancing deadline
- All financial accounts: assignment and transfer
- Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer incident to divorce
- Vehicles: assignment and Iowa DOT title transfer
- All debts: assignment and indemnification
- Alimony: award with specific terms — or explicit waiver
- If children: legal custody, physical care, parenting time, child support per Iowa Guidelines, healthcare
Sign and notarize. File with the court.
Iowa Child Support Guidelines
Iowa uses an income shares model — both parents' incomes are factored in. The Iowa Supreme Court updates the Guidelines periodically.
Core factors:
- Both parents' monthly net income
- Number of children
- Child care costs
- Health insurance premiums
- Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
Online calculator: Available at iowacourts.gov — Iowa Child Support Calculator.
Duration: Iowa child support typically ends at age 18 or graduation from high school (whichever is later) — up to age 19 if still in school. Courts can order support for longer in certain circumstances (verify current Iowa Code § 598.1 and related provisions).
Electronic Divorce — Form Set
The Electronic Divorce portal at iowacourts.gov walks you through an integrated form set. You complete answers to questions online; the system generates the forms.
Eligibility: No minor children; no real estate; both parties agree.
Advantage: Simpler, faster, and fully online. Same 90-day waiting period applies.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | iowacourts.gov for all forms | Financial Affidavit required from both parties | Income shares child support | Electronic Divorce portal — no children, no real estate | 90-day wait | Joint Petition — no service required
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.