Iowa Divorce Forms & Papers

Divorce Papers > Iowa Divorce Forms & Papers

Going through divorce is not simple. Most couples find it very difficult while going through the process, as it means breaking all the innumerable promises the couple had made before marriage, and also reading back the marital vows the pair had taken. However, if things have gone bitter and there is no coming back owing to the differences between the partners, there is no other way than to part ways. Most couples these days would like to end the relationship on a better note and thereby they opt for an agreed divorce. This helps them to avoid the revival of the past scars that had led them to part ways. Bygones cannot be left bygones, but you can avoid the public scrutiny, and their interference for a very private relationship that you shared with your partner. Do it yourself divorce is thereby in vogue these days. It helps to get a smooth divorce, which is good on your pockets. One should, however, be aware of the legal procedures when doing a divorce all on your own. The first and the most important step when filing a divorce, is submitting the divorce documents. Divorce documents are easily available on many authentic websites. Iowa divorce forms and papers can be obtained here from our site with all the necessary information one needs to know when filing a divorce.

Residency Requirements:

There is no residency requirement for the spouse filing the dissolution of marriage papers as long as the defendant spouse is a resident of Iowa, and was personally served with the dissolution of marriage papers. Otherwise, there is a one year residency requirement. Additionally, there is a 90 day waiting period prior to the dissolution becoming final. The dissolution of marriage may be filed in a county where either spouse resides. [Iowa Code Annotated; Sections 598.2 and 598.6]. For more information on filing divorce see our page on how to file for divorce.

Divorce Grounds:

The one and only no-fault ground for divorce in Iowa is breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed, and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved. [Iowa Code Annotated; Sections 598.5 and 598.17].

No matter what the reason for a divorce is, one can obtain a divorce on an agreed basis or by default. This is application when doing a divorce on your own.

Agreed divorce: In an agreed divorce, both spouses agree upon the divorce, and sign the document. Spouses generally agree upon terms such as property distribution, spousal support, child custody and support. Most couples prefer this method of divorce because it is hassle free and a divorce can be obtained in no time with this method.
Default divorce: There may arise a situation when the other spouse does not respond to the divorce petition at all. They might not sight the petition, fail to attend the hearing or cannot be located at all. In such a case, divorce is still granted. However, the courts would require ample proof that the other spouse is aware of the divorce and has acknowledged the receipt of the documents when summoned upon. In case the spouse is untraceable, one should present the efforts the spouse made in order to trace them. This would include putting a write-up in the newspaper or similar mediums. Only after proper scrutiny of the issue, a default divorce is granted by the court. Generally in a default divorce the spouse filing for divorce gets everything that is asked for, or the spouse is liable for. The approval of the other spouse is taken by default.

The process of filing a divorce is quite simple in Iowa. Like many states, one has to file the divorce papers, notify the spouse and attend the court hearing. One should also consider the information you fill in, in order to avoid errors in the form.

USE THESE WORDS IN THE COURT DOCUMENTS FOR IOWA

Use these exact words, all in capital letters: IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF FOR THE COUNTY OF, IOWA
Use these exact words, all in capital letters: PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
Use the word "Petitioner'. Be sure the "P" is capitalized.
Use the word "Respondent". Be sure the "R" is capitalized.
Use these exact words, all in capital letters: DECREE OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
Use the word "County" here.

For detailed divorce laws in Iowa state, please see Iowa Divorce Laws page.

Free Iowa Divorce Forms for Download

Following divorce forms are free for download. Most of the forms are provided with instructions on how to fill the form. To download any of these divorce papers and forms just right click on the link and select "Save As...".