Iowa Guides
General Resources
These guides work no matter where you live:
Articles for Iowa
Alternatives to DivorceWriter and 3StepDivorce for Iowa Filers
DivorceWriter charges $137 and 3StepDivorce charges $299 to fill out Iowa divorce forms that are free. Here are better alternatives for self-filers.
Best Iowa Divorce Filing Resource for Couples Who Agree on Everything
If you and your spouse already agree on property, custody, and support in Iowa, here's how to file without spending thousands on an attorney.
Best Iowa Divorce Guide for Respondents Served with Papers
You've been served with Iowa divorce papers and generally have 20 days to respond. Here's how to understand your options and protect your rights witho…
Cheap Divorce in Iowa
How to keep your Iowa divorce costs low, from the $285 filing fee and fee waivers to avoiding attorney fees with an uncontested pro se filing.
How to File for Divorce in Iowa
Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in Iowa, covering residency rules, Chapter 17 forms, EDMS e-filing, service of process, and the 90-day waitin…
How to File for Divorce in Iowa on a Tight Budget Without a Lawyer
A step-by-step breakdown of the cheapest way to file for divorce in Iowa — from fee deferrals to free forms to the $285 filing fee and beyond.
How to Respond to Divorce Papers in Iowa
What to do when you're served divorce papers in Iowa: the 20-day response deadline, how to file an Answer through EDMS, and what happens if you don't …
How to Serve Divorce Papers in Iowa
Iowa divorce service of process explained: Acceptance of Service, sheriff delivery, private process servers, and service by publication, with costs an…
Iowa Contested vs Uncontested Divorce
Comparing contested and uncontested divorce in Iowa: timelines, costs, court requirements, and how to keep your case on the faster uncontested path.
Iowa Divorce College Expense Subsidy: What Changed in 2025
Senate File 513 eliminated court-ordered college subsidies in Iowa divorce decrees, temporary orders, or judgments entered or pending on or after July…