Story Public Records /Story County Court Records

Story County Court Records

What Is Story County Court Records

Court records in Story County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained by the Story County Clerk of Court, which operates as part of the Iowa Judicial Branch. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.2, court records are defined as government records created, maintained, or held by the judicial branch.

Story County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judicial decisions
Judgments and decrees
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce records
Probate and estate documentation

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the court system. The Story County Clerk of Court maintains records for various types of cases including civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, traffic violations, and mental health proceedings.

The courts generating these records in Story County include:

Iowa District Court (general jurisdiction)
Small Claims Court (limited jurisdiction)
Juvenile Court (specialized jurisdiction)
Probate Court (specialized jurisdiction)

Are Court Records Public In Story County

Court records in Story County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Iowa Open Records Law, also known as Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Under Iowa Code § 22.1, public records are defined as "all records, documents, tape, or other information, stored or preserved in any medium, of or belonging to this state or any county, city, township, school corporation, political subdivision, nonprofit corporation other than a fair... or tax-supported district in this state, or any branch, department, board, bureau, commission, council, or committee of any of the foregoing."

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Probate records
Divorce decrees and family court judgments (excluding certain sensitive information)

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile court records (per Iowa Code § 232.147)
Mental health commitment proceedings
Adoption records
Records sealed by court order
Certain domestic abuse and protective order information
Documents containing confidential personal identifiers

The Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure further govern access to electronic court records, establishing protocols for public access while protecting sensitive information.

How To Find Court Records in Story County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Story County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

Online Access:

Visit the Iowa Courts Online Search portal
Select the appropriate search option (case, party name, attorney, etc.)
Enter the required search criteria
Review the available case information
Note that while basic case information is viewable online, complete case files may require in-person inspection

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Story County Clerk of Court office located in the Story County Courthouse
Complete a records request form, providing case number or party names
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees if requesting document reproduction
Allow time for staff to retrieve requested records

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the Story County Clerk of Court
Include specific case information and documents sought
Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
Enclose payment for any applicable fees

Story County Clerk of Court
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-7466
Story County Clerk of Court

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays

Pursuant to Iowa Court Rule 16.501, requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction, certification, or extensive search services.

How To Look Up Court Records in Story County Online?

Story County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online platforms maintained by the Iowa Judicial Branch. The primary electronic resources for court record searches include:

Iowa Courts Online Search: This comprehensive electronic docket record search system provides access to basic case information for most court cases filed in Story County and throughout Iowa.

Navigate to the Iowa Courts Online Search portal
Select the desired search method:
- Case search (requires case number)
- Party search (requires name information)
- Attorney search (requires attorney name or ID)
- Citation search (requires citation number)
Enter the required search parameters
Review the results, which typically include:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Case type and status
- Scheduled events
- Register of actions (docket entries)
- Judgment information

Iowa Judicial Branch Electronic Document Management System (EDMS): For more detailed document access, the Iowa Judicial Branch EDMS provides registered users with the ability to view actual court documents.

Registration is required for full document access
Attorneys and registered parties have expanded access
Public terminals at the courthouse provide document viewing capabilities
Certain documents may be restricted based on confidentiality rules

Story County Court Calendar: The online court calendar displays upcoming court proceedings.

Select the desired date range
Filter by case type or judicial officer if needed
View scheduled hearings, trials, and other proceedings

It should be noted that while basic case information is generally available online, complete court files and certain document types may only be accessible through in-person requests at the Story County Courthouse, in accordance with Iowa Court Rule 16.503.

How To Search Story County Court Records for Free?

Story County provides several options for members of the public to access court records without incurring fees. Under Iowa Code § 22.2(1), "Every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record."

The following free search methods are currently available:

Free Online Resources:

Iowa Courts Online Search - This portal provides basic case information at no charge, including party names, case types, filing dates, and docket entries. No registration or payment is required for basic searches.
Story County Court Calendar - The public may freely access the court calendar to view scheduled hearings and proceedings.

In-Person Free Access:

Public Access Terminals - The Story County Courthouse provides computer terminals where visitors may search and view electronic court records at no cost. These terminals offer more comprehensive access than the public website.
Record Inspection - Pursuant to Iowa law, individuals may inspect public court records in person without charge during regular business hours at:

Story County Clerk of Court
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-7466
Story County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

While record inspection is free, fees may apply for:

Document copies ($0.50 per page)
Certified copies ($10.00 plus copy fees)
Record searches requiring extensive staff time
Electronic document downloads from certain systems

The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains these free access options in accordance with the state's commitment to government transparency and public information access.

What's Included in a Story County Court Record?

Story County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Iowa Court Rule 16.201, court records typically include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Answers, counterclaims, and cross-claims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders, decisions, and judgments
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts (when prepared)
Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
Financial information including judgments and liens

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (indictments or informations)
Arrest warrants and returns
Bond and bail information
Plea agreements
Pre-trial motions and responses
Trial exhibits and evidence
Sentencing information
Probation reports (with restricted access)
Appeal documentation

Family Law Records:

Petitions for divorce or separation
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial affidavits (with restricted access)
Property division agreements
Domestic violence protection orders
Paternity determinations

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Executor/administrator appointments
Distribution orders
Guardian and conservatorship documents

Small Claims Records:

Statement of claim and notice to defendant
Defendant's response
Judgment entries
Garnishment and execution documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, providing a procedural history of the litigation from initiation to disposition.

How Long Does Story County Keep Court Records?

Story County adheres to the Iowa Records Retention Schedule established by the Iowa Supreme Court for the maintenance and disposition of court records. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and statutory requirements.

The following retention periods are currently in effect:

Criminal Cases:

Felony cases: Permanent retention for Class A felonies; 75 years for other felonies
Serious and aggravated misdemeanors: 55 years after final disposition
Simple misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic violations: 6 years after final disposition
Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal

Civil Cases:

General civil litigation: 20 years after final disposition
Domestic relations (divorce, custody): Permanent retention
Adoption records: Permanent retention
Civil commitment proceedings: 10 years after final disposition
Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
Probate matters: Permanent retention for estates; 10 years after final accounting for guardianships and conservatorships

Juvenile Records:

Delinquency proceedings: Until age 25 for most cases; longer for serious offenses
Child in need of assistance: Until child reaches age 25
Termination of parental rights: Permanent retention

Administrative Records:

Court calendars and dockets: 3 years
Jury records: 3 years after jury service
Financial records: 7 years

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 602.8103, the clerk of the district court is responsible for maintaining these records according to the established schedule. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or transferred to the State Archives for historical preservation, depending on their significance.

Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The Iowa Judicial Branch continues to digitize older paper records to improve accessibility while ensuring compliance with retention mandates.

Types of Courts In Story County

Story County's judicial system operates within Iowa's unified court structure, with several courts serving different jurisdictional functions. The following courts currently operate within Story County:

Iowa District Court for Story County
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-7466
Story County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The District Court is Story County's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile proceedings. It operates within Iowa's 2nd Judicial District.

Story County Magistrate Court
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-7466
Story County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Magistrate Court handles simple misdemeanors, small claims (under $6,500), traffic violations, initial appearances, and search warrant applications.

Story County Juvenile Court
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-7466
Story County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over delinquency proceedings, child in need of assistance cases, and other matters involving minors.

Iowa Court of Appeals
(Hears appeals from Story County cases)
Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-348-4700
Iowa Court of Appeals

Iowa Supreme Court
(Final appellate authority for Story County cases)
Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-348-4960
Iowa Supreme Court

The court hierarchy follows a progression from Magistrate Court to District Court, with appeals proceeding to the Iowa Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Iowa Supreme Court for cases of significant legal importance.

What Types of Cases Do Story County Courts Hear?

Story County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with their jurisdictional authority under Iowa law. The following case types are currently processed through the Story County court system:

District Court Cases:

Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $6,500)
Real property disputes and foreclosures
Felony criminal prosecutions
Serious and aggravated misdemeanors
Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
Probate and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Civil commitments
Administrative appeals
Tort claims and personal injury lawsuits
Contract disputes
Corporate and business litigation

Magistrate Court Cases:

Simple misdemeanors
Traffic violations and OWI/DUI first offenses
Small claims (disputes up to $6,500)
Forcible entry and detainer (eviction) proceedings
Initial appearances in criminal cases
Preliminary hearings
Search warrant applications
Emergency protective orders

Juvenile Court Cases:

Delinquency proceedings
Child in need of assistance (CINA) cases
Termination of parental rights
Adoptions
Juvenile commitments
Emancipation petitions
Truancy matters

The Story County Clerk of Court processes filings for all these case types, maintaining separate dockets for each category. Case assignment follows protocols established by the Chief Judge of Iowa's 2nd Judicial District, with specialized judges often handling particular case types based on expertise and experience.

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 602.6101, the district court has "exclusive, general, and original jurisdiction of all actions, proceedings, and remedies, civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile" except in cases where jurisdiction is limited by statute.

How To Find a Court Docket In Story County

Court dockets in Story County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and case activities. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods currently available:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Iowa Courts Online Search portal
Select "Docket Search" from the available options
Enter the search criteria:
- Date range (required)
- Case type (optional)
- Judge name (optional)
- Location (select "Story County")
Review the resulting docket information, which typically includes:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Hearing types
- Scheduled dates and times
- Assigned courtrooms
- Presiding judges

Court Calendar Access: The Story County District Court calendar provides a daily or weekly view of scheduled proceedings.

Navigate to the court calendar page
Select the desired date or date range
Filter by case type or judicial officer if needed
View the scheduled hearings and proceedings

In-Person Docket Review: Physical copies of daily court dockets are posted at:

Story County Clerk of Court
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-7466
Story County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Telephone Information: Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the Clerk's office at 515-382-7466 during regular business hours.

Pursuant to Iowa Court Rule 16.305, court dockets are public records subject to inspection unless specifically restricted by court order or statute. Docket information is updated regularly but may be subject to last-minute changes due to continuances, settlements, or other case developments.

Which Courts in Story County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Iowa judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, with the authority to fine or imprison for contempt, and from which appeals may be taken. Conversely, courts not of record typically do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings and have limited authority.

Within Story County, the following courts are classified as not being courts of record under Iowa Code § 602.6101:

Small Claims Division of Magistrate Court: When handling small claims matters (disputes under $6,500), the magistrate court functions as a court not of record. While basic case information is documented, formal transcripts are not automatically created for these proceedings. Appeals from small claims decisions are made to the district court through a process known as "de novo" review, meaning the case is heard anew rather than reviewing a record of the original proceeding.

Traffic Violations Bureau: This administrative division processes standard traffic citations and violations. It is not a court of record as proceedings are primarily administrative rather than judicial in nature.

Initial Appearance Proceedings: When magistrates conduct initial appearances in criminal cases, these preliminary proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim, though summary records of decisions regarding bond and preliminary matters are maintained.

It should be noted that while these proceedings may not generate complete verbatim records, the Story County Clerk of Court does maintain basic documentation of all case outcomes, including those from courts not of record. Additionally, any party may request that a court reporter be present to create an official record of proceedings in these courts, thereby effectively converting them to courts of record for that specific proceeding.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record impacts appellate procedures and the preservation of case history, as specified in Iowa Court Rule 6.102 regarding appellate procedure.