Story County Divorce Records
What Are Story County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Story County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Iowa Code § 598, which governs dissolution of marriage and domestic relations proceedings within the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final decree.
The Clerk of District Court in Story County maintains these records as part of their official duties. The records serve as legal evidence of the following:
- Termination of marital status
- Division of marital property and debts
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Spousal support (alimony) determinations
- Name change authorizations
Divorce records are frequently required for various practical and legal purposes, including:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Remarriage eligibility verification
- Name change documentation for government agencies
- Social Security benefits applications
- Loan applications requiring marital status verification
- Immigration matters and visa applications
- Estate planning and inheritance proceedings
The Story County Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and provides access to them according to Iowa public records laws.
Are Story County Divorce Records Public?
Story County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Iowa Code § 22, the Iowa Open Records Law. The accessibility of divorce records depends on the specific document type and the information contained therein.
Court divorce case files in Story County are generally considered public records with certain important exceptions:
- Basic case information (parties involved, case number, filing date, and general case status) is publicly accessible
- Financial affidavits and supporting documentation containing sensitive personal information are typically sealed
- Records containing information about minor children may have restricted access
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders sealing certain documents
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers are redacted from public view
Certified divorce certificates and vital records related to divorce have more restricted access under Iowa Code § 144.43, which limits access to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Their immediate family members
- Their legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct, tangible interest in the record
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Story County must navigate these access restrictions while respecting the privacy protections established by state law. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services oversees the state's vital records system, including divorce certificates, while court records are maintained by the judicial branch.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Story County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Story County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of divorce record needed and the requester's legal relationship to the case.
For court case files related to divorce proceedings:
- Visit the Story County Clerk of District Court office in person:
Story County Clerk of District Court
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7466
Story County Courts & Clerk of Court
-
Provide the clerk with as much identifying information as possible:
- Full names of both parties involved in the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Date of birth of either party (if available)
-
Complete any required request forms and pay applicable search and copy fees
- Search fees typically range from $5-15
- Copy fees are generally $0.50-1.00 per page
- Certified copies may incur additional charges
For certified divorce certificates (vital records):
- Contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics:
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944
Iowa Vital Records
- Submit a completed application form with required identification
- Pay the applicable fee (currently $20 for a certified copy)
- Demonstrate eligibility to receive the record under Iowa law
Requesters should note that under current Iowa regulations, there is a waiting period before divorce records become available through the vital records system, typically 60 days after the final decree is issued.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Story County Online?
Story County residents and other authorized individuals can access certain divorce records through online platforms maintained by the Iowa Judicial Branch. The digital accessibility of these records enhances public convenience while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Iowa Courts Online Search portal
- Select "Start a Case Search" from the available options
- Choose "Story County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Select case type "Dissolution of Marriage" or "Family Law"
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range for filing
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned
It is important to note that while basic case information is available online, detailed documents within the case file may not be accessible through the online portal. Additionally, pursuant to Iowa Court Rules, certain sensitive information is automatically redacted from online records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Dates of birth
- Names of minor children
- Certain medical and psychological information
For comprehensive access to complete divorce case files, individuals may need to visit the Story County Clerk of Court in person. Online access is designed primarily as an index to cases rather than a complete repository of all case documents.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Story County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Story County have several options available, though these methods may have certain limitations compared to fee-based services.
Free public access options include:
- In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Story County Justice Center during regular business hours
- Request to view specific divorce case files at the public access terminal
- No fee is charged for viewing records, though printing or copying will incur costs
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7466
Story County Courts
-
Public library resources:
- The Ames Public Library and other county libraries may provide free access to public computers
- These computers can be used to access the Iowa Courts Online Search portal
- Library staff may be available to assist with basic search techniques
-
Limited online searches:
- Basic case information can be viewed without charge through the Iowa Judicial Branch website
- Search by name to locate case numbers and filing dates at no cost
- Detailed documents typically require in-person access or paid copies
Researchers should be aware of these limitations when seeking free access:
- Free searches may only reveal basic case information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Document copies and certified records will still require payment of applicable fees
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may be limited without payment of search fees
- Older records (pre-digital) may not be included in free online search capabilities
While basic information is available without charge, comprehensive research or obtaining official copies will typically involve some expense.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Story County
Divorce records in Story County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage from initiation through final judgment. These records are maintained pursuant to Iowa Code § 598.26 regarding record keeping in dissolution proceedings.
A complete divorce file typically contains:
-
Initial pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Original notice and proof of service
- Response or Answer from the respondent
- Temporary orders for support, custody, or property
-
Financial documentation:
- Affidavits of financial status from both parties
- Property and debt inventories
- Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Pension and retirement account information
-
Child-related documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and calculations
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
-
Procedural documents:
- Court notices and scheduling orders
- Certificates of completion for mandatory education programs
- Mediation agreements or reports
- Transcripts of hearings or depositions
-
Final documents:
- Settlement agreement (if reached by parties)
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement assets
The certified divorce certificate, issued by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, contains more limited information:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of divorce
- Case number
- County of issuance
- Date of marriage
- Official certification
Researchers should note that while court files contain comprehensive details about the divorce proceedings, the certified certificate serves primarily as official proof that the divorce occurred without revealing the specific terms or conditions of the dissolution.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Story County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Story County have multiple options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the level of detail needed and the intended use of the proof.
For a certified copy of the divorce decree (most comprehensive proof):
- Contact the Story County Clerk of District Court:
Story County Clerk of District Court
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7466
Story County Courts & Clerk of Court
-
Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce record
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
-
Pay the applicable fee:
- Certified copies typically cost $20-25 per document
- Additional pages may incur extra charges
For a certified divorce certificate (basic proof):
- Contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services:
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944
Iowa Vital Records
-
Submit a completed application with:
- Names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Your relationship to the persons named on the record
- Valid government-issued photo ID
-
Pay the required fee (currently $20 per certificate)
For expedited service, applicants may:
- Use third-party services authorized by the state (additional fees apply)
- Request priority processing directly from the clerk's office (additional fee may apply)
- Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for faster return delivery
Individuals should specify the intended use of the proof, as certain agencies may require specific certification formats or authentication methods for the divorce documentation to be considered valid.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Story County?
While divorce proceedings in Story County are generally matters of public record, Iowa law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' legitimate privacy interests.
Under Iowa Code § 598.26, the following divorce-related records may be sealed or have restricted access:
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Financial affidavits and supporting documentation:
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Detailed financial disclosures
- Wage and income information
-
Records containing sensitive personal information:
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates
- Financial account numbers
- Medical and mental health records
-
Information related to minor children:
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
- School and medical records
- Identifying information in cases of abuse
-
Records in cases involving domestic violence:
- Protective order details
- Victim location information
- Safety planning documents
Parties seeking additional confidentiality may:
- File a motion requesting specific documents be sealed
- Demonstrate to the court a compelling privacy interest that outweighs public access
- Enter into a confidential settlement agreement (though the final decree remains public)
- Request redaction of sensitive information from publicly accessible documents
The court may also issue protective orders limiting disclosure of certain information obtained during discovery. However, the fact that a divorce was filed and granted, along with the names of the parties involved, generally remains public information accessible through the Iowa Courts Online Search system.
Complete confidentiality of an entire divorce proceeding is extremely rare and typically requires extraordinary circumstances demonstrating potential harm from public disclosure.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Story County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Story County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court scheduling. Under current Iowa law, all divorces must observe a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of service before a final decree can be issued, as established in Iowa Code § 598.19.
Typical timeframes for different types of divorces in Story County include:
-
Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- Minimum: 90-120 days (mandatory waiting period plus processing time)
- Average: 3-4 months from filing to finalization
- Required elements: written settlement agreement, parenting plan (if children involved), and financial disclosures
-
Contested divorces requiring negotiation:
- Average: 6-9 months
- Factors affecting timeline: property valuation disputes, custody evaluations, discovery complications
- May involve mediation sessions and multiple court appearances
-
Highly contested divorces requiring trial:
- Average: 9-18 months
- Contributing factors: complex asset division, business valuations, expert witnesses, custody disputes
- Court scheduling constraints may extend timeline
According to the Iowa Judicial Branch, factors that commonly influence divorce timeframes include:
- Court congestion and availability of hearing dates
- Completeness of initial filings and financial disclosures
- Cooperation between parties in discovery and information exchange
- Availability of required mediators, evaluators, or expert witnesses
- Complexity of property division, especially with businesses or retirement accounts
- Whether temporary orders are needed during the pendency of the case
The court may waive the 90-day waiting period only in cases of emergency or extraordinary circumstances, and such waivers are rarely granted. Parties seeking the most efficient process should consider mediation and collaborative approaches to resolve disputes without extensive court intervention.
How Long Does Story County Keep Divorce Records?
Story County maintains divorce records according to the retention schedules established by the Iowa Judicial Branch and state archival requirements. These schedules ensure that important legal documents remain accessible while managing storage constraints.
The retention periods for divorce records in Story County are as follows:
-
Court case files (maintained by the Clerk of District Court):
- Complete case files: Permanent retention for cases filed after 1950
- Microfilmed/digitized records: Permanent retention
- Original paper documents: May be destroyed after proper digitization and verification
- Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period expires (typically 30 days after final judgment)
-
Divorce certificates (maintained by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services):
- Permanent retention in the state vital records system
- Available indefinitely for certified copies to eligible requesters
-
Index records and docket books:
- Permanent retention
- Serve as finding aids for locating specific case files
- Maintained in both physical and digital formats
These retention policies are governed by Iowa Code § 602.8103, which establishes the Clerk of Court's record-keeping responsibilities, and Iowa Administrative Code 671-3, which outlines state archives and records program requirements.
For older divorce records (pre-1950), researchers may need to consult:
- The State Archives of Iowa for transferred court records
- County historical societies for local records
- The State Historical Society of Iowa for microfilmed court records
The Story County Recorder's Office maintains an index of vital records that can help locate historical divorce information, though the actual records may be housed in different repositories depending on their age.
How To Get a Divorce In Story County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Story County must follow specific procedures established under Iowa law. The process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence.
To initiate a divorce in Story County:
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Establish eligibility:
- Either spouse must be an Iowa resident for at least one year
- If residency requirement is not met, the non-resident spouse must be personally served in Iowa
-
Prepare and file initial documents with the Clerk of District Court:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Original Notice
- Confidential Information Form
- Cover Sheet for Domestic Relations Cases
Story County Clerk of District Court
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7466
Story County Courts & Clerk of Court
-
Serve the other spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Acceptance of service signed by the respondent
- Alternative service methods if approved by the court
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Wait for response:
- Respondent has 20 days to file an Answer
- If no response is filed, petitioner may request a default judgment
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Exchange financial information:
- Both parties must complete financial affidavits
- Supporting documentation must be provided
- Discovery process may be used to obtain additional information
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Attend required education:
- Parents of minor children must complete an approved education program
- Certificate of completion must be filed with the court
-
Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Mediation may be required or voluntarily chosen
- Settlement conferences with the judge may be scheduled
- If agreement is reached, submit written settlement to the court
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Attend final hearing:
- Present settlement agreement for court approval, or
- Participate in trial where judge will decide contested issues
-
Obtain final decree:
- Judge signs Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Decree becomes effective when filed with the clerk
The process operates under Iowa's "no-fault" divorce system, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The legal standard is that there has been a breakdown of the marital relationship with no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Story County
Individuals seeking divorce papers in Story County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. These documents serve as the foundation for the legal process of marriage dissolution.
To obtain divorce papers:
- Visit the Story County Clerk of District Court office:
Story County Clerk of District Court
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7466
Story County Courts & Clerk of Court
- Staff can provide basic form packets for self-represented litigants
- Available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Bring identification and be prepared to specify whether children are involved
- Access forms through the Iowa Judicial Branch website:
- Visit the Iowa Courts Online website
- Navigate to "Court Forms & Resources"
- Select "Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage" from the categories
- Download forms in fillable PDF format
- Utilize the Iowa Legal Aid Interactive Forms:
- Available for qualifying low-income individuals
- Provides guided interviews to complete appropriate forms
- Offers explanations of legal terminology and requirements
- Consult with the Story County Law Library:
- Located within the Story County Justice Center
- Contains reference materials and form books
- Self-help resources available for public use
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Original Notice
- Confidential Information Form
- Financial Affidavit
- Certificate of Service
- If children are involved: Child Support Worksheets and Parenting Plan
Individuals should note that while forms are readily available, the clerk's office staff cannot provide legal advice regarding how to complete the forms or strategic decisions in the divorce process. Those needing legal guidance should consider:
- Consulting with a private attorney
- Attending a free legal clinic (periodically offered in Story County)
- Contacting Iowa Legal Aid for potential representation if income-eligible
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