Divorce Cost in Iowa (2026)

Complete guide to divorce costs across 13 cities in Iowa. Find filing fees, attorney rates, and total cost estimates.

$185
Filing Fee
$1,784
Avg Uncontested
$18,355
Avg Contested
13
Cities Covered

Iowa Divorce Laws

Divorce TypeNo Fault
Property DivisionEquitable Distribution
Waiting Period90 days
Residency Requirement12 months

Divorce Costs by City in Iowa

CityPopulationUncontestedContestedAttorney Rate
Des Moines214,237$1,963$20,365$254/hr
Cedar Rapids128,429$1,865$19,252$240/hr
Davenport102,157$1,739$17,850$222/hr
Sioux City82,459$1,795$18,505$230/hr
Iowa City71,591$1,788$18,399$229/hr
Waterloo68,366$1,767$18,162$226/hr
Council Bluffs61,969$1,732$17,779$221/hr
Ames61,792$1,704$17,450$217/hr
West Des Moines61,255$1,774$18,223$227/hr
Dubuque58,253$1,788$18,375$229/hr
Ankeny51,567$1,732$17,785$221/hr
Urbandale41,776$1,704$17,445$217/hr
Cedar Falls40,566$1,844$19,024$237/hr

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Iowa?
The court filing fee for divorce in Iowa is $185. Total costs range from $1,784 for an uncontested divorce to $18,355 or more for a contested case.
How long does a divorce take in Iowa?
Iowa requires a waiting period of 90 days and 12 months of residency. Uncontested divorces typically take 2-4 months; contested cases can take over a year.
Is Iowa a community property or equitable distribution state?
Iowa follows equitable distribution for dividing marital assets during divorce.