In Iowa, after the petitioner files the petition for a no-fault dissolution in the District Court, there is a 90-day waiting period for the divorce to become final.

During the 90-day waiting period the parties normally negotiate a settlement on the terms and conditions of the dissolution. In most cases, settlements are agreed upon through this negotiation process, reduced to writing, and approved by the court at a final hearing. In Iowa, when the divorce is finalized by default of the respondent, the petitioner attends a brief court hearing to finalize the divorce. When the divorce is finalized by a settlement agreement, the petitioner meets with the judge to review the agreement, commonly in a less formal setting than a court hearing.

When the parties cannot agree, the parties and their attorneys meet formally at the courthouse to determine what the court must resolve. Attorneys are not mandatory in a contested divorce case, but are always recommended anytime spouses are not in agreement and disputed issues must be resolved by the court. A trial will be scheduled sometime after the pretrial conference and at least 90 days after the petition was filed. Learn more about attending a Iowa divorce hearing.

Other Helpful Information for Doing Your Own Divorce in Iowa

• Iowa Divorce Laws
• Iowa Divorce Basics
• Considering a Iowa Divorce
• Do it Yourself Divorce in Iowa
• The Residency Requirements to File for Divorce in Iowa
• Iowa Divorce Court Information
• Iowa Divorce Documents