IOWA DIVORCE PAPERS WITH EXPLANATIONS

The documents listed below are the primary documents for a Iowa uncontested divorce. You will notice that some of the documents apply with children. If you do not have minor children, these documents are typically not required.

Understanding the Iowa Divorce Papers:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies the parties, birth dates, addresses and states that the marriage "is broken and cannot be saved" and requests relief. This is the document that motions the court for a divorce.
• Verification (for Petition): The verification is a notarized statement signed by the petitioner that he or she filed the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in good faith and without collusion.
• Marital Settlement Agreement: This notarized agreement entered into between a husband and a wife establishing the terms and conditions of their divorce and resolving such matters as property division, debts, child custody, child support, visitation, debt, alimony, insurance, tax, and settlement of any property issues when they end their marriage to each other. Signed by both parties, the MSA is often approved by a judge and incorporated by reference into the Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
• Schedule for Visitation of Minor Children: This schedule shows the visitation and parenting time routine for the noncustodial parent. Both parents must reach an agreement regarding a schedule or the state will implement the standardized version. The schedule will address holidays and overnights.
• Financial Affidavit: Both parties complete a Financial Affidavit, which details the asset and liabilities, expenses and income of each party. The Financial Affidavit provides proof to the court that each spouse fully disclosed his and her financial status to one another prior to the divorce being granted.
• Child Support Schedule: This shows the child support payments based on income and the number of children. This schedule is referenced when completing the Child Support Worksheet.
• Child Support Worksheet: This form is used to compute child support based on the Iowa state guidelines. The court will use the amount determined by the worksheet if the divorcing parents can not come to an agreement regrading an appropriate monthly support amount.
• Declaration Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act: The UCCJEA declaration certifies that the parties comply with the UCCJEA and establishes the place of residence of minor children involved in the action. This document establishing jurisdiction for the court to make custody and support orders regarding any minor children.
• Entry of Appearance, Consent and Waiver of Service: The Affidavit of Appearance and the Waiver of Rights, filed by the Respondent, tells the court that he or she waives the right to notice of the Petition for Divorce/Annulment, and that he or she will not file an Answer to the Petition. By completing and filing this document he or she is essentially agreeing to the divorce and the terms set forth in the Petition.
• Notice of Final Hearing: The petitioner informs the respondent of the Notice of Final Hearing, which has the location, date and time.
• Decree of Dissolution of Marriage: This is the court order that ends the marriage.