Divorce records in Des Moines County, Iowa, can be accessed through several channels. DesMoinesCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also request records directly from the district court that issued the decree, the Des Moines County Recorder's Office, or the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services vital records bureau. The method you choose depends on whether you need a full court file or a vital record certificate.
Des Moines County Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Des Moines County are maintained by two separate offices. The Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, part of Judicial District 8, keeps the complete court case file — including the original petition, decree of dissolution, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and any post-decree modifications. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) Bureau of Vital Records maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates, which are shorter summary documents confirming that a divorce occurred.
If you need the full divorce decree or any related court filings, contact the Clerk of District Court at the Des Moines County Courthouse. For a divorce certificate confirming basic facts (names, date, county), contact Iowa HHS.
Des Moines County Clerk of District Court
The court records collection includes:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Divorce decrees (decrees of dissolution)
- Settlement and property division agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Post-decree modification filings
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Des Moines County
In Iowa, divorce cases — formally called dissolutions of marriage — are handled exclusively by the Iowa District Court. Des Moines County falls within Judicial District 8. When a judge signs the decree of dissolution, it becomes part of the permanent court record held by the Clerk of District Court at the Des Moines County Courthouse.
Separately, the court reports divorce information to the Iowa HHS Bureau of Vital Records, which creates a divorce certificate for its statewide registry. These are two different documents stored by two different offices.
Which office to contact
- For the full court file (decree, settlement terms, custody orders, motions): Contact the Clerk of District Court.
- For a divorce certificate (summary vital record confirming the divorce): Contact Iowa HHS or request a certified record online or by mail.
Clerk of District Court — Des Moines County
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — Bureau of Vital Records
Iowa court records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Under the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure, certain confidential information within divorce files — such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and protected personal details — may be redacted or restricted from public access terminals. Cases involving juveniles or those sealed by a judge will not be available without a court order.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Des Moines County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Iowa HHS — by mail) | $15.00 | 2–6 weeks |
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Iowa HHS — in person, Des Moines office) | $15.00 | Same day if requested by 2:00 p.m. |
| Court record copy (Clerk of District Court — per page) | $1.00 | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Certified court document (Clerk of District Court) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |