Iowa Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

In Iowa, a judgment is the official decision of a court that settles a case. In Iowa, judgments often arise from civil lawsuits, debt collection, property disputes, family law cases, or criminal restitution. Once entered, a judgment is legally enforceable and can affect a debtor’s finances and property for years through liens, garnishments, or negative credit reporting.

What Is a Judgment in Iowa?

In Iowa, according to Rule 1.951 of Civil Procedure, judgment is a court’s final ruling that resolves a dispute. It adjudicates the rights and obligations of all parties involved in a case. It may require one party to pay money, transfer property if they are unable to pay up, or refrain from certain actions. A judgment is an official document that carries legal authority, which creditors may use to recover their funds through garnishment or a lien.

Types of Judgments in Iowa

There are several types of judgments issued by courts in Iowa. Typically, it leans towards the severity and nature of the case. Common examples include:

Money Judgments

This is a common type of judgment related to financial issues or assets. It involves a scenariowhere debtors need to pay their debts to their creditors due to unpaid credits, contract disputes, or damages awarded in lawsuits. If the defendant does not pay the debts or refuses to cooperate, the court may execute a judgment against them. The creditor may file a Praecipe with the court. The praecipe directs the clerk of the court to collect a judgment when the defendant refuses to pay their debts.

Default Judgments

A default judgment happens when a defendant fails to take a step required in the progress of their hearing. It also occurs when a defendant fails to respond to questions during trial, fails to show up in court, or provides a defense. The plaintiff automatically wins the case, and the court generally grants the relief requested by the plaintiff.

Property or Lien Judgments

A judgment lien under the Iowa Code allows a creditor to use the debtor’s property for securing the repayment of a debt.

Family Court Judgments

These are judgments that deal with cases related to child support, child custody, or orders for spousal support. The court strictly enforces these judgments. Once the defendants are held in contempt of the judgment, it may result in unwanted consequences such as loss of wages or property liens.

Declaratory Judgment

This is a judgment granted by the court to determine the rights, status, or other legal rights and obligations of all the parties involved in a dispute.

Criminal Restitution Judgments

Iowa courts allow offenders convicted of criminal charges to pay restitution to their victims. It is mandatory in all criminal cases in which the defendant is convicted of a crime.

How to Search for Judgments in Iowa

In Iowa, judgment records typically provide information that may include the case number, court location, and names of parties involved in the case.

Judgment records are classified as public records in the state, and there are several ways to access them, such as:

• Clerk of Court Offices – Every county clerk of the court is responsible for managing judgment records. Record seekers may view or obtain copies of the documents in person from the clerk’s office.
• Iowa Courts Online – The Iowa Judicial Branch has a Record Search Portal, which enables the public to search for case files that include judgments. Users of the portal may search the online portal by using the defendant’s name or case number.
• Third-Party Services – Some third-party providers compile judgment information from multiple courts across various counties in the state. These providers allow the public to easily search judgments; however, it is safer to contact official sources for reliable information.

Judgment Records in Major Iowa Counties

Access to judgment may vary across all counties in the state. Individuals may contact the local court clerk’s offices to inquire about judgment records, which include:

• Des Moines (Polk County): Polk County judgments are accessible online through the Iowa record search portal or in person at the county courthouse.
• Cedar Rapids (Linn County): The Linn County Courthouse enables the residents of the county to seek justice for their cases. The County Clerk of Court maintains court records and judgments in their office.
• Davenport (Scott County): The public may learn more about judgment and its procedures at the Scott County Courthouse. They may also request copies of judgments from the clerk’s office at the courthouse.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Iowa?

In Iowa, a judgment is valid and enforceable for 20 years from the date it is entered. A judgment may also be renewed by filing a new action before expiration, extending its enforceability for another 20 years.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Iowa?

Once a judgment is entered, the creditors may try to enforce their rights against their debtors.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order requiring employers to withhold a portion of the debtor’s wages until the debt is paid.
• Judgment Liens: Creditors may recover their debts by seizing or selling off the debtor’s property.
• Bank Levies: With the court's approval, creditors may collect their debts directly from a debtor’s bank account.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments may appear on credit reports, thus lowering their credit rating and imposing other restrictions on access to loans or housing.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: Once the debt or amount on the judgment has been paid, the creditor must file a Satisfaction of Judgment Form with the court that issued the judgment.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: A party may appeal a judgment if they believe it was unfair or file a motion to vacate when a party fails to appear in a hearing.