Iowa Small Claims

A small claims court is a special civil court that decides cases involving money and minor property issues. Iowa's small claims court only hears civil cases under $6,500. Common cases before small claims court are:

• Loans or bills that have not been paid or disputes involving landlord tenant issues
• Disputes with security deposits
• Disputes involving minor property damage
• Claims involving basic contracts or workmanship

All small claims are initiated in the District Courts, which hear these cases in every area of the state. Knowing how small claims operate in Iowa can help consumers, tenants, landlords, contractors, and small businesses recover their lost money and enforce simple agreements..

What Is a Small Claims Court in Iowa?

Small claims courts are designed for civil disputes that seek monetary judgments or the return of personal property. In Iowa, a small claim is a civil case for a money judgment where the damages are $6,500 or less.

The rules governing small claims in Iowa are outlined in Chapter 631 of the Iowa Code. The process is informal and is determined by a judge. It also features simpler procedures compared to a regular civil action. In small claims court, the parties involved can represent themselves without having to navigate complicated legal motions.

Small Claims Court Limits in Iowa

In Iowa, a small claim is a civil case seeking a money judgment for damages of $6,500 or less. In addition, small-claims replevin is permitted by law.

In small claims court, cases are heard by a judge rather than a jury. If you disagree with a small claims ruling, you have the option to appeal the decision. To initiate an appeal,you can either notify the judge at the end of the hearing that you wish to appeal or submit a notice of appeal within twenty days after the ruling is made.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Iowa

To begin a small claims case in Iowa, you must take the following steps:

1) Confirm venue. File your case in the county where the defendant resides or conducts business, or where the issue originated. For eviction cases, file in the county where the rental property is located.

2) Prepare the required forms. Utilize the small-claims forms provided by the Iowa Judicial Branch. The FAQs and detailed instructions on the site clarify the required documents and deadlines.

3) File electronically. Iowa employs EDMS/eFile across the state. Most individuals file their small-claims cases through the eFile portal. However, there are limited exceptions for paper filings that need court approval.

4) Pay the filing fee. Fees are determined by law and can differ based on the type of case. You will be informed of the current fee by your county clerk or the online filing system during the eFiling process.

5) Serve the defendant correctly. You can serve the defendant via certified mail or personal service. Certified mail is usually acceptable for money-judgment claims, but evictions typically necessitate personal service. A personal service can be completed using a sheriff or authorized adult. You must submit proof of service once it is finished.

6) Representation. You have the option to represent yourself or hire an attorney. In Iowa, many people choose to go pro se due to the straightforward rules and forms.

Small Claims Court in Major Iowa Cities (Examples)

Small claims records are available in every county. Here are illustrative local resources:

• Des Moines (Polk County): Small claims are submitted via Iowa’s eFile portal and are heard at the Polk County District Court. Both county and statewide pages offer forms and guidance on where to file.
• Cedar Rapids (Linn County): Local resources reflect the statewide rules regarding 20-day response times and scheduling of hearings.
• Davenport (Scott County): The small-claims page for the county highlights judge-only trials and provides direct links to necessary forms.
• Sioux City (Woodbury County): You can file and monitor your case through the statewide EDMS. It is always best to use the Judicial Branch forms and instructions for money claims, replevin, and FED.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Iowa

After you file and serve the papers, the defendant usually has 20 days to reply. Then, the court will schedule a quick hearing. During the trial, the judge will swear in all parties, hear brief testimony, and review the evidence. The rules for formal evidence are a bit more relaxed to help reach a "fair, fast, and low-cost" solution. Many decisions are made during the hearing or soon after.

If you disagree with the outcome, you can inform the judge immediately or submit a written Notice of Appeal within 20 days of the ruling. If the debtor does not pay after the judgment, it is up to you to go after garnishment, liens, or execution using the forms from the clerk.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Iowa

Most small-claims case information is public unless sealed. You can typically see the case number, party names, filings/docket entries, hearing dates, and judgment/disposition.

1. Iowa Courts Online Search (public index). You can use the Judicial Branch’s Case Search to find trial-court cases by either name or number and check the registers of actions. The FAQ provides information on how to search and the time frames covered.
2. EDMS (for parties & eFilers). Registered users and case participants can access filings through the EDMS. TheFAQ on accessing court records outlines the required permissions and how to request documents.
3. Clerk of Court (certified copies). If you need certified or older records that are not available online, contact the county clerk where the case was filed. Local websites usually provide information on copy fees and processing times.