Divorce records in Story County, Iowa, are available through several channels: online tools, the district court, the county recorder's office, and the state bureau of vital records. StoryCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the Clerk of District Court in Story County, the county recorder's office, or the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (Vital Records) directly, depending on the type of document you need.
Story Divorce Records Search
In Iowa, divorce cases are officially called "dissolution of marriage." All materials for such cases in Story County are maintained by the Clerk of District Court, a division of the state judicial system located in the Story County Justice Center. The collection of records includes:
- Dissolution decrees
- Property division and alimony agreements
- Child custody orders
- Petitions, motions, and other procedural documents
Separate from court materials, the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services maintains divorce certificates — brief documents confirming the fact of divorce. These certificates have been registered since 1906.
For online court record searches, use the Iowa Courts Online portal. It displays electronic case registry data, including filing dates and case status. Full texts of documents are usually available only at a public terminal in the courthouse.
Story County Clerk of District Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Story
Story County is part of Iowa's 2nd Judicial District. Divorce cases are handled by the Iowa District Court, which is a court of general jurisdiction, as there is no separate family court in Iowa. After a decision is made, all documents remain with the Clerk of District Court.
What you need determines where to go:
- Full court file (decrees, agreements, custody orders) → Clerk of District Court in the Story County Justice Center.
- Divorce certificate (a short document confirming the dissolution of marriage) → Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of Vital Records, or the Story County recorder's office for assistance with the request.
Iowa Bureau of Vital Records
Note: The Story County Recorder issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates, but divorce certificates are issued by the state bureau or the Clerk of District Court. If you are unsure which document you need, call the court office for guidance.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Story
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce record search (Vital Records, state) | $20.00 | 2–6 weeks by mail |
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Vital Records, state) | $20.00 | 2–6 weeks by mail |
| Copy of court document (Clerk of District Court) | $1.00 per page | Usually same day for in-person requests |
| Certified copy of court decree (Clerk of District Court) | $2.00 for certification + copying cost | 1–3 business days |
| Electronic filing/viewing via Iowa eFiling system | Depends on document type | Online — immediate (registry access) |