Family Law

Increased Filing Fees

The Iowa Legislature recently approved a bill containing substantial increases in state court filing fees.  The bill has been sent to the Governor for his signature, which is expected, and the increases will become effective upon enactment.  Some of the increased fees affecting family law cases are:

• Dissolution of Marriage Petition, currently $100 will increase to $185.
• Domestic Abuse Petitions, currently $100 will increase to $185 (unless waived).
• Paternity Petitions, currently $100 will increase to $185.
• Adoption Decree, will increase to $100.
• Modification of a Dissolution Decree, currently $50, will increase to $100.
• Change in Title of Real Estate, currently $20, will increase to $50.
• Clerk of District Court, tax as a court cost will increase from $15 to $40.
• Certificate and Seal of Clerk of Court, currently $10, will increase to $20.
• General Civil Filing Fees, currently $100, will increase to $185
• Waiver of Fees for Additional Petitions is struck.

Full post as published by Iowa Divorce and Family Law on April 28, 2009 (boomark / email).