Boone County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Boone County in 2026

BooneCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Boone County, Iowa. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through the Boone County Clerk of Court, the Iowa Courts Online system, public access terminals at the courthouse, and select online tools maintained by the Iowa Judicial Branch.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Iowa Courts Online Electronic Docket Record Search is the most common method for locating divorce case information without visiting the courthouse in person. Members of the public may search by party name or case number to retrieve basic case information at no charge. Copies of individual documents may require payment of applicable fees.

• Iowa Courts Online case search — search by party name or case number
• Free basic docket information
• Document copies may require a fee
• Available 24 hours a day

2. State Court System Portal

The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains a statewide electronic filing and search portal that consolidates case information across all Iowa district courts. This system allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases filed in Boone County alongside cases from other Iowa jurisdictions.

• Statewide search capability
• Consolidated database across all Iowa counties
• Access through the Iowa Courts Online platform

3. State Vital Records

Iowa does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services vital records office maintains statistical records of divorces. The primary source for certified copies of divorce decrees remains the Clerk of Court in the county where the dissolution was filed.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Boone County District Court:

Boone County Clerk of Court
201 State Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0561
Iowa Judicial Branch

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Services available in person:
  • Search case files by party name or case number
  • View documents at public access terminals
  • Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
  • Staff assistance for locating case records
  • Payment of copy fees at the counter

Records Department:

The Clerk of Court office maintains both active and archived dissolution of marriage case files. Older paper records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. Members of the public seeking historical records are advised to contact the Clerk's office in advance to confirm availability.

By Mail

Written Request:

• Mail to: Boone County Clerk of Court, 201 State Street, Boone, IA 50036
• Include the following in the written request:
  • Full legal names of both parties
  • Maiden names, if applicable
  • Approximate date the divorce was finalized
  • Case number, if known
  • Requester's full name and contact information
  • Specific documents requested (e.g., certified copy of final decree)
  • Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
• Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow approximately one to two weeks for fulfillment

By Phone

Limited Information Available:

• Clerk of Court: (515) 433-0561
• Staff may confirm:
  • Whether a case exists in the system
  • The assigned case number
  • Current case status
  • The date the petition was filed
• Staff cannot provide:
  • Detailed document contents over the phone
  • Copies of filed documents
  • Information from sealed or confidential portions of a case file

Through Attorneys

Members of the public who require access to sealed documents or who are involved in complex dissolution proceedings may retain legal counsel. An attorney licensed in Iowa may access case files, request sealed records upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain documents through the Iowa Courts electronic filing system. The Iowa State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

• Full legal names of both spouses as they appear on court filings
• Maiden names, if applicable
• Approximate date of divorce or filing year
• Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

• Date and county of marriage
• Previous Iowa addresses of either party
• Names of minor children involved in the proceeding
• Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Dissolution of marriage actions in Iowa are filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties using the Iowa Courts Online system. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Under Iowa Code § 598.5, a petition for dissolution of marriage may be filed in Iowa when one party has been a resident of the state for at least one year prior to filing, or when the parties were married in Iowa and one party has been a resident for at least one year. The petition is filed in the district court of the county where either party resides.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

• Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing
• Allow several business days to two weeks for processing after the court enters the final decree
• The Clerk of Court can confirm whether a decree has been entered and is available for inspection

Older Divorces:

• Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format
• Archived records may require additional retrieval time
• Records from the early twentieth century and prior may be held by the State Historical Society of Iowa, which maintains historic vital and court records for genealogical research

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

• The divorce was filed in a different Iowa county
• Name variations between married and maiden names
• Spelling differences in party names as indexed
• The case has been filed but not yet finalized
• Very old records that have not been digitized
• The case file has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

• Contact the Boone County Clerk of Court at (515) 433-0561
• Attempt alternate name spellings in the online search
• Search under both spouses' names separately
• Check the Iowa Courts Online system for statewide results
• Submit a written open records request using the Boone County open records request form
• Consult a licensed Iowa attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records

What Are Boone County Divorce Records?

Boone County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Boone County District Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to the access provisions of Iowa Code § 22.2, Iowa's public records law.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files

The complete dissolution of marriage case file contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage
• Response or answer to the petition
• Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
• Proposed and approved parenting plans
• Marital settlement agreements
• Motions, responses, and court orders
• Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
• Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree of dissolution is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:

• The exact date the marriage was dissolved
• Division of marital property and allocation of debts
• Alimony or spousal support terms, if ordered
• Child custody and physical care arrangements, if applicable
• Child support amounts and payment schedules, if applicable
• Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents

• Original marriage certificate (submitted as an exhibit)
• Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
• Real and personal property inventories
• Parenting plan details and modifications
• Post-decree modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes:

• Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
• Documenting name changes with government agencies
• Supporting property transfer and title recording
• Estate planning and beneficiary designations
• Immigration and naturalization proceedings
• Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

• Genealogical and family history research
• Personal recordkeeping
• Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records

Clerk of Court

The Boone County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in the county. The Clerk indexes case files by the names of both parties, maintains the official docket, and provides certified copies upon request.

State Vital Records Office

As noted by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, local registrars located in county recorder offices maintain records of vital events. Iowa does not register divorce decrees as vital records in the same manner as births and deaths; the authoritative source for certified divorce records remains the Clerk of Court.

Legal Framework

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Iowa are governed by Iowa Code Chapter 598, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for the legal dissolution of a marriage. Public access to court records is governed by Iowa Code § 22.2, which establishes a presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies.

Are Boone County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Boone County District Court are public court records subject to Iowa's open records law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. Certain categories of information within a case file are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state statute.

What Is Public:

• Case number and date of filing
• Full names of the parties to the proceeding
• Names of attorneys of record
• Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
• Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
• Property division orders
• General case status and disposition
• Complete docket chronology

What May Be Restricted

Financial Information:

• Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
• Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
• Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
• Certain financial statements may be filed under seal upon court order

Children's Information:

• Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
• Names of schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
• Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children are restricted
• Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
• Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access

Sensitive Personal Information:

• Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
• Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
• Medical records submitted as exhibits are subject to HIPAA protections

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a dissolution of marriage case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies may access sealed records pursuant to court order or statutory authority.

Who Can Access Records

Requester	Level of Access
General public	Public documents, docket entries, final decree
Parties to the case	Full access to own case file, including restricted portions
Attorneys of record	Full access; may petition for sealed documents
Law enforcement	Access pursuant to statutory authority
Researchers and media	Public portions; sealed records require court permission

Restrictions on Use:

• Records may not be used for stalking, harassment, or identity theft
• Use of records in violation of a protective order is prohibited
• Commercial exploitation of personal information from court records may be restricted under Iowa law

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Boone County District Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the individuals involved.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Boone County?

The Boone County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certifications of divorce records in accordance with the Iowa Code and the Iowa Supreme Court's fee schedule. Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse without charge; fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested.

Current Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Inspection of public records (in person)	No charge
Standard paper copies	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree or court order	$20.00 per document (standard Iowa court certification fee)
Electronic copies (where available)	Fees may vary; confirm with Clerk's office
Search fee	No separate search fee for standard requests

Notes on Fees:

• Fees are established pursuant to Iowa Code and Iowa Supreme Court administrative rules governing court costs
• The Clerk of Court accepts payment by cash, check, or money order; confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the office at (515) 433-0561
• Parties who are indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees in connection with their own case
• Fees for mail requests should be submitted by check or money order payable to the Boone County Clerk of Court
• There is no charge to view basic case information through the Iowa Courts Online electronic docket search

What Is Available at No Cost:

• Online docket review through Iowa Courts Online
• In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
• Basic case status confirmation by phone

What's Included in Divorce Records in Boone County

A dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Boone County Clerk of Court is a comprehensive collection of documents generated from the date of filing through the entry of the final decree and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings. The contents of any individual file vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.

Basic Case Information

Every dissolution of marriage file contains a case caption identifying the case number, the name of the assigned district court judge, the names of both parties (petitioner and respondent), the names of attorneys of record, the date of filing, and the case type designation. This information appears on the docket and is accessible through the Iowa Courts Online search system.

Initial Pleadings

The petition for dissolution of marriage is the foundational document of the case file. It identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the basis for Iowa jurisdiction, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested by the petitioner, including property division, support, and custody arrangements. The respondent's answer or response, and any counterpetition, are also part of the initial pleadings.

Financial affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities. These affidavits form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.

Discovery Documents

In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and supporting financial records including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business financial statements. Property inventories and appraisals, including home appraisals and business valuations, are filed as exhibits.

Children-Related Documents

When minor children are involved, the case file contains a parenting plan addressing legal custody, physical care, a detailed timesharing schedule for regular days, holidays, and school breaks, transportation arrangements, and provisions for decision-making regarding education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and the court-ordered support amount are also part of the file. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be subject to restricted access.

Settlement Documents

A marital settlement agreement, when the parties reach a negotiated resolution, is a comprehensive document addressing all issues in the case, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement or filed separately.

Court Orders and Final Judgment

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and use of property, are part of the case file. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all final determinations regarding property, support, and custody. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is filed as a separate order directing the plan administrator.

Post-Judgment Documents

The case file may be supplemented after entry of the final decree by petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These post-judgment documents are indexed in the same case file and are accessible through the same search methods.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

• Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
• Residential addresses and school information for minor children
• Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
• Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
• Sealed settlement negotiations and mediation communications

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Boone County?

Proof of divorce in Boone County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution of marriage issued by the Boone County Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the signature of the Clerk, and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

1. Identify the case. Locate the case number and filing date using the Iowa Courts Online case search or by contacting the Clerk of Court at (515) 433-0561.

2. Submit a request. Members of the public may request a certified copy in person at the Boone County Courthouse, by mail, or in some instances through the Iowa Courts electronic filing system. The Iowa Judicial Branch court forms page provides access to standardized request forms used in Iowa district courts.

3. Provide identifying information. The request must include the full names of both parties, the case number if known, the approximate date of the final decree, and the requester's contact information.

4. Pay applicable fees. The current certification fee is $20.00 per document. Payment may be made in person by cash, check, or money order, or by check or money order for mail requests payable to the Boone County Clerk of Court.

5. Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are fulfilled at the counter during regular business hours. Mail requests are processed in the order received, with a typical turnaround of one to two weeks.

Boone County Clerk of Court
201 State Street
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 433-0561
Iowa Judicial Branch

Members of the public who require proof of divorce for genealogical or historical research purposes may also consult the State Historical Society of Iowa, which maintains historic Iowa court and vital records.

As noted in the Boone County Recorder's FAQ, the Boone County Clerk of Court is the appropriate office for divorce record requests, as the Recorder's Office does not maintain dissolution of marriage case files.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Boone County?

A dissolution of marriage proceeding filed in Boone County District Court is presumptively a public record under Iowa law; however, specific portions of a case file may be made confidential by court order or by operation of statute.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:

• Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive personal information, trade secrets, or safety concerns for a domestic violence victim.
• Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are central to the proceeding, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence.
• Children's information: Pursuant to Iowa court rules, certain information identifying minor children, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and psychological evaluations, is subject to restricted access.
• Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice.
• Mediation communications: Under Iowa law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public case file.
• Mental health and substance abuse records: Clinical records submitted as exhibits are subject to state and federal privacy protections and may be filed under seal.

Members of the public who believe a case has been improperly sealed, or who seek access to a sealed record for a legitimate purpose, may file a motion with the Boone County District Court. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open records against the privacy interests at stake.

How Long Does Boone County Keep Divorce Records?

The Boone County Clerk of Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Iowa Court Records Retention Schedule established by the Iowa Supreme Court and the Iowa State Archives.

Retention Periods:

• Active and recently closed case files: Retained indefinitely by the Clerk of Court; dissolution of marriage records are considered permanent records under Iowa court retention policy.
• Final decrees and judgments: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents do not expire or become unavailable over time.
• Electronic case records: Cases filed through the Iowa Courts electronic filing system are maintained in the statewide electronic database and are accessible through Iowa Courts Online without a defined expiration.
• Paper case files (pre-digitization): Older paper records may be transferred to the Iowa State Archives or retained in the Clerk's office storage. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Clerk's office to confirm the location and availability of the file.
• Historical records: Dissolution of marriage records from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries may be held by the State Historical Society of Iowa, which maintains historic Iowa court records for genealogical research purposes.

Iowa's court records retention policy treats final judgments in civil cases, including dissolution of marriage decrees, as permanent records that are not subject to routine destruction. Post-judgment documents, including modification orders and enforcement actions, are retained as part of the same permanent case file.

Lookup Divorce Records in Boone County

• Recorder's Office — Boone County Government
• Iowa Courts Online case search
• Boone County Recorder frequently asked questions
• Recorder forms and applications — Boone County
• Iowa Judicial Branch court forms
• Boone County open records request form
• Iowa Department of Health and Human Services vital records
• State Historical Society of Iowa vital records