Iowa: divorce rules by state
How long you must live in a state before filing for divorce, how long you wait after filing, and any separation the state requires.
| Residency requirement | 1 year, unless the respondent is an Iowa resident served in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Residency law | Iowa Code § 598.5 |
| Waiting period after filing | 90 days after service |
| Separation required (no-fault divorce) | None |
Courts can shorten the 90 days only for good cause.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Iowa.
Also for Iowa: Car insurance by state in Iowa · Discrimination deadlines in Iowa · Workers' comp deadlines in Iowa · Small estate limits in Iowa · Small claims limits in Iowa · Homestead exemptions in Iowa · Claim deadlines in Iowa · Paid leave programs in Iowa · DUI penalties in Iowa · Medicaid long-term care in Iowa
How we checked this
Residency rules come from a statute-cited 50-state chart and were compared with two other 50-state tables. Disputed states were checked on the state's own code. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.