Lee County Public Records /Lee County Divorce Records

Lee County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Lee County in 2026

LeeIARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lee County, Iowa. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage case filings, final decrees, docket entries, party names, and related court documents. Available record categories include divorce petitions, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case date and filing status.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk of court offices, public access terminals, and online tools provided by the Iowa Judicial Branch. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Lee County divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Iowa Courts Online case search system is the most common method for locating divorce records. Members of the public may search by party name or case number at no charge for basic docket information. Fees apply when requesting copies of filed documents.

2. State Court System Portal

The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains a statewide portal through which members of the public may search court records across all Iowa judicial districts, including Lee County. The consolidated database allows searches spanning multiple jurisdictions and case types.

3. State Vital Records

Iowa does not issue divorce certificates through its vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office maintains certain dissolution records and may provide verification of divorce events. Fees apply for certified record requests submitted through that office.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Lee County (North)

Lee County Clerk of District Court (Ft. Madison)
933 Avenue H
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone: (319) 372-3523
Lee North | Judicial District 8 - Iowa Judicial Branch

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived or older case files

Lee County Clerk of District Court (Keokuk)
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Lee County operates two courthouse locations due to its unique dual-county-seat structure. Divorce cases may be filed at either location depending on the residence of the petitioning party at the time of filing.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to the appropriate Clerk of District Court location listed above. Written requests should include:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of the divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of the request, if required by the clerk
Payment for applicable copy fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, though older or archived records may require additional time.

By Phone

Limited Information Available:

The Clerk of Court may confirm limited case information by telephone:

Fort Madison: (319) 372-3523
Keokuk: (319) 524-1440

Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, and confidential information are not available by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Iowa may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex or older cases where records may not be readily accessible through standard search methods. The Iowa State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of the divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Lee County
Names of minor children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Iowa Code § 598.2, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in 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. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.

Residency Requirement: Under current Iowa law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Iowa for one year immediately preceding the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage, as provided under § 598.6.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final decree is entered
Electronic filing has reduced processing delays for cases filed in recent years

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
Digitization of older records varies; some files require physical retrieval
Allow additional time when requesting records from archived or historical case files

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case is still pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office at (319) 372-3523 (Fort Madison) or (319) 524-1440 (Keokuk)
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services vital records for dissolution verification
Consult a licensed Iowa attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records

What Are Lee County Divorce Records?

Lee County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Iowa District Court for Lee County. These records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. Under Iowa law, dissolution of marriage proceedings are governed by Iowa Code Chapter 598, which establishes the legal framework for all aspects of marital dissolution in the state.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the following documents:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and notices filed during the proceeding
Transcripts of court hearings, where prepared
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and physical care arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

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

Supporting Documents filed in the case file may include:

The original marriage certificate
Financial disclosure statements and tax returns
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan details and modification orders entered after the original decree

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:

Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Documenting legal status for immigration proceedings
Establishing eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
Supporting genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Clerk of District Court for Lee County is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The State Historical Society of Iowa also maintains historical vital and court records, including divorce records from across the state at both the county and state levels, which may be useful for older or genealogical research requests.

Are Lee County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Lee County District Court are public court records subject to Iowa's public records framework. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. The presumption of public access applies to family law court records under Iowa law, though certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled events
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements may have limited public access
Tax returns filed with the court may be sealed or restricted

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
Schools attended by children are not disclosed
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.

Who Can Access Records:

Requestor	Level of Access
General public	Public documents, docket summaries, copies upon payment of fees
Parties to the case	Full access to their own case file, including confidential documents
Attorneys of record	Access to case files; may petition for sealed documents
Law enforcement	Statutory access to certain restricted records
Researchers and media	Access to public portions; court permission required for sealed records

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to confidential or sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Lee County District Court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved. Certain entities, including child protective services investigators and court-appointed evaluators, have statutory access to restricted records without filing a separate motion.

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

The Clerk of District Court for Lee County charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. The following fee structure reflects current rates applicable to court record requests in Iowa district courts.

Service	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$20.00 per document
Certification fee (per document)	Included in certified copy fee
Electronic copy (where available)	Varies; contact clerk
Search fee	No separate search fee charged

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Check or money order payable to the Clerk of District Court (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (availability varies by location; confirm with clerk)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Parties to the original case who are seeking copies of their own records may also inquire about reduced-fee arrangements with the clerk's office.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket information through the Iowa Courts Online search system is free of charge
Basic case status and party name information is accessible without payment
Public access terminals at the courthouse allow document viewing without per-page copy fees

Fees for certified copies requested through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for dissolution verification may differ from court copy fees and are established separately by that agency.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Lee County

A complete Lee County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Clerk of District Court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment modifications. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

The case caption identifies the case number, the name of the court and division, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned to the case, and the attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the petition was filed, the filing fees paid, the case type designation, and the basis for the court's jurisdiction.

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, and the grounds for dissolution. Under Iowa law, the sole ground for dissolution is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably with no reasonable likelihood of preservation, as provided under § 598.17. The petition also identifies any minor children, states current custody and visitation arrangements, and sets forth the relief requested regarding property, support, and custody.

The response or answer filed by the respondent states that party's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requests for relief.

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 including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.

Discovery Documents:

Financial disclosure documents filed during discovery may include recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, and business financial statements where a party owns or operates a business. Interrogatories consist of written questions and sworn answers exchanged between the parties. Requests for production result in the filing of documents, property inventories, and financial records with the court.

Property-Related Documents:

The marital asset inventory describes and values all real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, personal property, jewelry, art, and other assets. The debt inventory identifies all mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, personal loans, business debt, tax obligations, and other liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property may be filed as exhibits.

Children-Related Documents:

Where minor children are involved, the case file contains a parenting plan establishing legal custody, physical care, and a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, summer, and vacation periods. The child support calculation worksheet reflects both parties' income, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare costs, and states the support amount ordered. Custody evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered by the court, are part of the case file, though some of these documents may be sealed.

Settlement Documents:

A marital settlement agreement, where the parties resolve all issues by agreement, addresses property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, attorney fee allocation, and all other terms of the dissolution. Mediation agreements reached through court-ordered or voluntary mediation may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and temporary restraining orders. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's permanent order ending the marriage. It contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division determinations, spousal support orders, child custody and timesharing provisions, child support orders, and any name restoration granted. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order is entered as a separate order directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.

Post-Judgment Documents:

After entry of the final decree, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. The Iowa Judicial Branch provides guidance on post-judgment proceedings, including enforcement of divorce decrees entered by courts of other states.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details where a protective order is in effect
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lee County

Proof of divorce in Lee County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Clerk of District Court. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and constitutes legally recognized proof that the marriage was dissolved.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the correct courthouse location (Fort Madison or Keokuk) based on where the case was filed.
Locate the case number using the Iowa Courts Online search system or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
Submit a request in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk, providing the full names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, and the case number if known.
Pay the applicable certified copy fee (currently $20.00 per document).
Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.

Fort Madison Location:

Lee County Clerk of District Court
933 Avenue H
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone: (319) 372-3523
Lee North | Judicial District 8

Keokuk Location:

Lee County Clerk of District Court
25 North 7th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-1440

For dissolution events that may be verified through state records, members of the public may also submit a request to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services following the procedures described on the how to request a certified record page. The state office maintains certain dissolution records and may provide verification letters for events registered at the state level.

For historical divorce records, the State Historical Society of Iowa maintains birth, marriage, divorce, and death records from across the state and may be a useful resource for older dissolution records not readily available through the court system.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lee County?

Divorce proceedings in Lee County are presumptively public; however, Iowa law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under defined circumstances.

A party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed, and the court will apply a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public's right of access.
Cases involving allegations of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or child abuse may have sensitive documents sealed or redacted to protect the safety of victims and minor children.
Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and children's identifying information are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice under Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure.
Mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and psychological assessments of children ordered by the court are restricted from general public access.
Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public case file.
Confidential settlements reached outside of court proceedings are not filed with the court and therefore do not become part of the public record.
A court may seal a case involving a high-profile party upon a specific showing that public access would cause substantial harm outweighing the public interest in transparency.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Lee County District Court. The Iowa Judicial Branch provides procedural guidance on accessing court records subject to confidentiality restrictions.

How Long Does Lee County Keep Divorce Records?

Lee County District Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Iowa court records retention schedules established by the Iowa Supreme Court and the State Records Commission.

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage and the complete case file are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
Docket entries and case indexes are maintained permanently and are accessible through the Iowa Courts Online system for cases filed in the electronic era.
Paper case files predating electronic filing are retained in the courthouse or transferred to off-site storage and remain retrievable upon request, though retrieval may require additional processing time.
Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions are added to the original case file and retained as part of the permanent record.
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case are retained as part of the complete case file for the same permanent retention period.
Audio recordings of court proceedings are retained for a period established by Iowa Supreme Court administrative rules, which may differ from the permanent retention period applicable to filed documents.
Records transferred to the State Historical Society of Iowa for archival preservation are maintained indefinitely and remain accessible for genealogical and historical research purposes.

Members of the public seeking older or archived divorce records should contact the Clerk of District Court directly to confirm the location and retrieval process for the specific case.