Iowa
Iowa Small Claims Court: $6,500 Limit, Fees and How to File
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 7, 2026). · 27 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Iowa, you can sue for up to $6,500 in small claims court, not counting interest and court costs. The limit comes from Iowa Code § 631.1(1)(b), which covers money claims where "the amount in controversy is six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018, exclusive of interest and costs."
Small claims are heard by the Iowa District Court, most often by a judicial magistrate, with no jury. This guide walks through an Iowa case in the order you will live it, from filing to collecting. For other states, see our guide to small claims court by state.
Information last verified on 2026-10-07. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers small claims in the Iowa District Court under Iowa Code chapter 631. It does not cover forcible entry and detainer (eviction) cases, regular civil cases in district court, or small claims in other states.
Iowa small claims limit: $6,500
The limit is $6,500 for a civil action for a money judgment, "exclusive of interest and costs," for actions started on or after July 1, 2018 (Iowa Code § 631.1(1)(b)). The Iowa Judicial Branch's small claims page states the same figure: "A small claims case is a civil action for a money judgment in which the amount of damages is $6,500 or less."
The same $6,500 cap applies to several other matters chapter 631 sends to small claims, including the value of property in a replevin action (to get specific personal property back) and certain motions about executions and garnishments. Small claims also has concurrent jurisdiction over some eviction (forcible entry and detainer) cases, which this guide does not cover.
Chapter 631 sets no limit on how many small claims you can file in a year, and it uses the same limit for individuals and businesses.
If your claim is worth more than $6,500
Neither chapter 631 nor the court's small claims page addresses whether you can split a larger claim into several small claims, or drop the amount over $6,500 to fit. Reducing a claim may mean giving up the rest, so ask a lawyer before you cut a claim down.
If a party joins a small claim with a claim that is not a small claim, Iowa Code § 631.8(2) gives the court two options: hear the small claim under chapter 631 and dismiss the other claim without prejudice, or order both tried under regular procedure.
Is the limit changing?
We found no enacted change to the $6,500 limit. The legislature did change small claims fees in 2026, covered in the next section.
Filing fees
| Item | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Filing and docketing fee | $115 (fees paid on or after July 1, 2026; was $95) | Iowa Code § 631.6; HF 2770 |
| Postage when the clerk mails the original notice by certified mail | $20 | Iowa Code § 631.6(1)(c) |
| Appeal of a small claims judgment | $215 (was $195) | Iowa Code § 602.8105(1)(g) |
| Praecipe for execution (to collect) | $55 | Iowa Judicial Branch fee page |
House File 2770, the 2026 judicial branch appropriations act, raised the small claims filing fee from $95 to $115 and the appeal fee from $195 to $215 for fees paid on or after July 1, 2026. The Iowa Judicial Branch civil court fee page lists the new $115 and $215 figures. The legislature's printed Code pages, dated before the change, still show $95 and $195, so trust the court's fee page.
Personal service by a sheriff or other peace officer costs extra, at fees set by law. Ask the clerk or the sheriff what it will cost in your county.
Deferring the fees
Iowa does not waive fees outright for people who cannot pay; it postpones them. You "file a written Application to Defer Costs with the clerk of court and a judge will decide whether or not to postpone the fees." Deferred fees may later be charged as costs to the losing party.
Who can file, and do you need a lawyer?
Individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations and other entities can sue or defend in small claims. A lawyer is not required, and any party may hire one. Under Iowa Code § 631.14:
- Businesses and other entities may be represented "by an officer or an employee."
- Owners of residential rental property may appear through an employee or a property manager.
- Collection assignees in the regular business of taking assignments under chapter 539 may sue on an assigned account or instrument in their own name without a lawyer. An action on a dishonored check or draft must be brought in the maker's county or the county where it was first presented.
The court can bar an assignee who falsely holds itself out as a lawyer (Iowa Code § 631.17).
Every claim must also be filed within the legal deadline for that type of claim. See our guide to the Iowa statute of limitations.
Where to file
Iowa Code § 631.2(3) applies Iowa's general venue statutes to small claims:
- Most claims against a person or business: a county where some defendant actually resides, or any county where a nonresident defendant is found (Iowa Code § 616.17).
- A written contract to be performed at a particular place: the county where it was to be performed (Iowa Code § 616.7).
- Injury or property damage claims: the county where a defendant lives or the county where the injury or damage happened (Iowa Code § 616.18).
- Actions to recover real property or decide an interest in it: the county where the property is (Iowa Code § 616.1).
Iowa uses electronic filing. The court's small claims page tells self-represented filers to file the Original Notice electronically and pay the filing fee; paper filing is allowed only if the court permits it. With a claim for money you also file a Verification of Account (Form 3.27) for each defendant, with an itemized statement showing how you reached the amount.
Serving the defendant
You choose how the defendant is served (Iowa Code § 631.4):
- By the clerk, by certified mail. For an individual, restricted delivery with a return receipt. For a corporation, partnership or association, certified mail with a return receipt (not restricted). The $20 postage applies.
- In person. The clerk delivers the papers to a peace officer or another person for personal service under the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure.
Nonresident defendants can be served by a method the court approves, which gives them 60 days to appear, or through the Secretary of State under Iowa Code § 617.3. Proof of service is the signed return receipt or a return of service.
If only some defendants are served, you can go forward against those who were served or ask for a continuance of up to 60 days (Iowa Code § 631.5(3)).
If you are the defendant
"The defendant is required to appear within twenty days following the date service is made" (60 days for nonresident cases). The Judicial Branch tells defendants to file an Appearance and Answer, which has no fee. You may appear yourself or through a lawyer, and denying the claim does not waive any defense.
Once the defendant appears, the hearing is set at least 5 and no more than 20 days after the latest timely appearance, unless the court orders otherwise (Iowa Code § 631.5(2)).
Counterclaims
A counterclaim must be in writing on the standard form (Iowa Code § 631.7(3)); the Judicial Branch offers a counterclaim eForm. You do not need a counterclaim to ask for an offset that arises from the plaintiff's own claim.
A counterclaim above the small claims amount must be filed as a regular pleading. The court then either tries the counterclaim under regular procedure while hearing the small claim, or orders the whole case tried under regular procedure (Iowa Code § 631.8(4)).
Missing the hearing: defaults and dismissals
Iowa Code § 631.10 spells out what happens when someone does not show up:
| Who is missing | Result |
|---|---|
| The plaintiff, while the defendant appears | Claim "dismissed with prejudice" and costs assessed to the plaintiff |
| Both parties | Claim dismissed without prejudice |
| The defendant | Judgment may be entered against the defendant |
The clerk can enter a default judgment when the amount owed is readily ascertainable and notice was proper; otherwise a magistrate decides.
Before any default judgment, federal law requires the plaintiff to file an affidavit stating whether the defendant is in military service (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. § 3931).
Separately, a claim that is not decided within 90 days after the last continuance or record entry is dismissed without prejudice by the clerk (Iowa Code § 631.8(1)), so a case that stalls can disappear.
Setting aside a default judgment
A defendant can ask the court to set aside a default under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.977 (Iowa Code § 631.12(2)). The Judicial Branch says to file the motion promptly after discovering the grounds and "not more than sixty days after entry of the judgment." Good cause includes mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect or unavoidable casualty.
The hearing
Small claims are tried by a judge, not a jury. Under Iowa Code § 631.2, cases "may be tried by a judicial magistrate, a district associate judge, or a district judge," and magistrates hear most of them.
- Informal procedure. The hearing is simple and informal, without regard to technical rules of procedure (Iowa Code § 631.11).
- Under oath. The court swears in the parties and witnesses.
- Standard of proof. "Judgment shall be rendered, based upon applicable law and upon a preponderance of the evidence."
- Witnesses. The clerk issues subpoenas on request (Iowa Code § 631.3(4)).
- Recording. The hearing is not reported by a certified court reporter unless a party provides one; otherwise it is electronically recorded, with advance notice to the parties.
Appeals
Any party can appeal (Iowa Code § 631.13). You give oral notice at the end of the hearing or file a written notice of appeal with the clerk within 20 days after judgment, and you pay the $215 appeal fee within the same 20 days. "No appeal shall be taken after twenty days." The Judicial Branch publishes Small Claims Form 3.26, Notice of Appeal.
The appeal stays in district court but goes to a different or higher judge: a magistrate's ruling goes to a district associate judge or district judge, a district associate judge's ruling goes to a district judge, and a district judge's ruling goes to another district judge. The appeal is decided on the record, without new evidence, though the judge may order more evidence if the record is inadequate.
Execution is stayed when the appellant files an appeal bond, with a surety approved by the clerk, in the amount of the judgment. Further review is only by discretionary review in the Iowa Supreme Court, not as of right (Iowa Code § 631.16).
Collecting an Iowa small claims judgment
A judgment does not guarantee payment. The judgment is entered in the small claims docket and lien book and works as a lien like other judgments (Iowa Code § 631.12(1)). The lien on the debtor's Iowa real estate lasts 10 years from the judgment and generally does not attach to a homestead (Iowa Code § 624.23).
- Installment orders. If the court orders payments, there is no execution while the payments are made. If the debtor stops paying, execution can issue for the full unpaid balance after you file an affidavit of default.
- Execution. File a praecipe for execution with the clerk ($55). The sheriff can levy on property or garnish under chapter 626. "The sheriff will continue collection efforts until the judgment is satisfied or for a 120-day period," and the process can be repeated.
- Debtor's examination. Chapter 630 provides for a debtor's examination.
- Interest. Unless a contract sets the rate, Iowa judgment interest is the one-year Treasury constant maturity rate settled just before the judgment date plus 2 percentage points (Iowa Code §§ 535.3, 668.13). A judgment on a contract that fixes an interest rate carries that rate, up to the legal maximum under Iowa Code § 535.2. The Judicial Branch publishes a monthly post-judgment interest table.
- How long it lasts. An action on a judgment of a court of record may be brought within 20 years (Iowa Code § 614.1(6)).
Some property and income is protected. Federal law shields Social Security (42 U.S.C. § 407(a)) and VA benefits (38 U.S.C. § 5301(a)(1)), and Iowa's own exemptions are in Iowa Code chapter 627. For how those work, see our guide to Iowa debt collection laws, and for wage limits, the wage garnishment calculator.
When small claims is the wrong court
A negligence claim against the federal government or a federal employee acting on the job is not a small claims case. Federal district courts have exclusive jurisdiction over those claims (28 U.S.C. § 1346(b)(1)), and the claim must first be presented to the federal agency (28 U.S.C. § 2675(a)).
Official forms and self-help
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Small Claims
- Civil court fees, updated for the 2026 legislative changes.
- Collecting a judgment
- Iowa Interactive Court Forms and the court forms library, including the small claims notice of appeal and counterclaim forms.
Related
- Small claims court by state
- Iowa statute of limitations
- Iowa debt collection laws
- Iowa landlord-tenant laws
- Illinois small claims court
- Missouri small claims court
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about Iowa small claims under Iowa Code chapter 631 and the other Iowa and federal laws cited above, verified on 2026-10-07. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For help with your situation, contact the clerk of the district court in your county, a legal aid office, or a lawyer licensed in Iowa.
Last updated: 2026-10-07.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Iowa?
$6,500, exclusive of interest and costs, for actions started on or after July 1, 2018, under Iowa Code § 631.1(1)(b).
Is the Iowa small claims limit $5,000 or $10,000?
Neither. The limit has been $6,500 since July 1, 2018 (Iowa Code § 631.1(1)(b)), and we found no enacted change to it.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Iowa?
The Iowa Judicial Branch lists a $115 filing fee for fees paid on or after July 1, 2026 (it was $95). Service costs are extra; the statute sets $20 in postage when the clerk mails the notice.
Can I get the Iowa small claims filing fee waived?
Iowa defers rather than waives. You file an Application to Defer Costs and a judge decides whether to postpone the fees, which may later be charged as costs to the losing party.
Can a lawyer represent me in small claims in Iowa?
Yes. Any party may be represented by a lawyer, but none is required, and a business or other entity may be represented by an officer or employee (Iowa Code § 631.14).
How long do I have to appeal an Iowa small claims judgment?
20 days after judgment, or by giving oral notice at the end of the hearing. The $215 appeal fee must be paid within the same 20 days, and no appeal can be taken after 20 days (Iowa Code § 631.13).
What happens if I miss my Iowa small claims hearing?
If the plaintiff misses it and the defendant appears, the claim is dismissed with prejudice and costs go to the plaintiff. If the defendant misses it, judgment may be entered against the defendant (Iowa Code § 631.10).
How do I collect an Iowa small claims judgment?
File a praecipe for execution with the clerk ($55). The sheriff can levy or garnish and continues collection for up to 120 days, and the process can be repeated.
How long is an Iowa small claims judgment good for?
An action on a judgment of a court of record can be brought within 20 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(6). The judgment lien on real estate is shorter: 10 years from the judgment, and it generally does not attach to a homestead (Iowa Code § 624.23).
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Iowa Code, Chapter 631: SMALL CLAIMS
§ 631.1Small claims — jurisdiction.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. The following actions or claims are small claims and shall be commenced, heard and determined as provided in this chapter: a. A civil action for a money judgment where the amount in controversy is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, exclusive of interest and costs. b. A civil action for a money judgment where the amount in controversy is six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018, exclusive of interest and costs. 2. The district court sitting in small claims shall have concurrent jurisdiction of an action for forcible entry and detainer which is based on those grounds set forth in section 648.1, subsections 1, 2, 3 and 5. When commenced under this chapter, the action shall be a small claim for the purposes of this chapter. 3. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of an action of replevin if the value of the property claimed is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, and six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Also relied on in: Iowa Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
§ 631.13Appeals.In force
1. Notice. An appeal from a judgment in small claims may be taken by any party by giving oral notice to the court at the conclusion of the hearing, or by filing a written notice of appeal with the clerk within twenty days after judgment is rendered. In either case, the appealing party shall pay to the clerk within that twenty days the usual district court docket fee to perfect the appeal. No appeal shall be taken after twenty days. 2. Stay of judgment. Execution of judgment shall be stayed upon the filing with the clerk of the district court an appeal bond with surety approved by the clerk, in the sum specified in the judgment. 3. Transcript. Within twenty days after an appeal is taken, unless extended by order of a district judge or by stipulation of the parties, any party may file with the clerk as part of the record a transcript of the official report, if any, or in the event the report was made electronically, a transcription of the recording. If a transcription of an electronic recording is filed, the record on appeal shall contain the tape or other medium on which the proceedings were preserved.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 631.14Representation in small claims actions.In force
1. Actions constituting small claims may be brought or defended by an individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity. In actions in which a person other than an individual is a party, that person may be represented by an officer or an employee. 2. a. In actions concerning residential rental property that is titled in the name of one or more individuals, an employee of one or more of the titled owners, or an officer or employee of a property management entity acting on behalf of one or more of the titled owners, may bring or defend an action in the name of the titled owners, the property management entity, or the name by which the property is commonly known. b. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, if the defendant or plaintiff has been improperly named in the petition in an action concerning residential rental property, the real party in interest shall be substituted at the time the error is identified and the action shall not be dismissed or delayed except to the extent necessary to identify and serve the real parties in interest. 3.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 631.6Fees and costs.In force
1. The clerk of the district court shall collect the following fees and costs in small claims actions, which shall be paid in advance and assessed as costs in the action: a. Fees for filing and docketing shall be ninety-five dollars. b. Fees for service of notice on nonresidents are as provided in section 617.3. c. Postage charged for the mailing of original notice shall be twenty dollars. d. Fees for personal service by peace officers or other officials of the state are the amounts specified by law. 2. The amounts collected for filing and docketing shall be distributed as provided in section 602.8108.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 631.4Service — time for appearance.In force
The manner of service of original notice and the times for appearance shall be as provided in this section. 1. Actions for money judgment or replevin. In an action for money judgment or an action of replevin the clerk shall cause service to be obtained as follows, and the defendant is required to appear within the period of time specified: a. If the defendant is a resident of this state, or if the defendant is a nonresident of this state and is subject to the jurisdiction of the court under rule of civil procedure 1.306 , the plaintiff may elect service under this paragraph, and upon receipt of the prescribed costs the clerk shall mail to the defendant by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt to the clerk requested, a copy of the original notice together with a conforming copy of an answer form. However, if the defendant is a corporation, partnership, or association, the clerk shall mail to the defendant by certified mail, return receipt to the clerk requested, a copy of the original notice with a conforming copy of an answer form. The defendant is required to appear within twenty days following the date service is made. b.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 631.10Failure to appear — effect.In force
Unless good cause to the contrary is shown, if the parties fail to appear at the time of hearing the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice by the court; if the plaintiff fails to appear but the defendant appears, the claim shall be dismissed with prejudice by the court with costs assessed to the plaintiff; and if the plaintiff appears but the defendant fails to appear, judgment may be rendered against the defendant by the court. The filing by the plaintiff of a verified account, or an instrument in writing for the payment of money with an affidavit the same is genuine, shall constitute an appearance by plaintiff for the purpose of this section.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 631.12Entry of judgment — setting aside default judgment.In force
1. The clerk shall immediately enter the judgment in the small claims docket and district court lien book, without recording. Relief shall be granted as is appropriate. Upon entering judgment, the court may provide for installment payments to be made directly by the party obligated to the party entitled thereto. If installment payments are ordered, execution shall not issue as long as the payments are made, but execution shall issue for the full unpaid balance of the judgment upon the filing of an affidavit of default. When entered on the small claims docket and district court lien book, a small claims judgment shall constitute a lien to the same extent as regular judgments entered on the district court judgment docket and lien book. However, if a small claims judgment requires installment payments, the judgment shall not be enforceable until an affidavit of default is filed. 2. A defendant may move to set aside a default judgment in the manner provided for doing so in district court by rule of civil procedure 1.977 .
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Iowa Code, Chapter 668: LIABILITY IN TORT
§ 668.13Interest on judgments.In force
Interest shall be allowed on all money due on judgments and decrees on actions brought pursuant to this chapter, subject to the following: 1. Interest, except interest awarded for future damages, shall accrue from the date of the commencement of the action. 2. If the interest rate is fixed by a contract on which the judgment or decree is rendered, the interest allowed shall be at the rate expressed in the contract, not exceeding the maximum rate permitted under section 535.2. 3. Interest shall be calculated as of the date of judgment at a rate equal to the one-year treasury constant maturity published by the federal reserve in the H15 report settled immediately prior to the date of the judgment plus two percent. The state court administrator shall distribute notice monthly of that rate and any changes to that rate to all district courts. 4. Interest awarded for future damages shall not begin to accrue until the date of the entry of the judgment. 5. Interest shall be computed daily to the date of the payment, except as may otherwise be ordered by the court pursuant to a structured judgment under section 668.3, subsection 7. 6.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Iowa Code, Chapter 614: LIMITATIONS OF ACTIONS
§ 614.1Period.In forcecited in 18 of our articles
Actions may be brought within the times limited as follows, respectively, after their causes accrue, and not afterwards, except when otherwise specially declared: 1. Penalties or forfeitures under ordinance. Those to enforce the payment of a penalty or forfeiture under an ordinance, within one year. 2. Injuries to person or reputation — relative rights — statute penalty. Those founded on injuries to the person or reputation, including injuries to relative rights, whether based on contract or tort, or for a statute penalty, within two years. 2A. With respect to products. a.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 459 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Iowa courts pick the subsection by the nature of the right sued upon. Sandbulte v. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. (1984) applied the five-year unwritten-contract period of 614.1(4), not the two-year injury period, to an insurer bad-faith claim. Rathje v. Mercy Hospital (2008) read 614.1(9)(a) to run from knowledge of injury and cause.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Sandbulte v. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. (Supreme Court of Iowa 1984, 343 N.W.2d 457)✓Insureds sued their carrier for bad faith failure to defend and for failing to advise on adequate coverage; the Iowa Supreme Court held both claims rested on implied contracts, so the five-year period of section 614.1(4) applied, not the two-year period of 614.1(2).
- Miller v. Boone County Hospital (Supreme Court of Iowa 1986, 394 N.W.2d 776)✓A mother sued a county hospital nearly two years after its staff allegedly gave negligent advice about her feverish infant; the Iowa Supreme Court struck the 60-day notice rule of section 613A.5 on equal protection grounds and held chapter 614 supplies the limitation period.
- Hamm v. Allied Mutual Insurance Co. (Supreme Court of Iowa 2000, 612 N.W.2d 775)✓After settling with an underinsured driver, insureds sued their own carrier for underinsured motorist benefits; the Iowa Supreme Court held the policy set no limitation period of its own, so section 614.1(5)'s ten-year contract period ran from the insurer's denial.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Iowa Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Iowa Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026), Motorcycle Accident Laws in Iowa (2026): Deadlines & Helmets
Iowa Code, Chapter 627: EXEMPTIONS
§ 627.6General exemptions.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
A debtor who is a resident of this state may hold exempt from execution the following property: 1. The debtor’s interest in: a. Any wedding or engagement ring owned or received by the debtor or the debtor’s dependents. However, any interest acquired in one or more wedding or engagement rings owned or received by the debtor or the debtor’s dependents after the date of marriage and within two years of the date the execution is issued or an exemption is claimed shall not exceed a value equal to seven thousand dollars in the aggregate minus the amount claimed by the debtor for any other jewelry claimed in paragraph “b”. b. All jewelry of the debtor and the debtor’s dependents owned or received by the debtor or the debtor’s dependents, not to exceed in value two thousand dollars in the aggregate. 2. One shotgun, and either one rifle or one musket. 3. Private libraries, family bibles, portraits, pictures and paintings not to exceed in value one thousand dollars in the aggregate. 4. An interment space or an interest in a public or private burying ground, not exceeding one acre for any defendant. 5.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 145 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Smith-Porter v. Iowa Department of Human Services (Supreme Court of Iowa 1999, 590 N.W.2d 541)“…The question is whether the disability benefit exemption of Iowa Code section 627.6(8)(c) applies in this situation to prot…”
- Deblois v. Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service (Supreme Court of Iowa 1995, 531 N.W.2d 128)“…and [the department] under the last unnumbered paragraph of Iowa Code section 627.6(6).” By its ruling the court rej…”
- Muff Corp. v. Paige (Court of Appeals of Iowa 2022)“…inherited IRAs are not exempt from Paige’s creditors under Iowa Code section 627.6(8)(f) (2018). Because inherited IRAs a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Bankruptcy in Iowa (2026): Exemptions & Means Test, Iowa Debt Collection Laws: Garnishment Limits, the Right to Cure, and Debt Deadlines
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Sources and References
- Iowa Code § 631.1 (small claims jurisdiction and $6,500 limit)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Small Claims(iowacourts.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.8 (joinder, dismissal for inactivity, counterclaims)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Civil Court Fees(iowacourts.gov).gov
- House File 2770 (2026), enrolled text amending small claims fees(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.6 (small claims fees and postage)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.14 (representation of parties)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 616.17 (venue for personal actions)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.4 (original notice and service)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.10 (defaults and dismissals)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- 50 U.S.C. § 3931 (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, default judgments)(govinfo.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.2 (who hears small claims)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.11 (hearing procedure)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 631.13 (appeals)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Collecting a Judgment(iowacourts.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Post Judgment Interest Table(iowacourts.gov).gov
- 42 U.S.C. § 407 (Social Security benefits protected from legal process)(govinfo.gov).gov
- 38 U.S.C. § 5301 (VA benefits protected from creditors)(govinfo.gov).gov
- 28 U.S.C. § 1346 (federal court jurisdiction over claims against the United States)(govinfo.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Iowa Interactive Court Forms(iowacourts.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Court Forms(iowacourts.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 668.13 (interest on judgments; contract rate)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 624.23 (judgment liens on real estate; homesteads)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 616.18 (venue for personal injury or property damage actions)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code § 616.1 (venue for real property actions)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Instructions for Filing a Small Claims Action for Money Judgment(iowacourts.gov).gov
- 28 U.S.C. § 2675 (claim must first be presented to the federal agency)(govinfo.gov).gov