Research Guides: Iowa Legal Resources for Community Patrons: Representing Yourself (Pro Se)

Representing Yourself

Representing Yourself (Iowa Judicial Branch)
Provides general information on conduct and procedures for court and frequently asked questions.
How to Represent Yourself (Iowa Bar)
Provides an outline of general tips on conduct and procedures. These suggestions may seem simplistic, but they are important to know before you go to court.

Court Directory
Directory of all courts in Iowa. Choose your county for more information.
Court Rules (2002 to Present)
Rules of procedure, pleadings, practice, evidence, and the forms of process, writs and notices, for all proceedings in the state courts as prescribed by the Iowa Supreme.

The Iowa Judicial Branch has made available many state court forms.

Court Forms - Self Prepared
- Self prepared court forms are available for appellate, attorney disciple, business court, child support, civil (general), commitments or hospitalizations, conservatorship, criminal, custody (parents not married), divorce, domestic violence or abuse, elder abuse, expanded news media coverage, expediated civil action, expunge court record, family law mediation, guardianship, interpreter and translator, juvenile, name change, paternity, pro hac vice, probate, protecting personal information, sexual abuse, small claims, transcripts from electronic recordings and court proceedings, and trial scheduling and discovery plan.
Interactive Court Forms
- Free, easy-to-use program for preparing certain forms for domestic abuse, elder abuse, child support modifications, fee waivers, name changes, small claims, and divorce with no minor or dependent adult children cases.

The Iowa Judicial Branch allows self represented litigants to electronically file documents.

Electronic Filing
- Use the eFile System to electronically file documents. You can track the status of your filings, review filings by other parties, and receive documents and notifications from the clerk’s office.

Requesting ADA Accommodations
If you wish to request an accommodation for your disability, you may contact the Disability Access Coordinator in the judicial district where your case is located. An interactive map is provided to locate your judicial district.

State Public Defender
The Office of the State Public Defender is responsible for coordinating Iowa's Indigent Defense System. Their mission is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
Qualifications for Indigence under Iowa Code §815.9
Indigent Defense Forms
Frequently Asked Questions about court appointed attorneys

Juvenile Court and Procedures
The juvenile court is a specialized court within the district court that presides over cases solely related to children, which include: Child in Need of Assistance, termination of parental rights, delinquency, and commitment.
Juvenile Court Forms
Juvenile Defender Resources
Links to Iowa and national juvenile defender resources.

Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid provides free non-criminal legal assistance and does not charge clients for legal services.

People's Law Library of Iowa
The People’s Law Library of Iowa is meant to be an easy-to-understand, basic information website about the law. The website can be a good starting point for understanding some legal issues.
Find-A-Lawyer (Iowa State Bar Association)
Attorneys listed in this directory charge $25 or less for up to 30 minutes of initial consultation.

Reference Office:
319-335-9005
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Circulation Desk:
319-335-9002
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Interlibrary Loan:
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