Reviewed August 2026
Mediation in Iowa
Iowa gives district courts the power to order mediation in a divorce or other domestic relations case. But it is not an automatic requirement written into every filing. Under Iowa Code 598.7, the district court may, on its own motion or a party's motion, order the parties to participate in mediation. The process must follow Iowa's mediation confidentiality law in chapter 679C. Participation does not mean parties are forced to agree. The statute is explicit that attending mediation, listening to the mediator's explanation, and hearing both sides does not require the parties to reach a settlement. Someone can go through the process and still end up in front of a judge if no agreement is reached. Iowa builds in a specific exit for domestic abuse. A court must grant a waiver from court-ordered mediation if a party shows that a history of domestic abuse exists. The statute doesn't apply at all to cases involving elder abuse or domestic abuse chapters, or to child or medical support enforcement actions.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how mediation works under Iowa law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Iowa paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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When a court can order mediation
Iowa Code 598.7(1) lets the district court order the parties to participate in mediation in a dissolution of marriage or other domestic relations action. This can happen on the court's own motion or on a party's motion. This mediation must comply with Iowa Code chapter 679C, Iowa's mediation procedures law. The statute does not apply if the action involves a child support or medical support obligation enforced by child support services. It also does not apply to actions involving elder abuse under chapter 235F or domestic abuse under chapter 236. Ordering mediation under this section does not take away a court's separate authority to order settlement conferences under the rules of civil procedure.
The domestic abuse waiver
Iowa Code 598.7(1) requires the court to grant a waiver from court-ordered mediation, on a party's application. This applies if that party demonstrates that a history of domestic abuse exists, as defined by Iowa Code 598.41(3)(j). This is a mandatory waiver once the showing is made, not a discretionary call left entirely to the judge. That gives someone with a documented history of abuse a clear statutory path out of a mediation order.
What participation requires
Under Iowa Code 598.7(4)(a), participating in mediation means attending a session with the mediator and the other party. It also means listening to the mediator explain the mediation process. And it means hearing one party's view of the case, then listening to the other party's response. Participation does not require the parties to reach an agreement. Parties have the right to have an attorney present and to get legal advice throughout the process, under 598.7(4)(c).
Choosing a mediator and mediator qualifications
Parties may choose their own mediator, or the court will appoint one if they don't, under Iowa Code 598.7(4)(b). A court-appointed mediator must meet qualifications the Iowa Supreme Court establishes. By statute these must include ethical standards, but cannot require the mediator to be licensed in any particular profession, under 598.7(5). The Iowa Supreme Court is also responsible for prescribing the rules for the mediation program generally, including when a district court may order participation.
Cost of mediation and getting a mediated agreement approved
Iowa Code 598.7(4)(e) puts the cost of mediation on the parties, as they agree or as the court orders. Those costs may be taxed as court costs. Mediation must be provided on a sliding fee scale for parties determined to be indigent under Iowa Code 815.9. That gives lower-income parties a reduced-cost path into the process instead of pricing them out. Once the parties reach an agreement through mediation, Iowa Code 598.7(4)(d) requires them to present it to their attorneys, if they have any. It states plainly that a mediation agreement is not enforceable until the court approves it. Reaching an agreement in mediation is only the first step. The case still needs judicial review and approval before that agreement becomes an enforceable order.
Sources: Iowa Code 598.7, Mediation (official PDF, Iowa Legislature), Iowa Judicial Branch, official site
Not independently confirmed
- Whether Iowa Code chapter 679C, the state's mediation procedures and confidentiality law, is based on or distinct from the Uniform Mediation Act
- Full text and specific confidentiality provisions of chapter 679C
- Sliding fee scale amounts and indigency thresholds under Iowa Code 815.9 as applied to mediation specifically
Mediation in Iowa: frequently asked questions
Is mediation required for divorce in Iowa?+
Not automatically for every case. Iowa Code 598.7 lets the district court order mediation in a dissolution of marriage or domestic relations action. It can act on its own motion or a party's motion. But there is no blanket statewide rule forcing every filing into mediation from the start.
Can I get out of mediation in Iowa if there's been domestic abuse?+
Yes. Iowa Code 598.7(1) requires the court to grant a waiver from court-ordered mediation if a party applies. The party must show that a history of domestic abuse exists, as defined in Iowa Code 598.41(3)(j). The statute also does not apply at all to actions involving domestic abuse under chapter 236 or elder abuse under chapter 235F.
Do I have to agree to something during Iowa mediation?+
No. Iowa Code 598.7(4)(a) is explicit that participation in mediation, meaning attending the session and listening to both sides, does not require the parties to reach an agreement. You can go through mediation and still have the case decided by a judge if no settlement results.
Who picks the mediator in an Iowa divorce case?+
Parties may choose their own mediator, or the court appoints one if they don't, under Iowa Code 598.7(4)(b). A court-appointed mediator must meet Iowa Supreme Court qualifications, which include ethical standards but cannot require a professional license.
How much does mediation cost in Iowa, and is there help if I can't afford it?+
Costs are generally paid by the parties as they agree or as the court orders, and can be taxed as court costs under Iowa Code 598.7(4)(e). Mediation must be provided on a sliding fee scale for parties determined indigent under Iowa Code 815.9, which lowers the cost for people who qualify.
Does my mediated agreement automatically become my Iowa divorce order?+
No. Iowa Code 598.7(4)(d) states that a mediation agreement is not enforceable until the court approves it. Parties present the agreement to their attorneys if they have them, and it becomes an enforceable order only after the judge reviews and approves it as part of the case.
This page is general information about mediation in Iowa, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Iowa's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Iowa. Virdix does not prepare or file Iowa divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Iowa.
More Iowa divorce guides
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