The Iowa Legislature sets filing fees, not the judicial branch, court, or clerk of court office, and the fees are deposited in the State of Iowa’s general fund. Plaintiffs must pay filing fees to the clerk of court when beginning a lawsuit. Some documents in certain legal proceedings also must be accompanied by a filing fee. Civil court fees are listed on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/civil-court-fees/. In some limited circumstances the court may allow filing fees to be paid at the end of the case.
