Iowa Judicial Branch COVID-19 Information and Updates
The following preparedness information is provided in response to the threat of the coronavirus. Our objectives through this communication are to keep courts open to the fullest possible extent while protecting public safety by mitigating the impact of coronavirus/COVID-19.
Orders
These orders are the most recent COVID-19 related orders. If you are looking for previous orders, click here to view the archived orders.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (February 11, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order discontinuing the mask requirement for people entering court-controlled spaces, with judges retaining discretion to address COVID-related safety measures in proceedings as necessary on a case-by-case basis.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/ COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (December 6, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order regarding Covid protocols.
Amended Order (December 8, 2021)
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (August 27, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order requiring facial coverings for all people entering court-controlled spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
In the Matter of Ongoing COVID-19 Iowa Judicial Branch Court Services and Processes Continued to January 1, 2022 (June 21, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order extending deadlines from June 30, 2021 until January 1, 2022 for the existing protocols, policies and procedures in the Amended November 24, 2020 order.
Lessons Learned Task Force Recommendations
Public Comments on Current Iowa Court Covid-Related Processes
Order rescinding certain COVID-19 orders regarding physical distancing and cleansing requirements for all court-controlled spaces. (June 17, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding physical distancing and cleansing requirements for all court-controlled spaces.
In the Matter of Mediation Training Requirements for Inclusion on the Family Law Mediator List (June 17, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding training requirements for inclusion on the family law mediator list.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services and Rule 1.944 (May 24, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order suspending rule 1.944 notice
requirements for one year.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (May 14, 2021)
Today Chief Justice Christensen signed an order revising the face-covering
requirement in court-controlled spaces.
In the Matter of Lessons Learned From the Judicial Branch Response To COVID-19 (April 28, 2021)
Supreme court establishes the Lessons Learned Task Force to
make recommendations to the supreme court on rules, policies, or practices
that should be retained, modified, or stopped.
In the Matter of Appointment to the Lessons Learned Task Force (May 5, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order appointing Chief Judge Bower, Iowa Court of Appeals, to the Lessons Learned Task Force.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (November 24, 2020)
Supreme court orders provisions for remote techonology/scheduling, PPE, provisions for criminal cases, juvenile law, appellate proceedings, family law, OPR, FED, and email filing.
Amended Order (November 30, 2020)
Paragraph 24 Replacement (December 14, 2020)
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (November 10, 2020)
Iowa Supreme Court postpones jury trials until February 2021.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provision for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (October 2, 2020)
On September 4, 2020, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order entitled "Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19."
Evictions Declaration Instructions and Form
Supplemental Order (December 30, 2020)
Extends the CDC Evictions Order to January 31, 2021
Supplemental Order (March 11, 2021)
Extends the CDC Evictions Order to March 31, 2021 unless the CDC is extended to a new date, in which this order will automatically extend as well
Iowa Supreme Court Memo Re CDC Eviction Moratorium Issues (August 6, 2021)
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (September 1, 2020)
Supreme court provides provisions for judicial discretion regarding remote technology in certain juvenile proceedings.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (July 31, 2020)
Supreme court provides guidelines and provisions for foreclosures, speedy trial issues, judicial officer vacation roll over, and CLE caps.
In the Matter of Resuming Appellate Oral Arguments During COVID-19 (July 29, 2020)
Supreme court order consolidating all information regarding measures taken to protect Iowan’s from COVID-19 exposure.
In the Matter of Resuming Jury Trials During COVID-19 (July 22, 2020)
Supreme court issues policies and procedures for resumption of jury trials.
In the Matter of Case Prioritization of Cases and Duties (July 9, 2020)
Supreme court issues list of cases and duties which afford priority.
In the Matter of Resuming In Person Court Services During COVID-19 (July 9, 2020)
Supreme court issues orders for guidance as courts resume face-to-face services.
In the Matter of Resuming Family Law Trials Postponed by COVID-19 (July 9, 2020)
Supreme court order regarding the postponement of family law trials due to the coronavirus.
Family Law Mediation Report Form (April 9, 2021)
Amended Order (September 29, 2020)
Second Amendment (February 12, 2021)
Third Amendment (April 9, 2021)
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact On Court Services (May 22, 2020)
Supreme court orders new timeline to safely resume face-to-face court proceedings.
Utilizing GoToMeeting and Zoom
As the judicial branch navigates the reopening of courthouses across the state, continuing to utilize video conferencing for applicable meetings is encouraged. Below you will find links and information on how to use GoToMeeting and Zoom, two free video conferencing services.
Informal Family Law Trial Programs
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
Resources for Self-Represented Litigants
Iowa Judicial Branch Online Court Forms
Helpful Links
Summary of Jury Trial Evaluations
Iowa State Association of Counties Interactive Map
Jumpstart Jury Trial Task Force Report and Recommendations for Resuming Jury Trials during the COVID-19 Pandemic (July 6, 2020)
Jumpstart Family Law Trials Task Force Report (June 26, 2020)
Resuming Court Operations in Courtrooms and Court-Controlled Spaces with Checklist (June 8, 2020)
State of Iowa COVID-19 Information
Iowa Department of Public Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 FAQs (August 11, 2021)