Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 6 of the Iowa Court Rules, Rules for Appellate Procedure (March 31, 2023)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order requesting public comment on proposed amendments to Chapter 6, Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure. The deadline for submitting comments is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
In the Matter of amendments to Chapter 17, Rule 17.100 of the Iowa Court Rules (March 16, 2023)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to Iowa Court Rule 17.100 and the forms for Dissolution of Marriage with no Minor or Dependent Adult Children. The updated fillable forms are provided on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
In the Matter of a Remote Proceedings Task Force (March 10, 2023)
Chief Justice Christensen has entered an order establishing a Remote Proceedings Task Force. The task force is charged with providing recommendations to the supreme court for the use of remote technology in court proceedings. The task force is divided into four work groups: criminal, civil, family, and juvenile law.
In the Matter of the Selection of a Chief Justice Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 602.4103 (January 3, 2023)
The Iowa Supreme Court reselected Justice Susan Christensen, Harlan, as chief justice.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 22 of the Iowa Court Rules Relating to Judicial Administration (December 22, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to chapter 22 of the Iowa Court Rules. The amendments provide that the personal financial disclosure form filed by all Iowa judges each year will be as prescribed by the state court administrator.
In the Matter of Adopting Chapter 70 of the Iowa Court Rules, Rules of Juvenile Court Services Directed Programs (December 2, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting Chapter 70 of the Iowa Court Rules, to take effect July 1, 2023. The new chapter governs the administration of early intervention and follow-up programs, graduated sanctions and court-ordered services, upon transfer from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to the Iowa Judicial Branch.
In the Matter of Amendments to Chapter 4 of the Iowa Court Rules (November 29, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order approving amendments to chapter 4 of the Iowa Court Rules.
In the Matter of Changes to Chapter 17 of the Iowa Court Rules and adoption of Domestic, Elder, and Sexual Abuse Forms for Self-Represented Litigants (November 7, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order making amendments to chapter 17 of the Iowa Court Rules and incorporating self-represented litigant forms for domestic, elder, and sexual abuse matters into the court rules.
In the Matter of Remote Testimony in Judicial Proceedings (November 4, 2022)
In the Matter of Remote Judicial Proceedings (November 4, 2022)
In the Matter of Appointments to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (October 19, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order appointing new members to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission and reappointing Commission members to second terms.
In the Matter of Adopting Revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (October 14, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting a revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure. These rules will take effect on July 1, 2023, subject to Legislative Council review as provided by Iowa Code section 602.4202. This includes criminal cases filed after that date and criminal cases already pending on that date. However, judicial districts or individual district judges may, in the exercise of their discretion, exempt any case that was pending before July 1, 2023, from one or more of the revised rules.
In the Matter of Paid Time Off for Judicial Branch Employees (October 12, 2022)
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 16 Regarding Exhibit Maintenance Orders and the Filing of Social Records in Juvenile Court Proceedings (October 4, 2022)
On September 19, 2022, Chief Justice Christensen signed an order adopting amendments to the Chapter 16 Iowa Rules of Electronic procedure. The amendments required that social reports and social records be filed using the correct corresponding Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) document type as well as removed the exemption from exhibit maintenance orders for juvenile court proceedings. The amendments took effect Monday, October 3, 2022. A background memo and instructions for filers accompanied the court’s order and rule amendments.
On October 4, 2022, Chief Justice Christensen signed an order amending the September 19 order. The amended order clarifies which documents should continue to be filed as proposed exhibits in juvenile court proceedings and corrects an error in the background information memorandum attached to the September 19, 2022 order.
In the Matter of Appointment of the Chair to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (September 21, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order appointing Justice Matthew McDermott as Chair of the Iowa Access to Justice Commission.
In the Matter of Adoption of Amendments to Chapters 31, 34, 35, 36, 41, 45, and 46 in Division III, Professional Regulation, of the Iowa Court Rules (September 19, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to chapters 31, 34, 35, 36, 41, 45, and 46 contained in Division III, Professional Regulation, of the Iowa Court Rules.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to the Iowa Rules of Evidence in Chapter 5 of the Iowa Court Rules (September 14, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to the Iowa Rules of Evidence. The amendments take effect January 1, 2023, subject to Legislative Council Review as provided by Iowa Code section 602.4202.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Chapter 70 of the Iowa Court Rules, Rules of Juvenile Court Services Directed Programs (September 9, 2022)
In the Matter of Establishment of the Electronic Search Warrant Pilot Project (September 1, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order expanding the Electronic Search Warrant Pilot Project statewide and amending the Memorandum of Operation to reflect this expansion.
In the Matter of Adopting Revised Iowa Court Rules Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 Forms Relating to Involuntary Hospitalizations and Commitments (August 17, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting revised forms for Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 of the Iowa Court Rules relating to involuntary hospitalizations and commitments. The forms will take effect on November 1, 2022, subject to Legislative Council review as provided by Iowa Code section 602.4202.
In the Matter of the Uniform Bond Schedule Promulgated by the Judicial Council (June 24, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order approving the Judicial Council's review of the Uniform Bond Schedule.
In the Matter of Amendment of Small Claims Form 3.8: Original Notice and Petition for Disposition of Abandoned Property (June 24, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order approving an amended Small Claims Form 3.8: Original Notice and Petition for Disposition of Abandoned Property. The new form 3.8 will take effect July 1, 2022.
In the Matter of Accepting Further Public Comment on the Proposed Revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (June 6, 2022)
The Iowa Supreme Court requests further public comment regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 2, Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Criminal Rules Task Force will also hold a public session providing those who submit comments an opportunity to speak on August 5, 2022. The deadline for submitting comments is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022. If you wish to speak at the public session, please indicate that along with your comments.
In the Matter of Amendment of Iowa Court Rule 9.8(2) to Update Internal Rule Reference (March 22, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order updating an internal rule reference in Iowa Court Rule 9.8(2).
In the Matter of Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules on Attorney Oath and Admissions (March 11, 2022)
The Iowa Supreme Court has approved amendments to chapter 31 of the Iowa Court Rules on attorney oaths and affirmations for admission, effective April 1, 2022.
In the Matter of Amending Rule 7.4—Form 1: Report of Referee (February 24, 2022)
The Chief Justice signed an order adopting amendments to Rule 7.4–Form 1: Report of Referee. The form is temporarily adopted effective immediately and will take permanent effect subject to Legislative Council review consistent with the provisions of Iowa Code section 602.4202.
In the Matter of Withdrawal of Revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (February 17, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order withdrawing the revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure submitted to Legislative Council, pursuant to Iowa Code section 602.4202, on January 31, 2022.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Iowa Rules of Evidence in Chapter 5 of the Iowa Court Rules (February 15, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order requesting public comment on proposed amendments to the Iowa Rules of Evidence. The comment period closes April 16, 2022.
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 Adopting Revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (January 31, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting a revised Chapter 2 Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure. These rules will take effect on July 1, 2022, subject to Legislative Council review as provided by Iowa Code section 602.4202. This includes criminal cases filed after that date and criminal cases already pending on that date. However, judicial districts or individual district judges may, in the exercise of their discretion, exempt any case that was pending before July 1, 2022, from one or more of the revised rules.
In the Matter of Mandatory Mediation in Family Law Cases (January 20, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order providing for mandatory mediation or judicial settlement conferences in family law cases where at least one party is represented by counsel.
In the Matter of the Iowa Business Specialty Court (January 18, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting an amended memorandum of operation for the Iowa Business Specialty Court. The amended memorandum changes the State Court Administrator's report on the business court from annual to biannual and provides for the appointment of a settlement conference judge in business court cases. No substantive amendments were made to the business court's operation or procedures.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 25 Expanded News Media Coverage (January 14, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules regarding expanded news media coverage of remote district court proceedings and livestreamed appellate court oral arguments.
In the Matter of Mandatory Education for Judicial Officers and Judicial Branch Staff (January 12, 2022)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding mandatory education for judicial officers and judicial branch staff.
In the Matter of Amendment to the Medical Support Table in Rule 9.12(4) of the Iowa Child Support Guidelines (December 29, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order amending the Medical Support Table in rule 9.12(4) of the Iowa Child Support Guidelines.
In the Matter of Amending Rule 7.4—Form 1: Report of Referee (December 17, 2021)
The Chief Justice signed an order adopting amendments to Rule 7.4–Form 1: Report of Referee to take effect February 28, 2022.
In the Matter of a Juvenile Justice Task Force (December 15, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order establishing a Juvenile Justice Task Force.
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.
In the Matter of Amending Iowa Court Rule 36.6 on the Filing and Service of Documents with the Grievance Commission (December 2, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to Iowa Court Rule 36.6 concerning filings with the Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission.
In the Matter of the Appointment of the 4th Judicial District Chief Judge (November 9, 2021)
In the Matter of the Appointment of the Chief Judges of the District Court (November 9, 2021)
In the Matter of Appointment to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (November 8, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order appointing a member to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission.
In the Matter of Reapportionment of State Senatorial and Representative Districts (November 5, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the reapportionment of state senatorial and representative districts.
In the Matter of Appointments to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (October 13, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order making appointments and re-appointments to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 16 Regarding Exhibit Maintenance Orders (October 11, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order establishing deadlines for the digital admission of hearing and trial exhibits as well as the filing of exhibit maintenance orders. The new deadlines are effective November 1, 2021.
In the Matter of Amendments to the Iowa Child Support Guidelines, Chapter 9 of the Iowa Court Rules (September 30, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order regarding amendments to Iowa Court Rule 9.5(2), which will take effect January 1, 2022.
In the Matter of Appointments and Reappointments to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Probate Procedures and Forms (September 16, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order appointing new members and reappointing members to the Advisory Committee on Probate Procedures and Forms.
In the Matter of Appointments and Reappointments to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Juvenile Procedure (September 16, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order appointing new members and reappointing members to the Advisory Committee on Rules of Juvenile Procedure.
In the Matter of Reapportionment of State Senatorial and Representative Districts (September 14, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the reapportionment of state senatorial and representative districts.
In the Matter of Adoption of Amendments to Chapters 31, 34, 36-43, 46, 47, and 49 in Division III, Professional Regulation, of the Iowa Court Rules (September 14, 2021)
Chief Justice has signed an order approving amendments to multiple chapters of the Iowa Court Rules in Division III--Professional Regulation. These amendments are effective October 1, 2021.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendment to Iowa Court Rule chapter 46—Rules of the Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters (September 14, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order requesting public comment on proposed amendments to chapter 46 of the Iowa Court Rules relating to certification of court reporters. The public comment period will close November 15, 2021.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to the Iowa Child Support Guidelines, Chapter 9 of the Iowa Court Rules (September 3, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order approving amendments and updates to the Iowa Child Support Guidelines.
In the Matter of the Uniform Bond Schedule Promulgated by the Judicial Council (September 1, 2021)
Pursuant to Iowa Code section 804.21(5), the Judicial Council has conducted a periodic review of the Uniform Bond Schedule and finds that no change from the current bond schedule is necessary.
In the Matter of Establishing the Iowa Rules of Evidence Substantive Review Task Force and Appointment of Members (August 31, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order establishing the Iowa Rules of Evidence Substantive Review Task Force and appointing members.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 16 Regarding Property Management Entities Acting as Filing Agents (August 30, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order amending the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure to permit property management entities to electronically file on behalf of titled property owners in actions concerning residential rental property.
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.
In the Matter of Establishment of the Electronic Search Warrant Pilot Project, Amended Memorandum of Operation and April 27, 2020 Order (August 6, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adding additional counties to the Electronic Search Warrant Pilot Project and amending the Memorandum of Operation to reflect the inclusion of the additional counties.
In the Mater of Filing a Notice of Firearms Prohibition Pursuant to Iowa Code §724.31A (June 24, 2021)
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.
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.
Order Rescinding Certain COVID-19 Orders (June 17, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding physical distancing and cleansing requirements for all court-controlled spaces.
In the Matter of Judicial Officer Vacation Carryover and Senior Judge Service Time (June 16, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order regarding judicial officer vacation carryover.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Iowa Child Support Guidelines, Chapter 9 of Iowa Court Rules (June 14, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order seeking public comment on the recommendations of the 2021 Report of the Iowa Child Support Guidelines Review Committee. Comments are due by August 13, 2021.
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 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 Lessons Learned From the Judicial Branch Response To COVID-19 (April 28, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order creating the Lessons Learned Task Force to review the formal orders and informal policies or practices adopted by the branch in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and make recommendations to the supreme court on rules, policies, or practices that should be retained, modified, or stopped
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 16 Regarding the Submission of Potentially Dangerous Exhibits (Amended April 12, 2021) (April 9, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an amended order adopting an amendment to chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules concerning the submission of potentially dangerous exhibits to court clerks. The amendment is effective immediately
In the Matter of Resuming Family Law Trials Postponed by COVID-19 (April 9, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order amending the court’s July 9, 2020 In the Matter of Resuming Family Law Trials Postponed by COVID-19 order. The third amendment replaces the mediation/judicial settlement conference report form with a new streamlined form. The new report form is adopted effectively immediately.
In the Matter of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Attorney Well-Being and the Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program (March 11, 2021)
In order to help lawyers and judges who may be struggling with attorney wellness, mental health, and alcohol/substance abuse, the Court has authorized informal referrals from the Attorney Disciplinary Board to the Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (March 11, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order supplementing the court’s previous supervisory orders relating to forcible entry and detainer actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new order is consistent with the current CDC guidelines.
In the Matter of the July 2021 Iowa Bar Examination (March 11, 2021)
In the Matter of Adopting Felony Conviction Challenge for Cause Amendments to Chapter 1 Rules of Civil Procedure and Chapter 2 Rules of Criminal Procedure (February 19, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order amending Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.915(6)(a) and Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.18(5)(a) to clarify that these rules do not allow a challenge for cause of a prospective juror whose citizenship rights have been restored. These amendments are temporarily adopted effective immediately and will take permanent effect subject to Legislative Council review as provided by Iowa Code section 602.4202.
In the Matter of Resuming Family Law Trials Postponed by COVID-19 (February 12, 2021)
In the Matter of the Information Sheet for Protective Order Registry and Service of Protective Orders (February 9, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order approving a revised "Information Sheet for Protective Order Registry and Service of Protective Orders." The revised form is available from the Iowa Judicial Branch website in a fillable and savable format.
In the Matter of Adopting Chapter 2 Criminal Case Expungement Rules (January 29, 2021)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting new chapter 2 criminal case expungement rules and forms. These new rules and forms will become effective for expungement applications filed on or after July 1, 2021, subject to Legislative Council review as provided by Iowa Code section 602.4202.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (December 30, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order supplementing previous forcible-and-detainer-related (FED-related) supervisory orders relating to the spread of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.
In the Matter of Adoption of Amendments to the Bar Examination Application Process, Chapter 31 of the Iowa Court Rules (December 18, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order adopting amendments to Chapter 31 of the Iowa Court Rules concerning the bar examination application process.
In the Matter of the Court Reporter Workforce (December 14, 2020)
Today, Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the judicial branch court reporter workforce. The substance of this order is substantially similar to the November 12, 2009 order.
In the Matter of the Informal Family Law Trial Program for Self-Represented Litigants (December 1, 2020)
The Chief Justice signed an order approving the implementation of district plans for the informal family law trial programs.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (November 24, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order today regarding the ongoing provisions relating to COVID-19's impact on court services.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 22 Iowa Judicial Branch Travel Reimbursement Rules (November 23, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to Iowa Court Rules chapter 22, regarding judicial branch travel reimbursement rules.
In the Matter of the Carroll County ODR Pilot Project (November 20, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the new Carroll County Online Dispute Resolution Pilot Project.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (November 10, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order postponing all jury trials until February 1, 2021.
In the Matter of the February 2021 Iowa Bar Examination (October 9, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the February 2021 bar exam.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (October 2, 2020)
In the Matter of Establishment of the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure Review Task Force (September 15, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order establishing the Iowa Appellate Rules of Procedure Review Task Force.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (September 1, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order on judicial discretion regarding remote technology in certain juvenile proceedings.
In the Matter of Iowa Judicial Branch Online Information Security Awareness Training (August 31, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order requiring judicial branch employees to complete a yearly online information security awareness training.
In the Matter of Adoption of Amendments to Registration of House Counsel Rule 31.16 and CLE Requirement Rule 41.3(3) (August 28, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to the registration of house counsel provisions in rule 31.16, and striking rule 41.3(3), eliminating the cap on unmoderated CLE credits.
In the Matter of Adoption of Amendments to Chapter 32, Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct (August 28, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order adopting amendments to the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct in chapter 32 of the Iowa Court Rules, effective January 1, 2021.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Chapter 2 Criminal Case Expungement Rules (August 26, 2020)
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Chapter 16 Allowing Court Interpreter Access to Case Documents (August 26, 2020)
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Bar Examination Application Process, Chapter 31 of the Iowa Court Rules (August 19, 2020)
In the Matter of Access to Justice in Counties Impacted by Natural Disaster (August 19, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order to extend the filing deadline to Tuesday, August 25, for filings otherwise due during the date range from August 10 to August 17, for attorneys with an office or residence in four counties, Clinton, Linn, Marshall, Poweshiek, still affected by power and internet outages caused by the "derecho."
In the Matter of Access to Justice in Counties Impacted by Natural Disaster (August 17, 2020)
In the Matter of Access to Justice in Counties Impacted by Natural Disaster (August 14, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order to extend the filing deadline to Tuesday, August 18, for filings otherwise due during the date range from August 10 to August 17, for attorneys with an office or residence in two additional Iowa counties that are declared state disaster areas.
In the Matter of Access to Justice in Counties Impacted by Natural Disaster (August 13, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding Iowans' access to justice following the "derecho" natural disaster.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (July 31, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the ongoing provisions for coronavirus/COVID-19's impact on court services.
In Matter of Iowa Court Rule 1.1901-Form 14: Subpoena Form to Testify at Hearing or Trial in a Civil Action (July 31, 2020)
In the Matter of Resuming Appellate Oral Arguments During COVID-19 (July 29, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order today regarding the resumption of appellate oral arguments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the Matter of Resuming Jury Trials During COVID-19 (July 22, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order today regarding the resumption of jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the Matter of Adopting State Court Administration's Proposed Amendments to Chapter 47, Court Interpreter and Translator Rules (July 20, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order today accepting State Court Administration's proposed changes to Chapter 47.
In the Matter of Resuming Family Law Trials Postponed by COVID-19 (July 9, 2020)
In the Matter of Resuming In Person Court Services During COVID-19 (July 9, 2020)
In the Matter of Case Prioritization of Cases and Duties (July 9, 2020)
In the Matter of Interim Procedures Governing Ability to Pay Determinations and Conversion of Restitution Orders (July 7, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order regarding the interim procedures governing the ability to pay determinations and conversion of restitution orders.
In the Matter of Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 2, Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure - Extension of Comment Period (June 26, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order extending the comment period for the proposed amendments to Chapter 2, Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure.
In the Matter of the July 2020 Iowa Bar Examination (June 5, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order today regarding new procedures for the July 2020 Iowa Bar Exam.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Iowa Court Rule 31.16 - Registration of House Counsel (June 2, 2020)
In the Matter of Appointments to the 2020 Iowa Child Support Guidelines Review Committee (June 1, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order appointing members of the 2020 Iowa Child Support Guidelines Review Committee.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronovirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (May 22, 2020)
In the Matter of Resuming Family Law Trials Postponed by Coronavirus/COVID-19 (May 22, 2020)
In the Matter of Prioritization of Cases and Duties (May 22, 2020)
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (May 8, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed a supervisory order regarding further actions taken in response to COVID-19.
In the Matter of the Administration of the July 2020 Iowa Bar Exam (May 6, 2020)
In the Matter of Resuming Jury Trials Postponed by Coronoavirus/COVID-19 (May 6, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen signed an order creating the Jumpstart Jury Task Force. The Task Force will make recommendations to the supreme court regarding temporary policies and procedures for jury trials resuming following the COVID-19 postponements.
In the Matter of the Establishment of the Electronic Search Warrant Pilot Project (April 27, 2020)
Today Chief Justice Christensen signed a supervisory order authorizing an electronic search warrant pilot project in Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, and Page counties.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (April 17, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has filed an order regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on court services.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact On Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Youth and Families (April 6, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has filed an order regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on child welfare and juvenile justice for youth and families.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (April 2, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has filed an order regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on court services.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact Amended March 28, 2020 Order on Court Services (March 31, 2020)
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 2, Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (March 30, 2020)
The Iowa Supreme Court requests public comment regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 2, Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure. The deadline for submitting comments is 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
In the Matter of Preparation for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on the Boards and Commissions Overseen by the Office of Professional Regulation (March 27, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed a supervisory order regarding the Coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on the boards and commissions overseen by the Office of Professional Regulation.
In the Matter of Ongoing Provisions For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact On Court Services (March 17, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed a supervisory order permitting new ways to access courts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In the Matter of Preparation For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact On the Office of Professional Regulation (March 16, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed a supervisory order detailing preparations aimed at minimizing coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on the Office of Professional Regulation.
In the Matter of Ongoing Preparation For Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact On Court Services (March 14, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed a supervisory order instituting procedures to keep the courts open to the fullest possible extent while protecting public safety by mitigating the impact of coronavirus/COVID-19.
In the Matter of Preparation for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Juvenile Court Services (March 13, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed a supervisory order detailing preparations aimed at minimizing coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on juvenile court services.
In the Matter of Preparation for Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact on Court Services (March 12, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed a supervisory order detailing preparations aimed at minimizing coronavirus/COVID-19 impact on the services the judicial branch provides Iowans.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 47, Court Interpreter and Translator Rules (March 9, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order requesting public comment regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 47, court interpreter and translator rules. The deadline for submitting comments is 4:30 p.m. on May 8, 2020.
In the Matter of Iowa Court Rule 12.36 - Form 30 (March 6, 2020)
Chief Justice Christensen has signed an order removing Rule 12.36--Form 30 from the Iowa Court Rules effective immediately.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 23 of the Iowa Court Rules, Time Standards for Case Processing (December 20, 2019)
The Iowa Supreme Court requests public comment on proposed amendments to chapter 23 of the Iowa Court Rules regarding time standards for case processing.
In the Matter of Nonsubstantive Amendments to Chapters 34, 36, and 47 of the Iowa Court Rules (December 16, 2019)
In the Matter of Nonsubstantive Amendments to Iowa Rule of Electronic Procedure 16.412 Concerning Submission of Hearing and Trial Exhibits (December 16, 2019)
In the Matter of Amendments to Chapters 7 and 8 of the Iowa Court Rules and concerning Guardianship and Conservatorship Court Forms (December 12, 2019)
Acting Chief Justice Wiggins has signed an order rescinding the proposed guardianship and conservatorship court rules and forms accompanying supreme court orders entered on August 20, 2019, and October 9, 2019 and adopting new proposed court rules and forms. The forms are temporarily adopted effective immediately and will permanently take affect subject to Legislative Council review consistent with the provisions of Iowa Code section 602.4202. All 2014 Iowa Court Rule 7.11 forms will be removed effective January 1, 2020.
In the Matter of Amendments to Code of Iowa Chapters 232D and 633 re Guardianships and Conservatorships (November 25, 2019)
Acting Chief Justice Wiggins has signed a supervisory order amending the supreme court's November 21, 2019 supervisory order with respect to extending deadlines and powers for conservatorships established prior to January 1, 2020.
In the Matter of Amendments to Code of Iowa Chapter 232D and 633 regarding Guardianships and Conservatorships (November 21, 2019)
Acting Chief Justice Wiggins has signed a supervisory order extending the deadline for initial plans and annual reports for guardianships and conservatorships established prior to January 1, 2020. Initial plans and annual reports will be due in accordance with previously scheduled deadlines. The supervisory order also extends existing guardianship and conservatorship powers through the deadline for the filing of the annual report.
In the Matter of Adopting the Office of Professional Regulation's Proposed Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules: Chapter 34, 36, 47 (October 24, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order amending chapter 34, Administrative and General Provisions: Grievance Commission and Attorney Disciplinary Board; chapter 36, Grievance Commission Rules of Procedure; and chapter 47, Court Interpreter and Translator Rules, effective January 1, 2020.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Bar Admission Rules in Chapter 31 of the Iowa Court Rules (October 24, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order amending the bar admission rules in chapter 31 of the Iowa Court Rules, effective January 1, 2020.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to the Continuing Legal Education Requirements in the Iowa Court Rules (October 24, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order amending the continuing legal education (CLE) requirements in Iowa Court Rules chapter 41, Continuing Legal Education for Lawyers, and chapter 42, Continuing Legal Education Regulations, effective January 1, 2020. The amendments modify the ethics requirements from January 1, 2021 onward.
In the Matter of the Independent Investigation Into Judicial Branch Information Security Testing (October 10, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady signed an order relating to the independent investigation into judicial branch information security testing.
In the Matter of Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 32, Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct-Extension of Comment Period (September 27, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order extending the public comment period on proposed amendments to the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct, chapter 32 of the Iowa Court Rules. The comment period will close December 30, 2019.
In the Matter of Adopting Amendments to Iowa Rule of Electronic Procedure 16.412 Concerning Submission of Hearing and Trial Exhibits (August 27, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order adopting amendments to rule 16.412 of the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure concerning submission of hearing and trial exhibits.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 32, Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct (August 1, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed orders requesting public comment on proposed amendments to the following chapters in Division III, Professional Regulation, of the Iowa Court Rules.
In the Matter of the Appointment of a News Media Coordinator for Region 4 (July 29, 2019)
The Iowa Supreme Court appoints Elijah Decious, Fort Dodge Messenger, to serve as the news media coordinator for Region 4.
In the Matter of Adoption of Amendments of Chapters 34, 36, 47, and 49 of the Iowa Court Rules (July 24, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order adopting amendments to chapters 34, 36, 47, and 49 of the Iowa Court Rules
In the Matter of Adoption of Iowa Court Rules 17.400 Regarding Child Custody and Visitation Forms for Unmarried Parents (July 19, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order in the matter of adoption of Iowa Court Rule 17.400 regarding child custody and visitation forms for unmarried parents.
In the Matter of the Judicial Branch FFPSA Review Task Force (July 10, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order extending the FFPSA task force until July 1, 2021.
In the Matter of Iowa Judicial Branch Online Information Security Awareness Training (June 25, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed a supervisory order regarding required security awareness training for all judicial branch personnel that must be completed by October 12, 2019.
In the Matter of Budgets for the Boards and Commissions of the Office of Professional Regulation (May 30, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order approving fiscal year 2019-2020 budgets for boards and commissions of the Office of Professional Regulation.
In the Matter of Removing Form Orders from Chapters 12 and 13 for the Iowa Court Rules (May 22, 2019)
The Iowa Supreme Court removes the following form orders from the Iowa Court Rules.
Order re IOLTA Grants (May 21, 2019)
Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Cady has signed an order approving IOLTA grants for the grant year commencing July 1, 2019.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Rule 16.412 Concerning Submission of Exhibits (April 1, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order seeking public comment on proposed amendments to Iowa Rule of Electronic Procedure 16.412 concerning submission of exhibits.
Notice of Nonoral Resubmissions (March 14, 2019)
The Iowa Supreme Court ordered the nonoral resubmission of 28 cases. With the addition of Justice Christopher McDonald to the supreme court, the court determined that these cases are resubmitted to the Iowa Supreme Court.
Travel Reimbursement Order (February 21, 2019)
The Iowa Supreme Court adopts amendments to chapter 22 of the Iowa Court Rules implementing changes to the Iowa Judicial Branch travel reimbursement rules.
Emergency Order Regarding the February 2019 Uniform Bar Exam Administered In Iowa (January 25, 2019)
The Iowa Supreme Court has determined that up to fifteen applicants who had previously registered for the UBE administration in the District of Columbia shall be allowed to sit for the February 2019 administration of the Uniform Bar Examination in this jurisdictions.
In the Matter of Eligibility to Vote in Elections of Judicial Nominating Commissioners (January 22, 2019)
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order regarding the eligibility to vote in elections of judicial nominating commissioners.
Iowa Business Specialty Court Supervisory Order and Amended Memorandum (January 14, 2019)
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Rules for Mandatory Mediation (November 26, 2018)
Rules of Mandatory Mediation in Certain Family Law Cases
Adoption of Amendments to Division III, Professional Regulation (November 16, 2018)
Adoption of Amendments to the Iowa Child Support Guidelines (November 16, 2018)
In the Matter of the Judicial Branch FFPSA Review Task Force (November 8, 2018)
Proposed Reallocation of a Vacant District Judgeship to a Different Judicial Election District (October 9, 2018)
Request for Public Comment on Office of Professional Regulation Proposed Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules (August 30, 2018)
Amended Order Approving Iowa Standards of Practice (August 28, 2018)
The Iowa Supreme Court approves two sets of standards of practice for lawyers in child custody cases: The Iowa Standards of Practice for Lawyers Representing Children in Custody Cases and the Iowa Standards of Practice for Child and Family Reporters in Child Custody Cases.
In the Matter of Approving an Amended Set of Small Claims Forms in Chapter 3 of the Iowa Court Rules (June 26, 2018)
Orders for Resubmission (June 20, 2018)
City of Cedar Rapids v. Marla Marie Leaf case number 16-0435 (combined with Behm, et.al v. City of Cedar Rapids, et. al case number 16-1031) and Reuven et. al v. City of Des Moines, et. al case number 17-1489 are held over for additional briefing and resubmission.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Child Support Guidelines (June 8, 2018)
In the Matter of Rescinding Division XII of the IRCP (May 22, 2018)
Order rescinding Division XII of the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure Relating to Partition of Real and Personal Property, Rules 1.1201-1.1228, effective July 1, 2018.
Division XII attachment
In the Matter of Grant Year 2018-19 Grants from Receipts of the IOLTA Program (May 21, 2018) (May 21, 2018)
The Iowa Supreme Court approves IOLTA grants for the grant year commencing July 1, 2018.
In the Matter of Establishing the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure Review Task Force and Appointment of Members (April 3, 2018)
In the Matter of the Prohibition Against Ex Parte Communications (March 27, 2018)
Committee on Jury Selection Report (March 12, 2018)
Adoption of Clarifying Amendments (March 7, 2018)
to certain Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure relating to discovery, scheduling and expedited civil actions.
Adoption of New Rule of Probate Procedure 7.8 (March 7, 2018)
In the Matter of Courthouse Security (December 19, 2017)
Supervisory order to supplement June 19, 2017 supervisory order
Adoption of Amendments to Division III, Professional Regulation, of the Iowa Court Rules (December 13, 2017)
See Request for Public Comments Order of September 19, 2017
Request for Public Comment (November 27, 2017)
Proposed Standards of Practice for Lawyers and Child and Family Reporters in Child Custody Cases
Adoption of Rule for Supreme Court Clerk Retention of Appellate Records and Regarding Iowa Court Rules 22.37 and 22.38 Concerning Purging of District Court Case Files (October 26, 2017)
Adoption of Iowa Rule of Juvenile Procedure Prohibiting Routine Use of Restraints (October 25, 2017)
Establishment of the Language Access in the Courts Advisory Committee (September 14, 2017)
In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 9--Child Support Guidelines (July 20, 2017)
In the Matter of the Uniform Bond Schedule Promulgated by the Judicial Council (June 23, 2017)
Effective July 1, 2017
In the Matter of Courthouse Security (June 19, 2017)
In the Matter of Grant Year 2017-2018 Grants From Receipts of the IOLTA Program (April 27, 2017)
The Iowa Supreme Court approves IOLTA grants for the grant year commencing July 1, 2017.
Establishment and Operation of the Informal Family Law Trial Pilot Project (February 14, 2017)
Request for Public Comment on Family Law Task Force Proposal (February 14, 2017)
Proposal to Develop Statewide Uniform Mediation Requirements in Family Law Cases
Adoption of Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.431(10) (February 14, 2017)
Hearings on Temporary Family Law Orders
Adoption of the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure (November 21, 2016)
Chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules
Adoption Order for Amendments to Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.904 and Iowa Rule of Appellate Procedure 6.101 (November 18, 2016)
Adoption of amendments to the Appellate Procedure Rules and Rule 31.15 (November 18, 2016)
In the Matter of the 2016 Iowa Child Support Guidelines Review Committee (November 8, 2016)
In the Matter of Appointments to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (October 19, 2016)
Order Regarding Report of Family Law Case Processing Reform Task Force (October 13, 2016)
Adoption of Nonsubstantive Restyling of the Iowa Rules of Evidence (September 28, 2016)
In the Matter of Appointments to the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (September 22, 2016)
Adoption of Rule on Exempt and Retired Attorney License Status (August 19, 2016)
In the Matter of Establishment of the Iowa Access to Justice Commission (June 27, 2016)
The Iowa Supreme Court, upon recommendation of the Iowa State Bar Association establishes the Iowa Access to Justice Commission.
In the Matter of Appointments to the 2016 Iowa Child Support Guidelines Review Committee (May 26, 2016)