Process Server & Court Filing in Polk County, IA

Courts we file and serve in

3 Polk County courthouses

E-filing required: Mandatory for attorneys (pro se must eFile unless court permits paper)
E-filing system: Iowa EDMS (eFile), Iowa Judicial Branch statewide
E-filing portal: Court e-filing page
New civil complaint fee: $215 (civil petition other than dissolution, Iowa Code §602.8105; +$5 publication in large counties)
Small claims fee: $115 (claims $6,500 or less, Iowa Code §631.6)
Family law petition fee: $285 (dissolution of marriage); $130 (other ch. 598 domestic)
Fee schedule: Court fee schedule
Case lookup: Court case search

Polk County Courthouse500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309(515) 286-3198Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, CircuitE-filing

Criminal Courts Building222 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309(515) 286-3700Criminal, General DistrictE-filing

Juvenile Court120 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309(515) 286-3900Juvenile, Juvenile & Domestic RelationsE-filing

Court information from 1Court, our partner company, verified October 22, 2026. Polk County court information on 1Court

Our services in Polk County

What we do and how fast

Nationwide Legal serves process, files with the court, and retrieves records in Polk County for law firms across the country. We cover all 3 courthouses listed above, with live status updates and proof of service on every order.

Process serviceSame-day service attempts on rush orders; standard orders in 1 to 3 business days.Proof of service or non-service affidavit on every order, with photo confirmation on personal service.Court filing and e-filingSame-day filings before clerk cutoff times.Conformed copies delivered within hours.Records retrieval and subpoenasSame-day records pickup in most jurisdictions.Subpoena preparation, service and follow-up.Court reportingCertified reporters, videography and trial support.InvestigationsSkip tracing, asset searches and background checks.

Pricing: quoted per order. Request a quote

More coverage

Other counties we cover

All Iowa counties

Getting started

How to start an order

Open your firm's accountFive-minute online setup. No volume commitment required.

Submit your documentsUpload through our portal or send by secure email. Your dedicated coordinator confirms intake.

Track every stepReal-time status updates, photographic confirmations, and electronic proof delivery as work completes.

Open Your Account Talk to Our Team

Ready to send an order in Polk County?

Request a Quote Open an Account

FAQ

Common questions

Is e-filing required in Polk County?

1Court lists e-filing in Polk County as: Mandatory for attorneys (pro se must eFile unless court permits paper). We file electronically or at the counter, whichever the court requires.

Which Polk County courthouses hear civil cases?

Polk County Courthouse. We file and serve for cases at this courthouse.

What is the filing fee for a new civil complaint in Polk County?

$215 (civil petition other than dissolution, Iowa Code §602.8105; +$5 publication in large counties), per 1Court. The court's fee is separate from our service charge.

How fast can you serve papers in Polk County?

Same-day service attempts are available on rush orders. Standard orders complete in 1 to 3 business days, with a proof of service or non-service affidavit on every order.

How is Polk County service priced?

We quote each order. Request a quote with the documents and addresses and we reply with the price.

Process service and court filing in Polk County, Iowa