Polk County Court Records

Polk County court records are official files that document the proceedings and outcomes of legal matters in the Polk County District Court. In addition to serving informational purposes, these records help establish legal precedents that guide future court decisions. Court records are also invaluable public resources, allowing individuals to research legal issues, protect their rights, and understand the law.

Several factors, such as court type, record retention policies, privacy laws, and court rules, may influence the content of court records. Typically, court records contain key details, including case information, court orders, procedural documents, and docket entries.

Are Court Records Public in Polk County?

Court records are accessible to Polk County residents thanks to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. This law ensures that any member of the public can exercise the right to inspect, copy, publish, or disseminate information contained in publicly available records maintained by any government body, unless such records are exempted by court rule.

While Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code grants access to public records, including those held by the judicial branch of government, it does not explicitly specify which court records are exempted from public viewing. Instead, the law provides general exemptions applicable to court records. For instance, records relating to mental health, trade secrets, or ongoing investigations are not accessible to the public.

Due to the sensitive information they contain, certain court records are protected from public inspection under the Iowa Code. Juvenile court records are deemed confidential according to Section 232.147 of the Iowa Code. These records, excluding those involving cases of delinquency, are exempted from public inspection but are provided to certain persons without court order. In Polk County, a juvenile record is accessible to the following individuals:

• A judge
• Court staff
• The child involved in the case
• The child’s counsel, parents, custodian, legal guardian, or foster parents
• State public defender
• The agency/individual responsible for the care, protection, and treatment of the child

Lastly, the records of other matters resolved in the Juvenile Court, such as adoptions and the termination of parental rights, are equally exempt from public scrutiny. Unlike juvenile records, these records are sealed pursuant to Section 600.16A of the Iowa Code and may only be opened to the parties involved in the case based on the court’s discretion or a written consent included within the records.

Polk County Court Records Search

Polk County court records are available in both electronic and non-electronic formats. Electronic court records are accessible free of charge through the Iowa Courts Online Search platform. To obtain non-electronic court records, records seekers must submit formal requests to the Polk County District Court Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Requests can be made in writing or by phone and should include sufficient details about the desired records.

Polk County Court Records Search by Name

By visiting the Iowa Courts Online Search website, any Polk County resident can conduct name-based searches for a variety of case types, including criminal, civil, juvenile, small claims, and traffic cases. This website allows users to search for cases entered by the Clerk of Court up to the previous business day. By selecting the “case search” option under the “Trial Court” section, users can directly access the name search page. Here, they can conduct searches by providing all known and alternative names (aliases) associated with the involved party.

Alternatively, individuals searching for court records unavailable online can submit a detailed written request, including the name of the concerned party, to the Office of the Polk County District Court Clerk.

Polk County Courts

The Polk County District Court is the primary trial court in Polk County. It is where most legal matters begin and are resolved. This court is designed to handle a wide range of cases, including civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law matters, probate matters, and traffic violations. Notably, the Polk County District Court includes a Juvenile Court Division that focuses on juvenile delinquency matters, adoptions, child abuse and neglect cases, and the termination of parental rights. In Polk County, the District Court has three dedicated buildings due to its increasing caseload. These buildings are located at:

Historic Courthouse

500 Mulberry Street,
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3772

Criminal Courts Building

110 6th Avenue,
Des Moines, IA 50309

Justice Center

222 5th Avenue,
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-3737

Polk County District Court Records

The Polk County District Court Clerk is the custodian of district court records for Polk County. Per state law, the office of the records’ custodian is open to members of the public who need to inspect public records personally. For this reason, record seekers in Polk County may call or visit the Office of the District Court Clerk during regular business hours at:

500 Mulberry Street
Room 212
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 561-5718
Fax: (515) 323-5250

Besides conducting a name-based search, the Iowa Courts Online Search allows users to retrieve Polk County district court records by entering a citation number or a case ID number.

Polk County Criminal Records

The official documents relating to an individual’s interaction with the criminal justice system in Polk County are referred to as criminal records. Typically, these records include jail records, Polk County arrests, charges, or probation information. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is the primary agency responsible for managing criminal records within the county. This office provides a comprehensive list of jail and arrest information, including current inmate listings, booking details for specific dates (including within the past 24 hours), and release information (including specific prior dates and within the past 24 hours).

Polk County residents may also search for criminal history records in the statewide database. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains the state’s criminal justice data, although it is not publicly accessible for general searches. A criminal history records check can be requested by mail, fax, email, in-person, or online for a fee of $15 per last name. The DCI office permits in-person visits from Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for requesters who can provide their government-issued IDs, the involved parties’ full names, and exact dates of birth.

To make a request by mail, fax, or email, download and complete the Criminal History Billing and Request Forms. Submit these forms after paying the required fee.

Typically, an online criminal history records check is processed within 1 to 3 days. Requesters must pay using a credit card or prepaid DCI account number and complete the Criminal History Billing and Request Forms. A search for multiple last names requires separate forms and separate payments.

Polk County Criminal Court Case Lookup

In Polk County, the fastest way to look up a criminal court case is to visit the Iowa Courts Online Search platform. On the right side of the page, under the “trial court” section, click “case search” and conduct the search by citation number, party name, or case ID number.

Alternatively, requesters may contact the Polk County District Court Clerk’s Office. As the official repository for court records, the Clerk’s Office can provide information on criminal court records. To request information, requesters may submit written requests. The Clerk’s Office will then respond with information on the time, fees, and how the records will be made available.

Get Polk County Civil Court Records

Unlike criminal court records, which involve violations of the law, civil court records pertain to disputes between multiple individuals or entities. In Polk County, the District Court handles several civil cases such as consumer protection, small claims, torts, real estate disputes, contract disagreements, probate matters, and family law issues. These cases are filed with, and maintained by, the Polk County District Court Clerk.

Polk County civil court records are accessible both online and in the Office of the District Court Clerk. The Iowa Courts Online Search website provides access to civil court records remotely. This resource allows the record seeker to search for records by citation number, case ID, or the names of the parties involved.

The District Court Clerk’s Office can assist in locating civil court records in its custody with sufficient information and will also require a fee for the production or copying of records.

Polk County Family Court Records

The Polk County District Court addresses various legal cases related to family relationships and responsibilities. These include contested and uncontested divorces, guardianship for minors, name changes, emancipation, and child custody. The District Court also resolves disputes over paternity, issues protective orders in domestic violence cases, and finalizes adoption proceedings. Court files related to these cases are referred to as family court records.

When searching for family court records in Polk County, it is worth noting that records pertaining to adoption, paternity, or domestic violence are not publicly available. However, family court records that are accessible to the public can be obtained from the Office of the District Court Clerk. A written request detailing the desired documents, names of the parties involved, and case number can expedite the process of locating the records.

Family court records provide useful demographic and vital statistical data essential for the allocation of resources. Additionally, the analysis of these records can provide insights into family structure and divorce rates in Polk County.

Polk County Marriage and Divorce Records

Polk County divorce records contain all the legal documentation generated throughout divorce processes. These records may contain key details such as the personal information of the parties involved, case information, settlement agreements, custody arrangements, and financial information. Polk County divorce records are available in the District Court to record seekers who had their divorces finalized in the county.

On the other hand, Polk County marriage records are vital records containing details about the legal union of two persons. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the Polk County Recorder’s Office for marriages licensed in the county. However, access to certified copies is restricted only to specific individuals, including the record owners, their spouses, and legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representatives.

To obtain a marriage certificate, visit the Recorder’s Office in person between Monday and Fridays by 3:30 p.m. for same-day service. Alternatively, a completed application form with the applicable fees of $15 payable by money order or check should be mailed to:

Polk County Administration Building
111 Court Avenue
Suite 250
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251

Polk County Birth and Death Records

Polk County birth and death records are also vital records. Access to the certified copies of these records is restricted to entitled individuals, including the person named on the record and listed legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, spouse, siblings, and legal representatives.

The Polk County Recorder’s Office can provide birth certificates upon request by eligible individuals. However, records of adoption, single parent births prior to 1986, and birth records from 1912 to 1941 are not available at the Recorder’s Office. To obtain these birth records, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health at (515) 281-4944.

The Polk County Recorder’s Office receives visitors interested in obtaining their birth certificates from Mondays through Fridays. The office offers same-day service for individuals seeking vital records at 3:30 p.m. each day. Also, individuals who prefer to receive their birth certificates by mail are required to send a completed Application to Order an Iowa Vital Record form, a photocopy of a valid ID, and a $15 fee payable by check, cash, or money order to:

Polk County Recorder
Attn: Vital Records
111 Court Avenue
Suite 245
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251

Similarly, a request for a certified copy of a death certificate requires a visit to the Office of the Polk County Recorder or mailing a completed application form with a photocopy of a valid ID and the $15 fee to the Recorder’s Office. However, the Recorder’s Office cannot provide death records prior to July 1st, 1941. For records before that date, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health.

In Polk County, birth and death records are important for forecasting future population trends, identifying disease patterns, and planning socioeconomic as well as public health policies.

Polk County Probate Court Records

Polk County probate court records are maintained by the District Court Clerk and pertain to guardianship, conservatorship, and estate probate matters. These records are not accessible online. To obtain these records, visit the District Court Clerk’s Office in person or submit a written request with the necessary details.

Polk County Property Records

Polk County property records include comprehensive information concerning a piece of real estate. The type of information contained in these records typically includes the ownership histories, mortgages, liens, assessed values, deeds, plat maps, and property boundaries.

Polk County property records from January 1,1992, to the present are accessible online through the website of the Polk County Recorder. Record seekers can view and print these records at their convenience. For property records prior to January 1, 1992, record seekers can obtain copies from the imaging/microfilm department of the Recorder’s Office by mail, in person, or via email for a small fee.

Another method to search, view, and obtain property records is to visit the Iowa Land Records website. This is a statewide online portal for accessing real estate and land records, including those of Polk County. This website requires the user to register and log in to their accounts.

Polk County Court Records Online

Easy remote access to court records is important to those seeking these records. Third-party online resources like Iowacourtrecords.us provide access to a wide range of court records, saving record seekers a trip to the courthouse. Furthermore, these resources often offer advanced search options for more detailed searches. However, third-party online resources have their downsides. Sharing personal information on some of these sites may lead to privacy breaches. Also, some resources may experience delays in updating their data, leading to outdated information.