Small Claims Court in Warren County

In Warren County, IA small claims cases are filed in the Judicial District Court 5A. Other counties in Judicial District 5A include Guthrie, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, and Marion. Warren County has one Judicial District Court that handles small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Warren Court System.

Small Claims Court

In Scott County, Iowa, Small Claims Court is where individuals can resolve minor legal disputes involving relatively small sums of money. If you're interested in learning more about how the process works, you can consult Chapter 631 of the Iowa Code.

Small Claims Court handles cases with claims of $5,000 or less. Common examples include issues like unpaid debts, property damage, or disagreements between landlords and tenants, such as eviction cases. One key distinction of Small Claims Court is that decisions are made by a judge, not a jury.

Common Types of Cases

Here are some of the most common cases people bring to Small Claims Court:

Tenant/Landlord Disputes: Issues like security deposit disagreements or eviction proceedings.
Personal Injury: Claims related to minor injuries from accidents or negligence.
Stolen Property: Seeking the return of stolen property or compensation for its value.
Damaged Property: Recovering costs for belongings damaged by another party.
Debt Collection: Pursuing unpaid money from someone who owes you.
Auto Repair Issues: Disputes with auto shops over faulty work or unmet promises.
Poor Construction Work: Claims against contractors for subpar work or failure to fulfill a contract.
Product Defects: Seeking compensation for defective products that caused harm or damage.
Breach of Contract or Verbal Agreements: Disputes over agreements, even if they weren’t in writing.

Small Claims Court is designed to be an easy-to-navigate process for resolving these types of issues without the need for an attorney.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Iowa

If you’re ready to file a Small Claims case, here’s what you need to do:

File the Original Notice Form
- Complete the Form: Start by filing the Original Notice form electronically. You'll also need to pay a $95 filing fee.
- Service Charges: If the court needs to serve the notice to the other party, there may be an additional fee.
- Electronic Filing: The form must be filed electronically unless you get special permission to file it on paper.
Additional Forms and Steps
- If your case involves property (like a return of personal property), you’ll need to use a Petition for Replevin (eForm 3.5). These forms are available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
- Verification of Account (Form 3.27): If your case involves a financial claim, complete this form for each defendant.
Filing Fees
- The standard filing fee is $95. After submitting your forms electronically through the Iowa Judicial Branch eFiling website, keep a copy for your records.

How to Serve the Forms

After filing your case, the defendant(s) must be officially notified, or "served." There are two main ways to serve the Original Notice:

By Sheriff: Contact the sheriff’s office in the county where the defendant lives. They will deliver the notice, but they may charge a fee.
By Certified Mail: If you prefer, you can use certified restricted mail, which costs $95 plus an additional $20 for each defendant. Once served, you can move forward with the case.

After You File

Here’s what to expect after your case is filed:

Defendant’s Response: The defendant has 20 days to respond (60 days if served by the Secretary of State). If they don’t respond, the case may continue without their input.
Hearing Date: The court will schedule a hearing after the defendant is served. You’ll be notified of the time and location.
Dismissal of Case: If you manage to resolve the issue before the hearing, you can file a Dismissal (eForm 3.18) to let the court know the case is settled.
Default Judgment: If the defendant doesn't respond, you can ask for a default judgment. This means the court will rule in your favor without a hearing.
Court Appearance: You must attend the hearing in person, unless you have a lawyer. Bring all necessary documents, evidence, and any witnesses who support your case. Be sure to have proof that the defendant was properly served.
Judgment and Execution: If the court rules in your favor, they may issue an Execution, which allows the sheriff to return property or collect money owed.
Appeal: If you disagree with the court’s decision, you can file an Appeal (Form 3.26) within 20 days. You’ll also need to pay the appeal fee.

Instructions for Defendants

If you’ve been sued, here’s what you need to know:

Responding to the Case: You must file your Answer (Form 3.11) within 20 days of receiving the notice. If you don’t, the court may issue a default judgment against you.
Eviction Cases: If it’s an eviction case, you’ll receive 3 days' notice before the hearing. Bring any documents related to unpaid rent or other issues.
Property Cases: If your case involves property recovery, don’t dispose of or hide the property. You’ll need to present evidence of ownership.
Garnishment: If you’re being garnished, you can file a Motion to Quash (Form 3.20) to contest it within 10 days.

Preparing for Your Hearing

Whether you’re the plaintiff or the defendant, here’s how to prepare:

Bring Evidence: This is your chance to prove your case. Bring documents, photos, contracts, and any other supporting evidence.
Witnesses: If you have witnesses, bring them to court. In some cases, you can request subpoenas from the Clerk of Court.
Know Your Timeline: Be on time! Arrive at least 10 minutes early for your hearing, and don’t forget to bring your proof of service.
Dress Appropriately: Court hearings are formal, so dress respectfully.

If You Miss the Hearing

If one or both parties miss the hearing:

Both Parties Fail to Appear: The case will be dismissed, but the plaintiff can refile (with a new fee).
Plaintiff Fails to Appear: The case will be dismissed.
Defendant Fails to Appear: The court may issue a default judgment against the defendant.

Appealing a Small Claims Decision

If you disagree with the outcome of your case, you can appeal:

File a Notice of Appeal: You must file this within 20 days of the judgment.
Pay the Docket Fee: A fee is required when you file your appeal.
Review Process: The appeal will be based on the original court record, including any recordings of the hearing. No new evidence will be accepted.

Conclusion

Small Claims Court in Warren County, Iowa, is an accessible and straightforward way to resolve disputes without needing a lawyer. Whether you’re filing a claim or responding to one, understanding the process can help ensure your case is handled efficiently. Be sure to follow all steps carefully, keep track of your documents, and arrive prepared for your hearing.

Courthouses Location:

Warren County Clerk of Court

115 N. Howard Street
Suite 100
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 690-9260
https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-5/district/5/county/warren

BUILDING HOURS

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVES

Ackworth
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Carlisle
Cumming
Des Moines
Hartford
Indianola
Lacona
Martensdale
Milo
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Sandyville
Spring Hill
West Des Moines

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Warren County

Don't allow the intricacies of the legal system to discourage you from pursuing justice and compensation for your claim. With Squabble, you have a dedicated partner to streamline the process and guide you toward resolution. Whether you're contemplating filing a claim at Warren County small claims court, Squabble is here to support you at every stage. Reach out to us today to commence your journey toward justice and compensation. Get started today and become one of the 95% of our customers who won or settled their case.