Legal Separation and Annulment in Iowa
Whether Iowa offers legal separation, how it differs from divorce, and the grounds for an annulment.
Short answer: Iowa allows separate maintenance actions, which are filed and handled like divorce cases. In a separate maintenance judgment, the court may divide property and order spousal support. Iowa Code §§ 598.28, 598.21, 598.21A
| Legal separation | Iowa allows separate maintenance actions, which are filed and handled like divorce cases. In a separate maintenance judgment, the court may divide property and order spousal support. |
|---|---|
| Annulment | A marriage may be annulled if it is prohibited by law; either party was impotent at the time of marriage; either party had a living spouse at the time (unless they knowingly lived together after the prior marriage ended); or either party was under a guardianship and found by a court to lack capacity to marry. If the validity of a marriage is in doubt, either party may ask the court to annul or affirm it. Source: Iowa Code §§ 598.29, 598.30 |
Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Iowa
- Adopting a Child in Iowa
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Iowa
- Establishing Paternity in Iowa
- Changing Your Name in Iowa
- Child Custody Laws in Iowa
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Iowa
- Divorce Records in Iowa
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Iowa
- How to File for Divorce in Iowa
- All Iowa divorce & family law rules
FAQ
Can you get a legal separation in Iowa?
Iowa allows separate maintenance actions, which are filed and handled like divorce cases. In a separate maintenance judgment, the court may divide property and order spousal support.
What are the grounds for annulment in Iowa?
A marriage may be annulled if it is prohibited by law; either party was impotent at the time of marriage; either party had a living spouse at the time (unless they knowingly lived together after the prior marriage ended); or either party was under a guardianship and found by a court to lack capacity to marry. If the validity of a marriage is in doubt, either party may ask the court to annul or affirm it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.