Small Claims Complaint

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A PREPARATION GUIDE — NOT THE OFFICIAL COURT FORM

Iowa requires the use of official court form Small Claims Form 3.1 (Original Notice and Petition for a Money Judgment) for small claims
complaints. This template provides the substantive legal content to help you prepare —
but you must transfer your content to the official form before filing. The official form
is available at https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms.
Do not file this document directly with the court.

IOWA SMALL CLAIMS – ORIGINAL NOTICE & PETITION FOR MONEY JUDGMENT

(Compliant with Iowa Code ch. 631 and Iowa R. Civ. P. Ch. 1)

I. CAPTION / DOCUMENT HEADER

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR [COUNTY] COUNTY
SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

PLAINTIFF
[PLAINTIFF LEGAL NAME]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Telephone: [___-___-____]
E-Mail: [___]

v.

DEFENDANT
[DEFENDANT LEGAL NAME]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Telephone: [___-___-____]
E-Mail: [___]

ORIGINAL NOTICE AND PETITION FOR MONEY JUDGMENT

II. JURISDICTION, VENUE & MONETARY LIMIT

1. Plaintiff brings this action pursuant to the Iowa Small Claims statute, Iowa Code ch. 631.
2. The amount in controversy is $[AMOUNT], which does not exceed the current statutory jurisdictional ceiling of $6,500, exclusive of interest and costs. See Iowa Code § 631.1(1) (2023).
3. Venue is proper in [COUNTY] County because [state factual basis—e.g., “the transaction occurred in this county” or “Defendant resides/does business here”].

III. PARTIES

4. Plaintiff, [PLAINTIFF LEGAL NAME] (“Plaintiff”), is an individual/entity residing or organized under the laws of [STATE] with its principal address at the location stated in the caption.
5. Defendant, [DEFENDANT LEGAL NAME] (“Defendant”), is an individual/entity residing or authorized to conduct business in Iowa, with the address stated in the caption.

IV. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS

6. On or about [DATE], Plaintiff and Defendant entered into [describe agreement/transaction] (“Agreement”).
7. Plaintiff fully performed, or was ready, willing, and able to perform, all material obligations under the Agreement.
8. Defendant breached the Agreement by [specific acts/omissions].
9. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s breach, Plaintiff suffered damages in the principal sum of $[AMOUNT], plus [pre-judgment interest, late fees, etc., if allowed].
10. Despite Plaintiff’s written demand dated [DATE], Defendant has failed to cure the default or remit payment.

V. CLAIM FOR RELIEF – MONEY JUDGMENT

11. Plaintiff realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-10 as if fully set forth herein.
12. Plaintiff is entitled to judgment against Defendant in the amount of $[AMOUNT], together with:
    a. Pre-judgment interest as allowed by Iowa law;
    b. Court costs and service fees; and
    c. Post-judgment interest at the statutory rate until paid in full.

VI. PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant for:

a. Principal damages of $[AMOUNT];
b. Pre- and post-judgment interest as permitted by law;
c. Court costs, service fees, and other allowable expenses; and
d. Such further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.

VII. REQUIRED SMALL CLAIMS NOTICE TO DEFENDANT

You are notified that a hearing has been scheduled on the above-captioned matter as follows:

• Date: _________________________
• Time: _________________________
• Location: [County] County Courthouse, [Address], Small Claims Courtroom

IF YOU INTEND TO APPEAR at the hearing, you MUST electronically file an Appearance and Answer using the Iowa Judicial Branch e-file system (unless exempt) no later than one (1) business day before the hearing. If you do not electronically file an Appearance and Answer, or fail to appear, judgment may be entered against you. For assistance, visit https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/eFile or call (515) 348-8800.

VIII. APPEAL RIGHTS

A party dissatisfied with the judgment may appeal to the Iowa District Court within twenty (20) days after the entry of judgment by filing a written Notice of Appeal and paying the requisite docketing fee. See Iowa Code § 631.13(1) (2023).

IX. VERIFICATION

I, [PLAINTIFF NAME], state under penalty of perjury and pursuant to Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.902(3) that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Date: ___/___/20___

_______________________________________
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
Plaintiff / Authorized Representative

X. ATTORNEY SIGNATURE BLOCK (IF REPRESENTED)

Respectfully submitted,

[LAW FIRM NAME]
By: __________________________________
    [ATTORNEY NAME], AT000☐
    [Street Address]
    [City, State  ZIP]
    Telephone: [___-___-____]
    E-Mail: [___]

ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

XI. PROOF / ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE

OPTIONAL ADDENDA

• Exhibit A – Copy of Contract / Invoice
• Exhibit B – Demand Letter dated [DATE]
• Exhibit C – Account Ledger / Damage Calculation

FILING CHECKLIST

1. Verify claim does not exceed $6,500 (principal only).
2. Confirm correct legal names and service addresses.
3. Attach exhibits supporting the debt or damages.
4. Pay the small claims filing fee (check current schedule).
5. Arrange for service consistent with Iowa Code § 631.4.
6. Calendar the hearing date and appearance deadline.

END OF DOCUMENT