CivilCriminalFamilyProbateJuvenileSmall ClaimsTrafficEviction
Palo Alto County District Court (Third Judicial District)
Address
1010 Broadway, Emmetsburg, 50536
Phone
Palo Alto County courts
Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.
Reviewed Jul 30, 2026 · Official sources
Filing fees
Official fee schedule| Filing type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil lawsuit | $215 |
| Small claims | $115 |
| Divorce / family | $285 |
Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $215, the civil filing fee in Palo Alto County is about the same as nearby counties (median $215 across 6 nearby counties).
Clerk & court records
Palo Alto County Clerk of District Court
Courthouses in Palo Alto County
Need papers served or filed in Palo Alto County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.
Official links
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file a civil case in Palo Alto County?
The civil filing fee in Palo Alto County, Iowa is $215.00.
What is the small claims filing fee in Palo Alto County?
$115.
How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Palo Alto County?
$285.
Can I e-file court documents in Palo Alto County?
Yes. E-filing is available through Iowa Judicial Branch eFile.
Is there a free online case search for Palo Alto County?
Yes. You can look up cases online at iowacourts.state.ia.us.
Where do I file court documents in Palo Alto County?
Filings go to the Palo Alto County Clerk of District Court. You can reach the clerk at 712-852-3603.