In Muscatine County, small claims cases up to $6,500 are heard by the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County (Clerk of District Court). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 401 East 3rd Street, Muscatine, IA 52761 · Map
Phone: 563-263-6511
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Usually the county where the defendant lives, or where the contract was to be performed or the problem happened. Ask the clerk if you're unsure.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Iowa counties.
Iowa doesn't require a demand before you file, but a written request for payment is good evidence and may settle the matter. Make a free demand letter.
Original Notice and Petition (Small Claims) Get the form.
$115 to file. Certified mail service through the clerk adds $20 per defendant; sheriff fees vary by county. An appeal costs $215. Fee waiver: Ask the court to defer the costs if you can't afford them; the forms are on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
The sheriff can serve the papers, or the clerk can send them by certified restricted mail for $20. A nonresident may sometimes be served through the Secretary of State.
A hearing is set only if the defendant answers and disputes the claim. If they don't answer, the court can enter a default judgment without a hearing. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Iowa filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Muscatine County are filed with the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County (Clerk of District Court), 401 East 3rd Street, Muscatine, IA 52761. Phone: 563-263-6511.
Up to $6,500. You can sue for up to $6,500, not counting interest and court costs. The limit has been $6,500 since July 1, 2018. Small claims also handles evictions and getting back personal property worth up to $6,500.
$115 to file. Certified mail service through the clerk adds $20 per defendant; sheriff fees vary by county. An appeal costs $215.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.