Quick Links Directories Child Support Job Postings Site Guide Accessibility Legal Glossary Search Quick Links include other sections of interest not otherwise accessible from the main page. The Iowa district court has general jurisdiction of all civil, criminal and juvenile cases and probate matters in the state. The district court, which is also known as the trial court, is the point of entry in the court system for most cases. The Iowa district court is composed of different kinds of judicial officers with varying amounts of jurisdiction judicial magistrates, associate juvenile judges, associate probate judges, district associate judges, and district court judges.
Judicial magistrates hear cases within their county of residence.
In addition, they may hear cases in other counties upon order of the chief judge of the district. Like other judicial officers, magistrates are authorized to issue search warrants, conduct seized property hearings and perform marriages. Judicial magistrates who are lawyers have authority to hear involuntary hospitalization matters. The jurisdiction of associate juvenile judges is limited to juvenile court matters. Associate probate judges have jurisdiction to audit accounts and perform other duties and judicial functions necessary to handle probate matters such as conservatorships, trusts, and estates.