Scott County Court Records
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Scott County runs along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, with Davenport as its county seat and the anchor of the Quad Cities metro area. The Scott County District Court, part of Iowa's 7th Judicial District, has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters in the county. Everything is centralized at the courthouse at 400 West 4th Street in Davenport — that's where you'll find the Clerk of District Court and all court divisions. The Clerk of District Court for Scott and Cedar Counties manages day-to-day operations across criminal, civil, domestic relations, small claims, probate, and mental health proceedings.
Iowa runs a unified court system, so records can be searched through several channels: clerk of court offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and the state's electronic docket system. The Iowa Judicial Branch publishes case index data through its online search platform, and IowaCourts.us can help you identify publicly available court case information and locate relevant court resources statewide. You can also direct individual record requests to the Clerk of District Court's office by mail, email, or in person.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Scott County?
There are three main ways to search Scott County court records: online electronic searches, in-person terminal access at the courthouse, and direct requests to the Clerk of Court.
Online Electronic Docket Search
The Iowa Courts Online Search system gives you remote access to the electronic docket covering filings and proceedings across all Iowa counties, including Scott. Here's how to use it:
- Visit the Iowa Courts Online Search page.
- Enter a last name or business name — this is required for basic searches.
- Optionally filter by first name, party role, case type, or county.
- Review the returned case summaries.
The system shows case index data — docket entries, party names, charges, and case status — but does not offer downloadable copies of actual court documents. Basic searches are free, though a more detailed search may carry a nominal fee.
Parties involved in active cases can also access filings through the Iowa Courts eFile System (EDMS), which lets registered users view and submit documents electronically.
Public Access Terminals
The Scott County Courthouse has public access terminals where you can search computer records dating back to the latter half of 1993. An index of pre-computer cases is also available for older record searches. Terminals are open during regular business hours.
Direct Requests to the Clerk's Office
You can make record requests in person, by mail, or by email:
Scott County District Court — Clerk of District Court
Address: 400 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801-1104
Phone: (563) 326-8647
Email: countyclerk.scott@iowacourts.gov
Fax: (Criminal): (563) 326-8280
Fax: (Civil): (563) 326-8704
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
When making a request, give the party name, case number, or other identifying details. Copy fees are $0.50 per page, and getting a certified copy with the court's seal costs $30 under Iowa Code 602.8105(2)(b).
Are Court Records Public in Scott County?
Iowa law treats court records as public records. The Iowa Freedom of Information Act (Iowa Code Chapter 22) gives members of the public the legal right to inspect and copy government records, including court documents. Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 20, defines court records to include documents in a court file, docket entries, transcripts, documentary exhibits held by the clerk, and any approved recording of court proceedings.
You can also access court records through the Iowa Courts Online Search system, where the Judicial Branch makes clear that public case documents can be viewed on a public access terminal at the courthouse in the county where the case was filed.
Confidential and Exempt Records
Despite the general openness rule, Iowa Code 22.7 identifies categories of records exempt from public disclosure. Iowa Administrative Code 7614.9(22) sets out additional restrictions. Records that may be restricted or withheld include:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Transcripts and minutes of closed court hearings
- Arrest and search warrant materials before the defendant's initial court appearance or execution of the warrant
- Law enforcement personnel records and information about undercover officers
- Attorney work product related to litigation involving a public entity
- Designated intellectual property
- Certain investigative reports
- Juvenile court records (subject to additional confidentiality protections)
- Mental health and substance abuse commitment records
- Adoption records
The Iowa Supreme Court or Court of Appeals may issue orders allowing access to otherwise exempt records in certain circumstances, so these exemptions are not necessarily absolute.
Scott County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Scott County — from traffic offenses and misdemeanors up to serious felonies — are prosecuted in the District Court. The Associate Court Clerk's Office handles traffic and criminal matters and can be reached at (563) 326-8787. For general inquiries, the main Clerk of District Court number is (563) 326-8647.
Searching Criminal Case Records
You can find criminal case information through:
- The Iowa Courts Online Search system, using the defendant's name or case number
- Public access terminals at the Scott County Courthouse
- Direct requests to the Associate Court Clerk's Office at 400 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801
Fees may apply when requests require significant staff time or involve copying documents.
Iowa Criminal History Records (Statewide)
For formal criminal background checks that go beyond what court case dockets show, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Under Iowa Code 692.2, the public may access criminal history information from law enforcement agencies, subject to certain restrictions.
To request an Iowa criminal history record check through the DCI:
- Fee: $15 per last name (non-refundable)
- Payment: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Required information: First name, last name, and exact date of birth (gender, SSN, and middle name are helpful but not required)
- Request methods: Mail, fax, in person, or email (phone requests are not accepted)
- In-person hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Processing time: Same-day results for self-requests made in person; 1–3 days for online requests; 1–7 days for third-party requests
Under Iowa law, criminal history records that lack disposition information more than 18 months after the date of arrest can only be shared with criminal justice agencies, the record subject, their attorney, or a person holding a signed release from the subject.
Scott County Sheriff's Office
The Scott County Sheriff's Office can help navigate criminal record request procedures and maintains a publicly accessible inmate listing showing individuals currently in custody and those booked within the last seven days.
Scott County Sheriff's Office
Address: 400 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801-1104
Phone: (563) 326-8625
Scott County Civil Court Records
The Scott County District Court handles all civil matters, from complex multi-party litigation to small claims disputes. Civil case records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court and include complaints, answers, motions, court orders, judgments, and post-judgment filings.
Departmental Contacts for Civil Matters
| Division | Phone |
|---|---|
| Civil Department (Law & Equity, Divorce, Child Support, Name Change) | (563) 326-8647 |
| Small Claims | (563) 326-8785 |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse | (563) 326-8657 |
| Probate (Wills, Estates, Guardianships, Conservatorships) | (563) 326-8648 |
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched:
- Online through the Iowa Courts Online Search tool using the advanced case search option, which lets you filter by party name, case type, and county
- In person at the courthouse public access terminals or the records room on the lower level of the courthouse
- By request to the Clerk's office via mail or email
Small Claims Court
Small claims cases in Scott County cover civil money disputes of $6,500 or less and forcible entry and detainer actions from landlord-tenant disputes. Iowa Code Chapter 631 governs small claims proceedings. A few things to know:
- Filing fee: $95 (Iowa Code 631.6)
- Appeal of small claims judgment: $195
- Cases are heard before a judge without a jury
- Court forms for small claims are available free from the Iowa Judicial Branch
Common Civil Filing Fees
Iowa's Legislature sets court filing fees statewide. Fees for Scott County civil filings include:
| Filing Type | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Civil petition (general) | $195 | 602.8105(1)(a) |
| Dissolution of marriage | $265 | 602.8105(1)(b) |
| Domestic relations action (modification, annulment, separate maintenance) | $110 | 602.8105(1)(d) |
| Small claims | $95 | 631.6 |
| Name change | $195 | 602.8105(1)(a) |
| Foreign judgment filing | $195 | 626A.5 |
| Certification and seal | $30 | 602.8105(2)(b) |
| Copies | $0.50/page |
Because Scott County has a population over 98,000, an additional $5 publication fee may apply to certain civil petitions. If you can't afford filing fees, the court may allow deferral through an Application to Defer Costs, available as a free interactive form from the Iowa Judicial Branch.
The Judicial Branch also offers free interactive court forms that walk you through a question-and-answer process to generate completed forms for various civil matters.
Scott County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Scott County go through the civil department of the District Court's domestic relations division. There is no standalone family court — the District Court has jurisdiction over all proceedings involving divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and protective orders.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
Iowa calls divorce "dissolution of marriage", and it's governed by Iowa Code Chapter 598. Dissolution records include the original petition, temporary orders, property settlement agreements, child custody and support provisions, and the final decree. The Clerk of District Court in the county where the case was filed maintains all of these documents.
Only the parties to the dissolution or their attorneys may obtain copies of dissolution records. To request them, give the name of either spouse or the case number to the clerk's office.
- Filing fee for dissolution of marriage: $265
- Filing fee for modification of dissolution decree, annulment, or separate maintenance: $110
Child Support and Custody
Child support matters — including establishment, modification, and enforcement — are handled through the civil department. The Clerk's Uniform Support division can be reached at (563) 326-8647. Custody disputes are resolved by District Court judges, and all related records are part of the civil court file.
Domestic Abuse Protective Orders
The Scott County Clerk's Office domestic abuse division has a clerk available to assist anyone seeking physical protection from an abusive spouse, partner, or household member. Protective order petitions, temporary orders, and final rulings are part of the court record.
Marriage and Divorce Vital Records
Marriage and divorce certificates are vital records separate from court case files, and two agencies hold them:
- Scott County Recorder's Office holds marriage and divorce records from 1942 to the present
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services holds older records (1921–1941) and conducts statewide record searches
To request a certified marriage or divorce certificate:
- Fee: $15 per search (includes one copy if a record is found; a no-record letter is issued if not; fee is non-refundable)
- Eligible requesters: The individual named on the record, their spouse, children, parents listed on the record, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, legal representative, or guardian (proof of eligibility required)
- Application form: The vital records application can be submitted in person or by mail
Scott County Recorder's Office
Address: 600 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801-1003
Phone: (563) 326-8621
Bureau of Health Statistics (State Office)
Address: Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Birth and death certificates are also available through the Scott County Recorder's Office at the same $15 fee. You'll need a completed application and valid identification. Certified copies of vital records are restricted to eligible individuals as defined by Iowa Code 144.43.
Scott County Probate Court Records
Probate in Scott County is administered as a division within the District Court, overseen by an associate probate judge. The Clerk of District Court maintains all documents filed in probate proceedings, including estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships. Reach the probate division directly at (563) 326-8648.
What Probate Records Cover
Probate proceedings in Scott County address:
- Estate administration — validation of a Last Will and Testament, accounting of assets and liabilities, protection of estate property, payment of debts and taxes (income, estate, and inheritance), identification of heirs, and distribution of assets
- Guardianships — appointment of a guardian for minors or adults who cannot make decisions about their health or legal affairs
- Conservatorships — appointment of a conservator to manage financial matters for a minor (such as lawsuit awards or inherited funds) or an incapacitated adult
The executor or administrator appointed through probate carries direct responsibility for proper settlement of the estate — that includes collecting and preserving assets, paying claims, filing tax returns, and making final distributions.
How to Access Probate Records
Probate records in Iowa are generally public unless a court order restricts access in exceptional circumstances. To request probate records:
- Visit the Clerk's probate division at the Scott County Courthouse (400 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801).
- Give the decedent's or ward's name and any available case information.
- Complete any required request form.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page; $30 for certification with the court seal).
Probate case docket information can also be searched through the Iowa Courts Online Search system by entering the decedent's or ward's name and selecting Scott County.
Additional Resources
The Iowa State Bar Association publishes guidance on wills and estate planning, including answers to common questions about whether a will is needed, what it should contain, and how estate planning works under Iowa law. The Iowa Judicial Branch also provides free court forms for guardianship and conservatorship filings, and its interactive court forms tool can help self-represented parties prepare certain probate-related documents.