A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In Iowa, a divorce decree is the final order from a judge that legally ends a marriage. It is a binding legal document that outlines all the terms of the divorce, including but not limited to the division of property and debts, alimony (spousal support), and matters concerning child custody, visitation, and support. The decree will also address the responsibility for health insurance and extracurricular expenses for any minor children. Once the judge signs the divorce decree, the terms are enforceable by law. If either party fails to comply with the obligations set forth in the decree, the other party can take legal action to enforce the terms. This may involve returning to court for enforcement proceedings. The specifics of the divorce process and the contents of the decree are governed by Iowa state statutes, particularly Iowa Code chapters 598 and 600B, which cover dissolution of marriage and domestic relations, respectively.