Buchanan County Clerk of Court
Filing information for Buchanan County Clerk of Court in Independence, IA. Part of the Buchanan County small claims court system.
Small claims in Iowa — the numbers that apply at this court
$6,500
maximum claim
$95
filing fee (published)
2–10 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Iowa small claims guide · The form that starts a case (Form 3.1): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Buchanan County Clerk of Court
210 5th Ave NE, Suite B
Independence, IA 50644
Mailing Address
PO Box 317
Independence, IA 50644
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Area Served
All of Buchanan County
How to File at Buchanan County Clerk of Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Iowa
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $6,500.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
10 yrs written contract · 5 yrs oral contract · 5 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Buchanan County Clerk of Court?
Filing fees in Iowa are set by the state and are $95. If you can't afford the fee, Iowa offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Buchanan County?
Small claims cases in Buchanan County are limited to $6,500. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Buchanan County Clerk of Court?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Buchanan County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Buchanan County Clerk of Court, and when is it open?
Buchanan County Clerk of Court is at 210 5th Ave NE, Suite B, Independence, IA 50644. Posted hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Phone: (319) 334-2196. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Independence?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.