About Story County

Story County is located in the heart of central Iowa, encompassing approximately 573 square miles of rolling prairie, fertile farmland, and the gentle contours of the Skunk River valley. The county is part of the broader Des Moines Lobe, a landscape shaped by glacial activity that left behind some of the most productive agricultural soils in the United States. Beyond its rural stretches, Story County is home to a dynamic mix of small towns, suburban communities, and one of Iowa's most vibrant college cities, giving the county a character that blends Midwestern agricultural tradition with academic energy and innovation. With a population of approximately 98,537 residents, Story County is one of the more populous counties in Iowa, driven in large part by the presence of Iowa State University in Ames. The university is the county's largest employer and cultural anchor, drawing students, faculty, researchers, and professionals from across the nation and around the world. This creates a uniquely diverse and educated population relative to its size, with a strong emphasis on technology, agriculture, and the sciences. Ames itself regularly ranks among the best small cities in the United States for quality of life, safety, and economic opportunity. The county seat of Nevada, Iowa — pronounced locally as nuh-VAY-dah — sits at the geographic and administrative heart of Story County, housing the county courthouse and many of the region's government services. While Ames dominates in terms of population and commerce, Nevada provides a quieter, more traditional small-town Iowa experience and serves as the hub of county government. The broader county economy is anchored by higher education, agricultural services, manufacturing, healthcare, and a growing technology sector connected to Iowa State's research mission. Communities like Huxley, Gilbert, Roland, and Collins add to the county's diverse economic and residential fabric, making Story County one of the most well-rounded and economically resilient counties in the state.

Practice Areas in Story County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Story County

Story County is served by the Iowa District Court for the Fifth Judicial District, which handles the full range of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters for county residents. The Story County Courthouse, located at 900 6th Street in Nevada, Iowa, is the primary venue for district court proceedings, including felony criminal cases, civil disputes, divorce and custody matters, juvenile cases, and estate administration. Iowa also utilizes a magistrate court system, and Story County magistrates handle smaller civil claims, simple misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in criminal cases. The Iowa Small Claims Court, operating within the magistrate system, allows residents to resolve disputes involving amounts up to $6,500 without the formality or expense of a full district court trial. All courts in Story County operate under the administrative oversight of the Iowa Judicial Branch, and court records and schedules are generally accessible through the Iowa Courts Online system.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Story County

Most legal matters in Story County — including traffic offenses, family law disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and state criminal charges — are handled by the Iowa state courts operating within the county. However, when a legal matter involves a federal law, a constitutional question, parties from different states in disputes exceeding $75,000, or agencies of the federal government, the case falls under federal jurisdiction and is heard in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, with the primary courthouse located in Des Moines. Story County residents involved in federal matters such as bankruptcy proceedings, federal criminal charges, civil rights claims, immigration issues, or lawsuits against federal agencies would need to navigate the federal court system rather than the county's state courts, and securing an attorney experienced in federal practice is particularly important in those situations.

Common Legal Situations in Story County

Story County's unique blend of a large university population, active agricultural economy, and growing suburban communities gives rise to a distinctive set of common legal needs among its residents. The presence of Iowa State University means that issues related to student housing disputes, landlord-tenant disagreements, and lease violations are among the most frequently encountered legal matters in the Ames area. Traffic citations — including OWI charges, which Iowa law treats seriously — are common throughout the county, particularly along major corridors like Highway 30 and Interstate 35. Family law matters including divorce, child custody, and child support modifications arise regularly across the county's communities. Agricultural landowners and operators often deal with questions involving land leases, easements, and neighbor disputes. Employment law issues, including wage disputes and workplace rights claims connected to the university and local employers, also represent a meaningful share of legal needs in Story County.

Why Go To Court for Story County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is an excellent choice for Story County residents seeking reliable and accessible legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. Residents can reach the Go To Court team at any time through the firm's 24/7 free legal hotline, ensuring that urgent legal questions never have to wait until business hours. The firm is also moving toward a fixed-fee pricing model, which brings much-needed transparency and predictability to the often stressful experience of hiring legal help. With an experienced team that handles matters across Iowa's courts, Go To Court is well-positioned to assist Story County clients whether their issue involves the Nevada courthouse, the Iowa District Court, or the federal courts in Des Moines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation in Story County, Iowa?

If you receive a traffic citation in Story County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, plead not guilty and request a hearing before a magistrate, or in some cases attend traffic school to reduce the impact on your driving record. More serious traffic offenses, such as OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) or reckless driving, carry significant penalties including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time, and you should strongly consider consulting a lawyer before responding to those charges. An attorney can review the circumstances of your stop and citation and advise you on the best course of action.

How does child custody work in Story County if my spouse and I are separating?

In Iowa, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, and Story County's district court can issue orders covering both legal custody — which governs decision-making authority — and physical custody, which determines where the child lives. Parents are encouraged to reach a mutually agreeable parenting plan, which the court will then review and approve, but if parents cannot agree, a judge will make the determination after considering factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and school, and the ability of each parent to support the child's relationship with the other parent. Consulting a family law attorney early in the process can help you understand your rights and work toward an arrangement that protects your child's wellbeing.

I rent an apartment near Iowa State University — what are my rights if my landlord refuses to return my security deposit?

Iowa law requires landlords to return a tenant's security deposit within 30 days of the end of the tenancy, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. If your landlord fails to comply with this requirement, you may be entitled to recover the deposit plus damages, court costs, and attorney fees by filing a claim in Iowa Small Claims Court, which handles disputes up to $6,500 and is accessible through the Story County courthouse in Nevada. Keeping thorough documentation such as move-in photos, written communications, and your lease agreement will significantly strengthen your case.

What is the process for filing for divorce in Story County, Iowa?

To file for divorce in Story County, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Iowa for at least one year before filing, and the petition is submitted to the Iowa District Court at the Story County Courthouse in Nevada. Iowa is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse — the petition simply needs to state that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. The process involves resolving issues such as property division, spousal support, and if applicable, child custody and support, all of which can be negotiated between the parties or decided by the court if an agreement cannot be reached.

Can I handle a small claims dispute in Story County without hiring a lawyer?

Yes, Iowa's Small Claims Court is specifically designed to allow individuals to represent themselves in disputes involving amounts up to $6,500, without requiring formal legal training or an attorney. The process is less formal than district court, and the magistrate will guide both parties through the hearing, but you should still come prepared with organized evidence such as contracts, receipts, photographs, and any written communications relevant to your dispute. While an attorney is not required, consulting one beforehand can be helpful for understanding how to present your case effectively, particularly if the opposing party has legal representation.

Neighbouring Counties

Story County is bordered by Hamilton County to the north, Hardin County to the northeast, Marshall County to the east, Tama County to the southeast, Jasper County to the south, Polk County to the southwest, Boone County to the west, and Webster County to the northwest.