Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 249F.5. Filing and docketing of order--order effective as court decree

1. A true copy of an order entered by the department pursuant to this chapter, along with a true copy of the return of service, if applicable, may be filed in the office of the clerk of the district court in the county in which the transferee resides or, if the transferee resides in another state, in the office of the district court in the county in which the transferor resides.

2. The department order shall be presented, ex parte, to the district court for review and approval. Unless defects appear on the face of the order or on the attachments, the district court shall approve the order. The approved order shall have all force, effect, and attributes of a docketed order or decree of the district court.

3. Upon filing, the clerk shall enter the order in the judgment docket.