Chapter III · Commencement of Actions
Rule 1.303. Time for motion or answer to petition
1.303(1) Unless otherwise provided, the defendant, respondent, or other party shall serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file, a motion or answer within 20 days after the service of the original notice and petition upon such party.
1.303(2) Any statute of Iowa which specifically requires response by a particular party, or in a particular action, within a specified time, shall govern the time for serving, and within a reasonable time thereafter filing, a motion or answer in such cases.
1.303(3) A defendant, respondent, or other party served in a manner prescribed by an order of court shall serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file, a motion or answer on or before the date fixed.
1.303(4) A defendant, respondent, or other party served by publication or by publication and mailing shall serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file, a motion or answer on or before the date fixed in the notice as published, which date shall not be less than 20 days after the date of last publication.
1.303(5) A defendant, respondent, or other party served by mail under rule 1.306 shall serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file, a motion or answer on or before the date fixed in the notice as mailed, which date shall be not less than 60 days following the date of mailing.