The master shall file with the clerk the original exhibits, and any transcript of the proceedings and evidence, otherwise a summary thereof, with a report on the matters submitted in the order of reference, including separate findings and conclusions if so ordered. The master may submit a draft of the report to counsel for their suggestions.
Rule 1.941.Filing report
Division IX: Trial and Judgment · Last amended February 15, 2002 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1.941 requires the master to file the original exhibits, a transcript or summary of the proceedings, and a report on the matters referred, and allows sharing a draft report with counsel first.
Full Text of Rule 1.941
Plain-English Summary
A master's assignment ends with a paper trail. Rule 1.941 requires the master to file with the clerk the original exhibits from the proceeding, along with any transcript of the proceedings and evidence, or a summary of it if no transcript exists.
Alongside that record, the master files a report on the matters submitted in the order of reference, including separate findings and conclusions if the appointment order called for them. Before filing, the master may share a draft of the report with counsel for their suggestions — a chance to catch errors or ambiguities before the report becomes final and goes to the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a master have to file once the assignment is complete?
Rule 1.941 requires the master to file the original exhibits, any transcript of the proceedings and evidence (or a summary if there is no transcript), and a report on the matters submitted in the order of reference.
Does the master's report need separate findings and conclusions?
Only if the order of reference called for them. Rule 1.941 requires separate findings and conclusions in the report if so ordered.
Can the master show a draft of the report to the attorneys before filing it?
Yes. Rule 1.941 allows the master to submit a draft of the report to counsel for their suggestions.
What happens if there is no court reporter transcript of the proceedings before the master?
Rule 1.941 requires the master to file a summary of the proceedings and evidence instead of a transcript in that situation.
Where does the master file the exhibits and report?
With the clerk, per Rule 1.941.
Source & verification. Rule text and the Comment are
reproduced verbatim from the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, adopted by the
Iowa Supreme Court. Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: iowa master filing report rulereferee report and exhibits iowadraft report to counsel master iowaiowa civil rule 1.941