Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 146 resources
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Cars featuring the Car Buyer's Toolkit
Car Buyer's Toolkit
(Separate Website)
A helpful collection of information on issues from buying to selling a car in Iowa.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Can They Repossess My Car?
If a car buyer cannot make payments, the creditor may have the right to repossess and sell the car but must follow the purchase agreement and Iowa law.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Car Title Loans
Before new legislation was adopted by the Iowa Legislature in 2007, car title loans were a very expensive way to borrow money. The new legislation limits the amount of interest that can be charged. This can still be an expensive loan.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Car Titles
Motor vehicle certificates of title are very important documents that should be treated like a deed to real estate.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
How to Avoid Buying a Salvage, Damaged or Flood Vehicle
(Separate Website)
Shopping for a used vehicle can be a challenge. These steps help reduce the chances of buying a used vehicle with undisclosed damage
By: Iowa Attorney General
Take the Scare Out of Auto Repair
(Separate Website)
Here are some things consumers can do to reassure themselves -- and protect themselves against being cheated in auto repairs.
By: Office of the Attorney General
Towed Cars
Answers to some questions people usually have when their car has been towed.
FTC Consumer Information
(Separate Website)
The FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Time-Barred Debts
(Separate Website)
Some debts are too old for a creditor to collect from consumers.
By: Federal Trade Commission
How to Use Small Claims Court
(Separate Website)
This Manual has been prepared to assist persons who want to sue or defend themselves in Small Claims Court in Iowa without hiring a lawyer. It outlines the basic steps involved in bringing and defending a small claims action and answers some basic questions for the person who chooses to "go it alone."
By: Iowa State Bar Association
Iowa's Assistive Devices "Lemon Law"
Many people use a wheelchair or some other piece of equipment to help them live with a disability. These are called assistive devices. What can you do when assistive equipment does not work right? In Iowa, the assistive devices "lemon law" gives you certain rights concerning the repair and replacement of a new assistive device.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Mortgage Foreclosures and Land Contract Forfeitures
People are usually not able to pay in full when they buy a home. As a result, most Iowans finance homes through either a mortgage or a land contract. If the buyer fails to make payments the loan terms require, each of these financing tools allows the lender to retake the home. The steps involved depend on whether it is a mortgage or land contract.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Payday Loans: An Expensive Way to Borrow Money
Payday loan businesses extend credit by giving cash in exchange for a check which is dated for some time in the future, also called a post-dated check. If you figure the interest rate on these loans the same way banks calculate interest rates on their loans, the Annual Percentage Rates you pay for these loans can range from 145% - 6442%!!!!!
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Shopping for an Assistive Technology Device
When you need an assistive device, it's a good idea to be sure to get one that works well and does what you need it to do. Learning as much as you can about a device and testing it before you buy can prevent problems. It is worth the time to make sure the device you choose helps gain more independence, better health or a fuller use of your abilities.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Basic Rules of Credit Cards
Using a credit card to cover a major purchase or essential family living expense is generally a bad idea. Credit cards should only be used as a source of funding for emergencies such as car repairs, or for short-term loans for large purchases only.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Watch Your Wallet!
Getting into a debt-rut is a lot easier than getting out of it. Here are some tips about special pitfalls common to high-priced debt .
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Complaint Assistant Form (Separate Website)
(Separate Website)
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, collects complaints about companies, business practices, identity theft, and episodes of violence in the media.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Payday Loans: An Expensive Way to Borrow Money
Payday loan businesses extend credit by giving cash in exchange for a check which is dated for some time in the future, also called a post-dated check. If you figure the interest rate on these loans the same way banks calculate interest rates on their loans, the Annual Percentage Rates you pay for these loans can range from 145% - 6442%!!!!!
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Basic Rules of Credit Cards
Using a credit card to cover a major purchase or essential family living expense is generally a bad idea. Credit cards should only be used as a source of funding for emergencies such as car repairs, or for short-term loans for large purchases only.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Watch Your Wallet!
Getting into a debt-rut is a lot easier than getting out of it. Here are some tips about special pitfalls common to high-priced debt .
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Creditor Threats - Are They for Real?
Health problems, car accidents, and credit cards can make it tough to pay your bills. Creditors and debt collectors may contact you and threaten to take your income and property. You should know that federal and Iowa law protect certain property from being taken by most of your creditors
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Illegal Debt Collection Conduct
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, known at the "FDCPA," requires collection agencies to take certain actions.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Read this in:
Bosnian / Bosanski
,
Spanish / Español
They Got Their Judgment, Now What Can They Take?
Once someone has a judgment against you, garnishing wages is a common way to try to collect it. There are two limits on how much they can take. One is a per pay period limit. The other is an annual cap.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Property That Is Protected from Creditors
Health problems, car accidents, gambling, and credit cards are just a few of the things that can
make you unable to pay your bills. You should know that certain property is protected by law from being taken by most of your creditors.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Bankruptcy Basics
(Separate Website)
Bankruptcy Basics provides basic information on different aspects of federal bankruptcy laws. It also provides a basic explanation of the different chapters under which a bankruptcy case may be filed and answers some of the most commonly asked questions about the bankruptcy process.
By: United States Courts
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The Iowa Legal Aid Website is a project of Iowa Legal Aid, the Volunteer Lawyer Projects of the Iowa State Bar and Polk County Bar Associations and HELP Legal Assistance.
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