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Iowa News > Archived News |
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 60+ Elder Law
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New Law Impacts Grandparent Visitation
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On July 1, 2007, Chapter 600C of the Iowa Code went into effect. This new law again provides a legal means for Iowa grandparents to try to be able to visit their grandchildren.
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By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans - 10/19/2007 |
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Life Planning Issues
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To view Deanna Clingan-Fischer's presentation "Life Planning Issues" which discusses Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Guardianships and Conservatorships, click here.
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By: Iowa Department of Elder Affairs - 07/03/2007 |
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Free Elderlaw Seminars Scheduled for October
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The Iowa Department of Elder Affairs and Iowa Legal Aid’s Legal Hotline for Older Iowans are repeating a series of free Elder Law seminars in October ...
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By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans - 03/29/2007 |
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Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney for Health Care forms
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The recent case of Terri Schiavo in Florida is causing many Iowans to think about the issue of “Living Wills.” Forms to prepare a "Living Will' and a ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 03/31/2005 |
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 Consumer and Small Claims Court
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Important Reminder to Keep Paying on Utility Bills
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The winter moratorium on shutting off utility service runs from November 1 through April 1. During this time, LIHE...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 11/18/2011 |
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New Garnishment Rules for Creditors
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Are creditors threatening to take your money or property? A new law makes it more difficult for a “creditor” (a person or company to whom money is owed) to take money or property from a “debtor” (person owing the debt).
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 06/09/2011 |
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New Consumer Protection Law Took Effect July 1, 2009
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Iowans have finally joined people in the other 49 states in having a private remedy for consumer fraud. The "Private Right of Action" law, which took effect July 1, 2009, is a very important tool for consumers who have been cheated by consumer fraud or deception.
The law makes it possible for consumers to get damages and attorney fees if they prevail in a consumer fraud lawsuit. In the past, even if they were cheated badly and went to court and won, consumers couldn't obtain attorney fees to pay for the cost of the action.
What consumers should know about the Private Right of Action:
Consumers can sue businesses that engage in deceptive practices, unfair practices, or misrepresentation, or that fail to disclose material facts.
The law covers areas with the most need for private remedies, including new and used car sales and service; home improvements; door-to-door sales; charitable solicitations; cell phone and satellite television sales and service; sweepstakes and telemarketing fraud; and many others. The law covers the sale, lease or advertisement of consumer merchandise, and solicitation of charitable contributions.
Consumers will be able to sue to recover actual damages, but will not be able to recover claims for bodily injury or pain and suffering. Consumers will also be able to seek punitive damages of up to three times actual damages in cases of willful and wanton conduct by the defendant. If the consumer wins the lawsuit, the court must award reasonable attorney fees.
The law does not cover several types of businesses, including complaints about insurance agents or companies. (Consumers with insurance complaints should contact the Iowa Insurance Division - 877-955-1212, or www.iid.state.ia.us.)
Most consumers should start by trying to resolve their complaints directly with the company. And consumers still may wish to file written consumer complaints with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. Many companies may choose to resolve complaints informally, short of being sued.
For more information, or if you want to file a consumer complaint, go to www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov. Or, write to the AG's General's Consumer Protection Div., Hoover Bldg., Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Call 515-281-5926, or 888-777-4590 toll-free.
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By: - 07/16/2009 |
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Beware of New Internet Tax Scam
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The Internal Revenue Service learned late Friday of a new tax scam on the Internet that lures taxpayers into filing tax information on a site masquerading as a member of the Free File Alliance. The IRS reminded taxpayers the only place to access the Free File program is through the official IRS.gov Web site.
“The final days of the tax season always bring tax scams,” IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson said. “Make sure you’re really dealing with the IRS. Taxpayers can feel safe using Free File, but the only way to do it is through the secure IRS.gov Web site.”
The latest twist on tax scams involves tax preparation Web sites that inaccurately say they are part of the Free File Alliance, a partnership between 19 tax software companies and the IRS. The IRS is working with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to look into allegations that the Web sites accepted tax information from taxpayers, changed the taxpayers’ bank account numbers to their own and then filed the return through a legitimate Free File partner.
Taxpayers can avoid this problem by using the official Free File site on IRS.gov. Seventy percent of the nation’s taxpayers are eligible to use the free electronic filing system.
The IRS stressed that Free File is a great way for taxpayers to get a refund quickly or schedule their tax payment for April 17. To qualify for Free File, taxpayers need to have an adjusted gross income of $52,000 or less. Ninety-five million out of the 136 million taxpayers meet this qualification.
The only way to access this program is through the IRS's Web site, IRS.gov. Click "2007 Free File" on the home page. Then, click "Start Now." Taxpayers can use the "Guide Me to a Company!" wizard to help decide which software to choose using criteria such as the state they live in, their estimated AGI and their age.
If taxpayers owe money, they can use Free File to electronically file their return on time and schedule their payment on the last possible day, April 17. As with any e-file product, Free File reassures taxpayers they have filed on time by issuing an acknowledgment from the IRS saying the return has been received.
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By: Internal Revenue Service - 04/16/2007 |
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Car Buyer's Toolkit
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Helpful tips on buying a car including factors to consider when shopping, insurance, licensing and selling the car you have so you can get a different one.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 03/10/2007 |
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Help for Drivers Who Can't Pay Fines, Court Costs or Related Charges
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When the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) suspends someone’s driver’s license, it is much harder to remain financially independent. Many ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 09/27/2006 |
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 Disaster Relief
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Project Recovery Iowa Provides Mental Health Services
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Governor Chet Culver has urged Iowans who need mental health services to use the Project Recovery Iowa program, a mental health program that provides free crisis counseling to Iowans affected by this year's natural disasters.
"As Governor, I am committed to returning life to normal in those communities affected, and that is why I encourage Iowans to reach out to the Project Recovery Iowa mental health program. This free program will help those who have been affected get a sense of control back in their lives and will move us farther down the road to recovery."
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By: Iowa Department of Human Services - 09/11/2008 |
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Acerca de FEMA
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El proceso de solicitud de asistencia por desastre para individuos.
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By: FEMA - 06/23/2008 |
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 Family and Juvenile
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NEW RESOURCE: Fillable Iowa Forms for Divorce with No Children
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Approved court forms and instructions to help self-represented parties with no minor children get a divorce in Iowa.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 07/13/2010 |
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Iowa Courts Now Offer Self-Help Forms to Modify Child Support
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To assist the growing numbers of Iowans who choose to represent themselves in court without the aid of an attorney, Iowa's court system now offers self-help forms for parents seeking a change in the amount they pay or receive for child support.
Go to:
http://www.iowacourts.gov/Court_Rules_and_Forms/Family_Law_Forms/index.asp
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By: Iowa Judicial Branch - 06/17/2008 |
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Iowa Courts Provide Self-Help Forms for Divorces
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Iowa's court system now offers self-help forms for divorcing Iowa couples who choose to represent themselves in court without the aid of an attorney. The forms are specifically designed for couples who do not have minor or dependent children.
Go to: http://www.iowacourts.gov/Court_Rules_and_Forms/Family_Law_Forms/index.asp
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By: Iowa Judicial Branch - 05/18/2007 |
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Self-Help Divorce Forms Available Soon
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It will soon be easier to file a divorce in Iowa if you cannot afford to pay an attorney. The Iowa Supreme Court is now looking at forms for Iowans to...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 03/20/2007 |
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Public Hearings on Child Support Guidelines
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The Iowa Child Support Advisory Committee will hold public hearings in Tipton, Council Bluffs, and Des Moines to solicit comments on the Iowa Supreme ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 01/26/2007 |
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A Client's Story: Working for Fairness for Dana Hackett
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Domestic violence is a harsh reality of life for many Iowans. Making the decision to get out ofan abusive marriage is only the start of the process. D...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 01/02/2004 |
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 Health
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Health Care Flyers Now Available in 6 Languages
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A new series of "Health Care for Iowans" flyers is now available for health care providers and human service agencies. Each ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 02/22/2005 |
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 Housing
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Attention: Current or Former Tenants from Linn County
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Have you ever rented from:
Robert Miell;
Equity Associates, Inc. Realtors;
Miell Property Management; or
Advanced Equities, Inc.?
Rober...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 01/28/2009 |
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New Iowa "Foreclosure Hotline" at 877-622-4866
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Attorney General Tom Miller unveiled a project Tuesday aimed at avoiding a flood of subprime mortgage foreclosures in Iowa. The pilot project will work to help borrowers and lenders modify loan terms so that borrowers can make payments ? and keep their homes ? and lenders can do much better financially than if they foreclosed on a mortgage.
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By: Office of the Attorney General, Iowa Department of Justice - 09/13/2007 |
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 Individual Rights
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Proporcionar Asistencia Legal a Personas que no Hablan Inglés
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La junta directiva de Iowa Legal Aid aprobó una nueva política sobre el acceso a nuestros servicios para individuos con capacidad limitada ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 12/20/2005 |
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A Lifetime of Working for Fairness: Ella Manwarren, Community Advocate
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In the last four decades, if you have ever been in need of free legal services in the Emmetsburg area, you have probably met Ella Manwarren. Unti...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 03/30/2004 |
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Equal Justice After Hours
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A Tribute to Friends of Iowa Legal Aid with Governor Tom Vilsack
on Monday, February 2, 2004
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 01/30/2004 |
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Equal Justice at Risk
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By Dennis Groenenboom, Executive Director of Iowa Legal Aid.
Access to the justice system for low-income Iowans is more at risk than it has been in ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 10/21/2003 |
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 Public Benefits
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State and Federal Help for Storm Victims
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STATE ASSISTANCE
Iowa's Individual Disaster Assistance program can assist people with low incomes. Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 p...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 06/01/2008 |
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Storm Grant Program Will Help Winter Storm Victims
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Find out how to apply for disaster grants of up to $3,319 to help Iowa's winter storm victims. Details and an application form are currently being developed.
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By: The Des Moines Register - 03/09/2007 |
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 Self Help
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NEW RESOURCE: Fillable Iowa Forms for Divorce with No Children
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Approved court forms and instructions to help self-represented parties with no minor children get a divorce in Iowa.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 07/13/2010 |
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What Do YOU Think Should Be Priorities for Iowa Legal Aid?
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Iowa Legal Aid is conducting a survey to gather information about the legal assistance needs of low-income Iowans. The survey results will help us set...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 06/22/2010 |
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 Taxes
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Making Work Pay Tax Credit - Avoid Having to Pay It Back!
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Click above link to read the article.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 07/27/2009 |
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 Work
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Iowa Legal Aid Receives National Recognition for Use of Technology
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The National Legal Aid and Defender Association's (NLADA) Innovations in Equal Justice Award was recently presented to Iowa Legal Aid at the 2008 Equal Justice Conference in Minneapolis.
The award recognizes success in the application of technology toward better serving the legal needs of low-income individuals. In granting the award NLADA noted that Iowa Legal Aid has long been a leader in the development of new technologies and specifically cited several projects including; an online case management system, and a website which provides community legal education materials to both Iowans in need of legal services and the volunteer attorneys statewide that assist Iowa Legal Aid in providing those services.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 06/05/2008 |
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Advance Payment Scams Starting
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The goal of the scams is to trick people into revealing personal and financial information, such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, which the scammers can use to commit identity thef
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By: Internal Revenue Service - 05/07/2008 |
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HELP WANTED
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Select this link for current positions open around the state at Iowa Legal Aid and its regional offices.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 03/03/2008 |
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Earned Income Credit Estimator
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Use this helpful tool from the IRS to find out if you are eligible for the Earned Income Credit...and how much you can get!
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By: Internal Revenue Service - 12/27/2007 |
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Common Mistakes on Tax Returns
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Find out about common mistakes made by individuals while preparing their federal tax returns in this alert from the Internal Revenue Service.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 04/04/2007 |
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New Tax Credit for Phone Customers
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If you had long distance phone service in the past 3 years, you can get a tax credit on your 2006 tax return. The IRS used to make long distance phone...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 01/12/2007 |
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Job and Volunteer Opportunities with Iowa Legal Aid
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Click here for current openings at Iowa Legal Aid.
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 08/02/2006 |
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Volunteer Opportunities with Iowa Legal Aid
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Volunteer Opportunities: Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal assistance in civil (non-criminal) cases to low-income Io...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 03/16/2006 |
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Non-Attorney AmeriCorps Member Positions Available with Iowa Legal Aid
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Iowa Legal Aid seeks applicants to fill 10 AmeriCorps member positions for its Regional Offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Dubuque, ...
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By: Iowa Legal Aid - 08/29/2005 |
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To see Current Articles, Click Current News |
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