Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 151 resources
Page 3 of 7
Energy
Utility Shut Offs As The Winter Moratorium Ends
Many people fell behind on their utility bills during the winter. This means many utility customers will be getting notices. The notices will say their utility service could be shut off after April 1, 2003 if they do not pay their back bills. This resource looksat the options a customer has after the winter moratorium ends.
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 Buyer's Toolkit
(Separate Website)
A helpful collection of information on issues from buying to selling a car in Iowa.
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
Application for Iowa Mortgage Help
(Separate Website)
Online application for Iowa Mortgage Help, assistance for homeowners facing foreclosure.
By: Iowa Finance Authority
Ask cfpb: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
(Separate Website)
This page from the Consumer Financial Protection has information in question and answer format on various consumer financial issues including credit card, mortgages, credit reports and debt collection.
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Facing Foreclosure? Tips to Help Restructure Debt and Deal with Mortgage Companies
When the foreclosure process starts or is just around the corner, homeowners must decide whether to stay in the home or move. This is not an easy choice to make.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Facts About Foreclosure
The following "factsheet" can be useful to help homeowners understand their rights when facing the loss of their home.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Bosnian / Bosanski
,
Spanish / Español
I Lost My House and Now I Owe Taxes?
If sale of a home in a foreclosure action does not cover the amount owed to the lender, part of a loan may not have to be paid back. The IRS may consider the amount of debt ?forgiven? as income and tax it.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
French / Français
,
Spanish / Español
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
Mortgage Modification Options
I am having trouble paying my mortgage. Can I get the mortgage company to lower my payments?
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Refinancing
A lot of people try to deal with debt by refinancing their loans. Refinancing means paying an old debt with a new debt. Sometimes that makes sense because your total cost of borrowing money may be less. Refinancing may look good now when interest rates are lower than they have been in years. However, smaller monthly payments do not always mean that refinancing will be a good deal for you as a consumer. This article takes a general look at this topic and gives some tips to protect yourself.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Tenant Protections in Foreclosures
Clearly homeowners can lose their homes when they fall behind in their mortgage payments and homes end up in foreclosure. But tenants too can lose their homes to foreclosure when landlords do not make their mortgage payments.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Tenant Protections in Foreclosures
Tenants, too, can lose their homes to foreclosure when landlords do not make their mortgage payments.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
The "SCRA" is a federal statute passed by Congress to allow military members to suspend or postpone some civil obligations so the military member can devote his or her full attention to military duties.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Ask cfpb: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
(Separate Website)
This page from the Consumer Financial Protection has information in question and answer format on various consumer financial issues including credit card, mortgages, credit reports and debt collection.
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Buying a House
Buying a home on a contract can be a way for persons who are low-income or who have poor credit to become homeowners. However, there are certain risks to know about to avoid surprises after the contract is signed.
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
Credit Counselors: What to Expect, What to Avoid
Are you in debt and feel like you can't make any headway? One frequent piece of advice is to consolidate the debt and have a single monthly payment. This resource looks at factors you should consider.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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Iowa Legal Aid's goal is to communicate effectively with our clients. We can use large print, Relay Iowa, language translation service, or other steps for effective communication. Interpretation and translation services and reasonable accommodations will be provided at no cost to qualified applicants. Please let us know if any special service is needed to provide legal help to you.
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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