Iowa Law
Iowa's judiciary has three tiers: the Iowa Supreme Court as the highest court, the Iowa Court of Appeals as an intermediate appellate court, and District Courts as the state's trial courts. The Iowa State Bar Association is a voluntary bar association, founded in 1874 as one of the oldest voluntary state bars in the country.
Official Iowa resources
Read the official Iowa statutes and track pending legislation.
Court locations, self-help forms, and how the Iowa court system is organized.
Lawyer-referral service and attorney directory. (License and discipline are handled by the state courts or attorney regulator.)
Free or low-cost legal help for people who qualify, plus self-help court resources.
Common legal topics in Iowa
These guides cover the general rules. The details that vary by state, like deadlines and dollar limits, are noted on each page.
How divorce works, what it costs, and the difference between contested and uncontested cases.
Recovering compensation after an accident — negligence, damages, and how settlements work.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13, what bankruptcy discharges, and the effect on your credit.
How criminal cases move through the system, from charges to sentencing.
Leases, security deposits, evictions, and the rights of renters and landlords.
Benefits for on-the-job injuries and how to file a workers' comp claim.
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney — planning for incapacity and inheritance.
How to get legal help in Iowa
Start with the Iowa Courts if you're representing yourself — most state court sites publish forms and step-by-step instructions for common filings. If you need an attorney, the Iowa Bar Association above runs a lawyer-referral or directory search; to confirm a lawyer's license is active, check the state's attorney-licensing authority (usually the state courts). If cost is the barrier, legal-aid organizations offer free help to people who qualify, typically based on income — and many county courthouses have a self-help center that can point you toward one even if you don't qualify for full representation.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I find Iowa statutes?
- Iowa's laws are published by the Iowa Legislature. Their site is the official, up-to-date source for state statutes — always check the current version rather than relying on a summary, since laws change from year to year.
- How do I find a lawyer in Iowa?
- The Iowa Bar Association typically offers a lawyer-referral service or directory you can search by practice area and location. To confirm that an attorney is currently licensed and in good standing, use the state's attorney-licensing authority (often the state supreme court or a separate attorney-regulation office), since the bar association is not always the licensing body. Our "Find a Lawyer" page explains how to evaluate and hire one.
- What court handles my case in Iowa?
- That depends on the type of case and how much money is involved. The Iowa Courts website publishes court locations, self-help forms, and guidance on which court has jurisdiction over a given matter.
- Is there free legal help in Iowa?
- Yes. Legal-aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people who qualify, usually based on income. Start with the resource linked on this page, or ask the Iowa Courts self-help center for a referral.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and isn't a substitute for talking to a licensed attorney about your specific situation. Read our full disclaimer.