Northwind Law
IA

Iowa Legal Guides

Understand Iowa's specific laws and regulations across six major practice areas. Each guide covers state statutes, court procedures, and key legal differences.

Legal Guides for Iowa

Personal Injury

Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system with a 50% bar, barring recovery for plaintiffs whose fault is equal to or greater than the combined fault of all defendants. The state has a two-year ...

Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of injury
Comparative Fault: Modified comparative fault, 50% bar
Read Guide

Family Law

Iowa family law is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 598 (Dissolution of Marriage and Domestic Relations). Iowa is a purely no-fault divorce state, allowing dissolution only on the ground that there has b...

Residency Requirement: 1 year in state
No-Fault Ground: Breakdown of marital relationship
Read Guide

Criminal Defense

Iowa's criminal justice system reflects a blend of Midwestern pragmatism and evolving reform. The state abolished the death penalty in 1965, and the maximum sentence for first-degree murder is life wi...

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI): BAC 0.08%; first offense is a serious misdemeanor; third offense is aggravated misdemeanor
Stand Your Ground: No duty to retreat in any place one is lawfully present; enacted 2017
Read Guide

Estate Planning

Iowa's inheritance tax has been fully repealed for deaths on or after January 1, 2025. The state does not impose a separate estate tax. Iowa is a common law property state with a strong elective share...

Inheritance Tax: Repealed for deaths on/after January 1, 2025
Small Estate Threshold: $100,000 combined real and personal property
Read Guide

Business Law

Iowa business law is governed by Iowa Code Chapters 489 (Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act), 490 (Iowa Business Corporation Act), and various titles addressing taxation and employment. Iow...

LLC Formation Filing Fee: $50 (Certificate of Organization)
Corporate Income Tax Rate: 5.5% flat rate (effective 2025)
Read Guide

Real Estate

Iowa real estate law features a judicial foreclosure system with one of the most significant redemption rights in the nation, along with unique protections for agricultural land. The state uses mortga...

Transfer Tax: $0.80 per $500 of value ($1.60 per $1,000)
Judicial Foreclosure: Court-supervised foreclosure with 1-year redemption period
Read Guide

Looking for Northwind Law offices in Iowa?

View Iowa Office Locations

Need Legal Help in Iowa?

Our attorneys are licensed and experienced in Iowa law. Contact us for a free consultation.