Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 19 resources
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
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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
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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
Dealing With Medical Debt
It is important to plan for medical expenses. Equally important is knowing how to deal with medical bills when you have no money to pay them.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Debtor's Exams
If you owe money under a court judgment, you may be ordered to go to the court for a debtor?s exam.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Debts Owed to Federal Government Can Be Collected Through Social Security Benefit Checks
Iowans should know the U.S. Department of Treasury and Social Security Administration are working together to collect non-tax debts owed the U.S. Government. Since May 2001, people who owe a non-tax debt to the U.S. Government are subject to new actions to collect the money.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Deferment, Forbearance and Consolidation of Student Loan Debts
Higher education is expensive. After leaving school, many former students find it hard to meet their monthly student loan payments and it is easy to fall behind. A lot of former students do not know that there are alternatives out there that will help to either reduce or stop student loan payments before they fall behind.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Garnishment Overview and Changes
The federal minimum wage went up to $7.25 per hour on July 24, 2009. If you work and if a creditor is garnishing part of your income to satisfy a judgment you owe, this could affect you.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Getting a Temporary Restricted License (TRL)
Many persons need a temporary restricted license (TRL) to handle life's daily responsibilities- getting
to and from work and school, getting groceries and other necessary errands.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
How Can I Protect My Property from Creditors?
Even after there is a judgment against you, the law protects some income and property.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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
Mechanic's Lien
A lien is a claim against your property that can allow the person claiming the lien to sell your property or be paid if you sell your property.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
New Garnishment Rules for Creditors Since May 1
Are creditors threatening to take your money or property? A new law makes it more difficult for a creditor to take money or property from a debtor.
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
Protecting Against Garnishment
Garnishment takes away control of how you manage your money. The forced payments can upset your plans to get back on track to financial security.
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
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
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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