Des Moines, IA Consumer Law: LegalConsumer.com

Free Tools and Information for Des Moines, IA Consumers

Iowa PROBATE COURT FINDER:
- Probate Court for Polk County: Key information about your local probate court (District Court in Iowa) for Polk County.
How Probate Works in Iowa: How to handle the probate of an inheritance at Polk County's probate court.
- Here are links to:
  - Iowa Probate Forms and the
  - Iowa State Probate Court Website.
Small Estates Procedures in Iowa: Learn how to use Iowa's Small Estate procedures that can save you time and money.
- In Iowa, you can use an Affidavit if the value of the estate is $50,000 or less, and there is no real property. There is a 40-day waiting period.
  
  Iowa Code 633.356.
  
  You can use a summary probate procedure if the gross value of the property subject to probate does not exceed $100,000. (This excludes the value of all joint tenancy property and other assets that pass by beneficiary designation, such as life insurance and transfer on death accounts.)
  
  Iowa Code 635.1.
Iowa Estate Taxes:
- Iowa, like most states, does not impose an estate or inheritance tax. Only a few states do.
Avoiding Probate in Iowa. Find out what property bypasses probate death and goes directly to beneficiaries. such as:
- Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs)

Iowa Minimum Wage:
- The minimum wage in Iowa is the same as the federal minimum wage: $7.25 an hour.
  
  Polk County Minimum Wage
  
  The minimum wage in Polk County is $7.25 an hour, the state minimum wage. Iowa law prohibits city and county governments from adopting a local minimum wage that's higher than the state minimum wage.
  
  Des Moines Minimum Wage
  
  The minimum wage in Des Moines is $7.25 an hour, the state minimum wage. Iowa law prohibits city and county governments from adopting a local minimum wage that's higher than the state minimum wage.
Overtime Pay: Every state has rules about weekly maximum hours and overtime. Learn about the overtime laws in Iowa and whether they apply to you.
Wage Claims: If you're being unlawfully underpaid, you need to learn how to file a "Wage Claim" in Iowa.
Tips : Every state has special pay rates for tipped workers. Find out the rules for tipped workers in Iowa.
- In Iowa, your employer may pay you a minimum wage of $4.35 an hour, as long as you earn enough in tips to bring your total hourly pay up to the full minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. If you don’t earn enough in tips to bring your compensation to the full minimum wage, your employer must make up the difference.

MEANS TEST CALCULATOR
- for Polk County, Iowa (applies the state and county income and expense standards into your means test calculation. Updated with the latest median income and expense standards for May 15, 2024)
Iowa BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTION FINDER: Search detailed listings of bankruptcy exemptions under Iowa law and Federal law, for use in filing out Schedule C, when you file for bankruptcy.
- Federal Exemptions available in Iowa?:
  - No. Iowa Code § 627.10.
- Iowa Homestead Exemption
  - Real property or an apartment to an unlimited value; property cannot exceed 1/2 acre in town or city, 40 acres elsewhere (husband & wife may not double)
- Iowa Vehicle Exemption
  - $7,000
Iowa BANKRUPTCY COURT ESSENTIAL INFO: Get information about using your local bankruptcy court.
FREE BANKRUPTCY FORMS:
We'll tell you which bankruptcy forms you need and where to find them.

Benefit Amounts in Iowa: Learn how unemployment works, how much you'll get, and for how long.
- Minimum:
  - $82 per week
- Maximum:
  - $582 per week
- Duration:
  - Iowa changed its benefit duration in July of 2022. Those who file their initial claim for unemployment on or after July 3, 2022 will be eligible for only 16 weeks of unemployment benefits. However, if you applied before that date, you will be eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits.
Eligibility: >Whether you qualify for unemployment.
How to Apply: How to apply for unemployment in Iowa.
- Iowa Workforce Development
  - 866-239-0843
Unemployment Office Near Me? How to find your local unemployment office.
COVID-19 Benefits: We tracked the rise and fall of COVID-19 unemployment benefit payments.

Elected Representatives: Find out the websites and phone numbers of those representing you at the Federal, State, County, and City levels of government.
How to Vote: Learn how to register and where and when to vote in Des Moines, IA.
- Key Links:
  - Check Your Iowa Voter Registration Status: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/regtovote/search.aspx
Gerrymandering in Iowa: Has your state been gerrymandered? Find out how to end gerrymandering and have voters pick politicians, not vice versa.
Tracking Issues: Organizations that track legislation you care about

Our Lawyers by Zipcode section allows users to find a local lawyer using the best online resources, including on topics we don't cover.
DUI, Criminal Defense
Auto Accidents & Personal Injury
Immigration
Legal Aid
- Iowa Legal Aid