Iowa Laws

This page summarizes ten Iowa laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Iowa Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Iowa, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Iowa Code § 614.1(2)). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Iowa Comparative Negligence Laws

Iowa follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Iowa Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Iowa Final Paycheck Laws

In Iowa, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Iowa Small Claims Court Limits

In Iowa, you can sue for up to $6,500 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Iowa Security Deposit Laws

Iowa security deposit limit: 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Iowa Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Iowa, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Iowa Small Estate Affidavit

Iowa small estate limit: $100,000 in personal property (since July 1, 2026). Waiting period after death: 40 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Iowa Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Yes. Iowa recognizes common law marriage, established by intent, continuous cohabitation and public declaration as spouses. A valid common law marriage is a full legal marriage, so ending it requires a divorce. Proof usually includes an agreement to be married, living together and presenting yourselves to others as spouses.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Iowa Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Iowa: 1 year before filing, unless the respondent is an Iowa resident who is personally served. Waiting period: 90 days after service. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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