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Iowa Contracts Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Iowa on
Q: Contractor used wrong paint, seeks refund per contract terms.

I hired a painting contractor to paint my home's exterior, and our signed contract specified a specific type of paint to be used. However, the contractor used a different paint, claiming it is just as good, and refuses to issue a refund. The contract includes clauses about unauthorized... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 8, 2025

The first step could be to try to discuss with contractor, in terms of whether both of you are amenable to an adjustment based on the discrepancy in paint quality. If that is not successful, then it would depend on your agreement's provisions on dispute resolution - arbitration, civil court,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: Car trade dispute: ownership, accident, police involvement - advice needed.

I traded my car to a friend for labor, but we never completed a formal transfer of ownership; he didn't sign the title, and I never gave a bill of sale. I got a duplicate title to void the original and continued to register and pay for the tags in my name. Recently, my friend caused an... View More

Tim Bottaro
Tim Bottaro
answered on Jun 4, 2025

Do NOT lie to the police officer. You could go to jail or be fined for doing so. I am a personal injury lawyer so I can't answer your questions about ownership, responsibility, etc. You might want to contact the Iowa DOT to see if they can provide direction/answer your questions. Don't... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Iowa on
Q: How can I protect my idea when proposing it to a company in Iowa?

I am planning to propose an idea to a company in Iowa and I'm concerned about protecting my idea from being taken. I haven't taken any steps yet to protect my idea with patents, copyrights, or trademarks, nor have I used any formal agreements like a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). How... View More

David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Nov 7, 2025

It sounds like you are talking about an invention? If so, you would use a patent (not a copyright) to protect this. NDAs are certainly a good idea, but by far the best thing you can do is file a provisional patent application. This is much simpler and less expensive than a full (utility) patent... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Contracts and Intellectual Property for Iowa on
Q: Can I accuse someone of copyright infringement for altering my wine product at dinner?

If I own a wine shop, and while out at dinner with friends, someone attempts to alter the wine in my glass (specifically from my brand, Chucky Buck Doofy Goofy Refurbished Wine's, Inc) and then tries to sell it, can I accuse them of copyright infringement for altering my product? There are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

You would not pursue copyright for someone altering the wine in your glass. Copyright protects original works like label art, advertising copy, and packaging designs, not the liquid itself. Altering or reselling the contents, without reproducing protected expression, does not infringe copyright.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Can the initial attorney represent tenants as co-defendants in a case?

Two tenants and a co-signer signed a rental lease in Iowa, which stated that the tenants were responsible for maintaining a safe temperature on the thermostat. During their tenancy, multiple pipes burst in separate apartments during a cold snap. Four months later, the landlord sent a bill charging... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2025

Yes, the attorney who was originally hired by the co-signer can represent the tenants as co-defendants, but only if everyone involved agrees and there is no conflict of interest. In Iowa, as in most states, an attorney can represent multiple defendants in the same case if their defenses are aligned... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property, White Collar Crime, Contracts and Libel & Slander for Iowa on
Q: RICO/DTSA case involving AI, seeking representation and DOJ referral risks.

In a David vs. Goliath scenario involving accusations against xAI, X Corp, and Elon Musk, does the alleged spoliation of evidence—specifically the mass layoff of data custodians after a legal preservation demand—pose a risk for a DOJ criminal referral for Obstruction of Justice under 18 U.S.C.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 16, 2025

It sounds like you’re dealing with a very serious and high-stakes dispute that could involve both civil and potential criminal implications. If data custodians were laid off after a valid **legal preservation demand**, that could raise legitimate concerns about **spoliation of evidence** and, in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: Can a client dictate my working hours as an independent contractor in Iowa?

I am a janitorial independent contractor with 26 years of experience with the same client. In February, the client left me a letter stating that I must put in at least two hours per day. There is no written contract governing our working relationship. Can the client dictate the number of hours I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 16, 2025

It sounds like your client may be blurring the line between an independent contractor and an employee. As an independent contractor in Iowa, you have the right to control how, when, and where you perform your work. A client can specify the **results** they expect—such as how clean the facility... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Am I responsible for removing unused wires in the breaker box in my rental?

My lease states that the landlord is responsible for maintaining electrical systems, among other things, in good and safe condition. There are wires in the breaker box that don't connect to anything, and my landlord wants me to hire an electrician to remove them. Am I responsible for this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2025

You are not responsible for removing abandoned conductors in the service panel when your lease assigns electrical‑system upkeep to the landlord. Unused or “dead” wires inside a breaker box sit within the electrical system and create potential safety risks if not properly terminated, so the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for Iowa on
Q: Can I break a contract due to poor customer service and lack of communication?

I ordered windows and doors 11 weeks ago and was supposed to have them installed within 6-8 weeks. The contract mentions that there can be delays, which I'm okay with. However, I'm frustrated by the lack of communication, as I've called three times and have been told twice that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2025

You may be able to cancel the contract, but it depends on the exact wording of the agreement and how significant the company’s lack of communication has been. Most contracts allow for reasonable delays, but they also imply that the business must act in good faith and maintain communication. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Probate for Iowa on
Q: My aunt is withholding a car promised to me, even though the title is in my name. What legal steps can I take?

I have a situation where my grandmother promised I could have her new 2022 car, which has around 9,000 miles on it, if I obtained my driver's license. After her passing, my aunt confirmed via text message that I could pick up the car and register it in my name, which I did. However, now my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 9, 2025

If the title and registration are already in your name, you are the legal owner of the car. That means your aunt has no right to keep it from you, even if she disagrees with how it was transferred. Start by gathering all your documents—the title, registration, texts confirming her consent, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Tax Law and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: How to handle car ownership and will discrepancies after grandmother's passing?

My grandmother passed away and had previously signed her car over to me. However, the will managed by my aunt claims my grandmother had no assets, which I know is incorrect as she owned both a house and a car. My aunt advised me to fill out a bill of sale for the car with a random number, to avoid... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 9, 2025

You’re right to be cautious, because when a will lists no assets that clearly existed, it raises questions about how the estate is being managed. If your grandmother legally transferred the car to you before her death—by signing over the title and completing the transfer with the DMV—then the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Iowa on
Q: Can I cancel window installation without a fee after 8-month delay in Iowa?

I want to cancel a window installation without paying a cancellation fee because the company has not completed the installation after eight months. There was no specific timeframe or deadline mentioned in the contract, but it did outline basic terms regarding delays, such as acts of God and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 27, 2025

An eight-month delay in completing your window installation is unreasonable, even if the contract did not set a specific deadline. Courts often assume that work must be completed within a “reasonable time,” and eight months without resolution can be seen as a breach of that expectation. Clauses... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Purchased home, need advice on rental lease buyout in Iowa.

I purchased a home and want to move out of my rental before the lease ends. The rental company offered a buyout, which isn't mentioned in the lease, and the lease doesn't address breaking it early. They've stated that because I signed a lease obligating me to pay until the lease... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 23, 2025

Since your lease doesn’t address breaking it early, your options depend on negotiation with the rental company and Iowa law. Even if the lease is silent, you may still have some leverage to discuss a buyout amount that is reasonable and fair, ideally documented in writing. Keep in mind that any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Lemon Law and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: Should I pay a second down payment on a trade-in car from a bad credit dealership in Iowa?

I purchased a car from a dealership specializing in financing for bad credit, but it turned out to be a lemon immediately after I drove it off the lot. I returned the car, and two months later they claimed it was repaired, though it wasn't. The dealership allowed me to trade it for a different... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 23, 2025

You should not feel obligated to pay a second down payment if the first car was effectively unusable and the dealership forced the trade due to their defective vehicle. The initial down payment typically covers the agreed-upon costs, and if you never received the benefit of that first car, asking... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Consumer Law, Contracts, Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Products Liability for Iowa on
Q: Seeking contingency-based legal representation for multi-claim AI company case

I am seeking legal representation on a contingency basis for a complex case involving multiple claims against an AI company, including spoliation of evidence, defamation per se, breach of implied contract/promissory estoppel, product liability/negligence, deceptive trade practices, interference... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 19, 2025

The first step is to identify law firms or attorneys who handle high-stakes civil litigation and complex commercial cases. Since your case involves multiple claims and a potentially large recovery, you want lawyers who have experience managing multi-claim lawsuits and who are comfortable working on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights, Juvenile Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: And we’re talking about several procedure and due process in the courts of Iowa how long do you have to file a claim?

Juvenile line civil capacity

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2025

In Iowa, the time limits for filing a claim depend heavily on the type of case and the age or legal capacity of the person bringing it. For many civil claims, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury or harm, though contract disputes may allow longer. However,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: How can I reclaim my car after a fraudulent registration and title revocation?

I let a friend borrow my car, which led to a fraudulent registration using a bill of sale with my signature. The DOT revoked the fraudulent title, acknowledging the issue as fraud. However, they require a bond title—which is costly—or contact with the original owner, whom I cannot reach. My... View More

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answered on Jul 27, 2025

You’ve done the hard work of proving you’re the rightful owner, and now it’s time to translate that into legal action rather than paying for a bond you shouldn’t need. First, file a police report detailing the fraud, including your bill of sale, your ID, and any correspondence with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Iowa on
Q: Is providing a deposit via check binding for DJ service contracts?

I want to know if providing a deposit, via check, can be considered binding or serve as a commitment to a contract for DJ services. There was an agreement on the services, and I'm curious about how this affects the validity or enforceability of the contract.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2025

Yes, providing a deposit by check can be considered a binding act, especially if there was a clear agreement between you and the DJ about the services to be performed. When you both agree on the terms—like the date, time, service details, and cost—and you give a deposit as part of that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Iowa on
Q: Received unexpected plumber bill after home inspection; seller cancelled purchase agreement. What are my options?

I was in the process of purchasing a house with contingencies on inspections, initiated by my realtor. Upon my realtor's advice, a sewer inspection was performed, and the plumber identified compromised Orangeburg piping. My realtor kept the flash drive documenting the inspection and shared it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 11, 2025

You're right to be upset—this bill shouldn't have fallen into your lap, especially after being told it was already paid. If your realtor initiated the sewer inspection and gave you assurances that payment would be handled, they may be responsible for resolving this directly. Since the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for Iowa on
Q: Will signing an inspection addendum affect the seller's obligation to repair as stated in the disclosure?

I am purchasing a home in Iowa, and the disclosure statement mentions the roof will be replaced and the sewer line repaired before closing. However, these details are not included in the purchase agreement. My realtor wants me to sign an inspection addendum stating that I am satisfied with the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

You're absolutely right to pause and ask questions before signing that inspection addendum. In Iowa, seller disclosure forms are meant to inform buyers about the condition of the property and known issues, but they are not enforceable promises unless those commitments are included in the... View More

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