Business organizations

The form of business chosen for a business entity potentially affects every aspect of its operations. Our firm assists clients in formation and business planning in deciding whether they want to operate as a closely held business, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation. We advise our clients about directors' and officers' liability, dissolution, franchising, reorganization, trade association membership and activity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, business successions, and shareholders' rights.

Corporate law

We provide a comprehensive scope of services to our corporate clients including assisting in selecting the type of organizational entity under which to operate, negotiating and preparing business agreements, assisting in the sale and purchase of a business, obtaining financing and funding for business operations, devising a sound corporate compliance regimen, and assisting in dissolution or business succession.

Contracts

Our firm has experience drafting, negotiating, and reviewing all types of contracts, whether commercial or private, including sales contracts, business agreements, leases, real estate contracts, and employment contracts. An experienced attorney can help you avoid future legal problems through proper drafting and by explaining your contractual rights and duties.

Construction Law

Our firm represents owners, contractors, construction managers, developers, design professionals, and suppliers in all aspects of the construction process, including bidding and document preparation, contract negotiation and formation, contract performance, financing and warranty issues, mechanics and materialmen liens, and claims and dispute resolution. We have extensive experience regarding mechanic's liens and mechanic's liens foreclosures.

Landlord and Tenant Law 

Our attorneys provide knowledgeable and practical advice on leasing, termination of tenancies, eviction and post-tenancy relief. 

Litigation

Our firm represents and advises clients who are or may become involved in a lawsuit or appeal as a result of a dispute, including prevention and settlement, in our areas of expertise. 

Real estate

For over 17 years, Jason Laughlin has reliably represented clients in all proceedings and transactions dealing with residential and commercial real estate property, including, but not limited to: purchase and sale, construction, land development, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, land use and zoning, title examinations, title clearance, quiet title actions, closings, landlord/tenant disputes, and management. He is accessible, experienced, efficient, and affordable. He assists buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders with all facets of real estate transactions on a daily basis and in a professional manner.

*Title Commitments and Title Opinions for purchasers are issued within 24 hours of abstract receipt.

*Title Commitments for refinances are issued within 72 hours of title order (Form 900 search time included).

*Low cost and efficient seller-side representation for individuals, agents, and settlement companies.

Laughlin Law Firm is an Iowa Title Guaranty Participant, and act as a Field Issuer of Commitments and Certificates. 

Our firm regularly represents buyers by helping:

  • advise you and prepare necessary offer documents;

  • examine the abstract of title;

  • render a title opinion;

  • coordinate the closing with your lender;

  • review and advise you regarding settlement documents and procedures; and

  • ensure that your purchase goes smoothly.

Our firm also represents sellers who are selling their own home without the help of a realtor, or in conjunction with a realtor (FSBO or Agent/Broker transactions), by helping:

  • advise you on, and draft, the purchase documents;

  • advise you on the required seller's disclosures;

  • prevent or cure title problems;

  • draft title transfer documents;

  • order necessary inspections;

  • prepare a tax proration and related documents;

  • review and advise you on settlement matters; and

  • limit your post-sale liability.

Our firm works with owners and developers of commercial real estate by helping to:

  • draft commercial leases;

  • advise owners and developers on critical issues;

  • assist with platting for commercial or residential subdivisions;

  • enforce commercial leases and fixture filings; and

  • coordinate complex transactions for commercial property.

We provide expert assistance to relocation and REO companies by helping to:

  • update the abstract and provide title commitment;

  • identify potential problems with a pre-sale title opinion;

  • verify mortgage payoffs, judgments, liens, and real estate taxes;

  • generate a settlement statement for the company; and

  • manage the closing to guarantee compliance with the client’s requirements.         

We provide foreclosure services throughout Iowa for local and national banks, finance companies, credit unions, and insurance companies.  Our attorneys also assist homeowners at risk of losing their home through foreclosure:

  • initiate judicial and nonjudicial foreclosures

  • negotiate with homeowners to obtain deeds in lieu of foreclosure

  • provide forbearance agreements to help a homeowner bring a loan current

  • assist in the negotiation of short sales

  • recover possession of the property post-foreclosure 

Wills and trusts

A valid Will instructs an executor and the court as to the decedent's wishes for personal and real property distribution and guardianship provisions for children. A trust places assets under the management of trustee at either the creation of the trust or the individual's death. A trustee has a fiduciary responsibility to manage the assets until the terms and conditions of the trust have been fulfilled. Our firm helps individuals protect their loved ones and plan for the distribution of their property and assets at their death through the drafting and updating of wills and trusts.