The Putnam Law Office was founded in Decorah, Iowa, in 1987 by attorney Dale L. Putnam. Since that time, the firm has provided aggressive legal counsel to individuals and businesses throughout Northeast Iowa.

The Putnam Law Office is a general practice law firm with an emphasis on trial practice, personal injury, family law, real estate, probate, and corporations, debtor/creditor.
There are various ways that Personal Injury may result. Personal Injury may be caused by defective or dangerous consumer goods, motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls or even animal attacks. Personal Injury attorneys are experienced with recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They know before you pursue legal action if you have a potential case and what would be needed to make it stronger. Personal Injury attorneys work the experts in various areas that assist with intelligently investigating the technical and medical aspects of your case as well as investigators to complete all the details. READ MORE >
Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the first thing I should do if I am injured?
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Q: What should I bring when I meet my lawyer?
Q: What is "negligence?"
Family law rules relate to both relationships between family members as well as a family and society. Family law reflects shared values by society pertaining to how people who are related should treat one another. Family law attorneys can assist people with prenuptial agreements, divorce, paternity, child custody and child support, and in some instances, adoption. When you are faced with an important decision pertaining to a family relationship, seek the legal advice of one of our experienced attorneys. READ MORE >
Family Law Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is common law marriage?
Q: What is a divorce?
Q: How is child support calculated?
Q: What is contempt of court?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone is involved in a car accident every ten seconds in the United States. This high frequency of car accidents makes motor vehicle accidents the most common personal injury cases in the courts today. In most states, motor vehicle accidents are covered by negligence law, although some states have laws (known as "no-fault" laws) that state that the driver that caused the accident is irrelevant to the case. Generally, however, motor vehicle drivers have to use the amount of care that a reasonable person would employ under the circumstances. READ MORE >
Auto/Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I have to go to court?
Q: Where will the money to pay for my injuries come from?
Q: How soon must I file my claim?
Q: What do I do if I can’t afford a lawyer?
Estate planning allows you to decide what will happen to your assets after your death. It allows you and your loved one to save time and legal costs, and avoid financial and administrative hassles. Your estate plan should include two vital documents; a will and a durable power of attorney. READ MORE >
Estate Planning/Probate Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an estate?
Q: What is a trust?
Q: What is a conservatorship?
Q: Do I need an estate attorney when I can write a simple will myself?
Real estate is covered by both federal and state laws. State laws differ on a number of issues. As a result, it is important to protect your interests by retaining an experienced attorney for routine as well as complex transactions. READ MORE >
Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are property restrictions?
Q: How do mortgages work?
Q: What happens in a foreclosure?
Q: What is joint tenancy?

The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements, certification, specialization, or self-proclaimed expertise. A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyers as specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer. All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. These disclosures are required by the Supreme Court of Iowa. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
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