Iowa · TitleIowa quiet title: the action, the sworn petition and the $50 quitclaim demand

Iowa's quiet title action is open to anyone with a claim. An action to determine and quiet title to real property may be brought by anyone, in or out of possession, having or claiming an interest in it, against any person claiming title, though not in possession (Iowa Code §649.1). The petition must be under oath, state the nature and extent of the petitioner's estate, describe the premises and ask that the defendant be barred and forever estopped from claiming any adverse right (§649.2). Before suing, a party may send the person holding an apparent adverse interest – and that person's spouse – a written request to sign, acknowledge and deliver a quitclaim deed, including a draft deed, the street address, a short explanation of the claim and why it's invalid, a copy of section 649.5, a self-addressed stamped envelope and fifty dollars for the expense (§649.5(1)–(2)). If the person doesn't comply within twenty days, a later disclaimer won't avoid costs, and the court may also award a reasonable attorney fee (§649.5(3)).