O'Flaherty Law

10/30/2026

Service matters. If you don’t serve the notice correctly, the court can dismiss your eviction case, forcing you to start over and costing you more time and money. Getting this step right the first time can save you from a frustrating setback.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.

10/30/2026

⚖️ Fun Friday Legal Tip #5:

Your social media posts may be more public than you think. If you’re involved in a legal dispute, posting about it can create problems later. 📲

10/29/2026

Here’s an example of how this plays out: someone crashing on the couch for a couple of weeks without paying anything and without changing their mailing address is probably a guest. But if they’ve been there for months, getting mail, storing belongings in a bedroom, and pitching in for utilities, that may be a tenancy, even if no one ever signed a lease.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.

10/29/2026

⚖️ Attorney Spotlight: Meet David Voss!

At O'Flaherty Law, we're proud to spotlight David Voss, an Associate Attorney who brings a unique perspective and a strong commitment to advocating for his clients.

With experience as both a prosecutor and a public defender, David understands the courtroom from both sides. His background includes criminal defense, juvenile matters, and litigation, allowing him to approach each case with thoughtful strategy and a focus on achieving meaningful results.

Before pursuing law, David earned a Master's degree in Social Psychology, where his interest in fairness and addressing injustice helped shape his passion for the legal profession.

Outside the courtroom, David enjoys creative writing, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.

👏 We're proud to have David on the O'Flaherty Law team!

🔗 Learn more about David: https://bit.ly/47N8e6Z

David has a background in both prosecution and public defense. He served as a prosecutor with the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office from August 2023 to July 2025, followed by a role as a public defender with the Tazewell County Public Defender’s Office from July 2025 to April 2026. His l...

10/28/2026

If the notice period ends and your relative still refuses to leave, the next step is filing a forcible entry and detainer action, the formal eviction process in Iowa. There are strict procedural rules, short timelines, and specific documentation requirements. A hearing will be scheduled, and if the court rules in your favor, a writ of removal can be issued.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.

10/27/2026

Once you know their status, you must use the correct written notice, serve it properly, and if necessary, proceed through a formal eviction action. These situations are emotionally charged, especially when family is involved. But the solution is legal, not personal.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.

10/26/2026

If you’re dealing with a relative who won’t leave, the first step is a careful legal analysis of their status. Guest or tenant, that single classification determines everything that follows, from what notice you can give to what process you have to follow.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.

10/23/2026

Courts look at several factors when deciding whether someone is a guest or a tenant: do they contribute financially, even informally, toward rent or utilities? Do they have a specific room or designated space in the home? Is there any agreement about how long they can stay? Do they receive mail at your address? Are they using your home as their primary residence? The more of these boxes that are checked, the more likely a court will treat them as a tenant instead of a guest.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.

10/23/2026

⚖️ Fun Friday Legal Tip #4:

Moving? Don’t forget your estate plan. Major life changes like marriage, divorce, a new child, or a move can be a good reason to review your documents. 🏠

10/22/2026

Is your relative a guest or a tenant? Under Iowa Code Chapter 562A, the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and Chapter 648 governing evictions, your obligations depend entirely on that classification. Getting this distinction right is the first step before you can take any action.

Call 630-324-6666 or visit the link in our bio to schedule a consultation.