Legal Question in Family Law in Iowa

It depends on what the legal matter is. If you could go to jail, you're entitled to a court appointed attorney. If you're a parent in a CINA action you're also entitled to court appointed counsel.

However, this is not "free" and you are obliged to pay the cost back to the state.

If it is anything other you've got to find legal help on your own. The law schools run clinics and there is the legal aid society but as in all things 'what you pay fer is what you git.'