Des Moines Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Lawyer Des Moines, IA

If you and your spouse are planning to get a divorce, you likely feel overwhelmed, upset and scared about the future. A divorce can definitely be one of the most stressful times of your life. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. If you hire a divorce lawyer in Des Moines, IA, you can make the process a little easier on yourself.

Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

• Assistance With Paperwork: Divorces come with piles and piles of paperwork. It may include complex legal terminology that you’re unfamiliar with. If you make an error on the paperwork, it could delay your case. A divorce lawyer in Des Moines, IA will help you fill out this paperwork in a timely fashion and ensure there are no errors.
• Reduce Stress: A divorce can easily send your stress levels through the roof. By hiring a divorce lawyer, you can alleviate some of the stress. Your lawyer will handle most of the legwork for you, so you can have more time to relax and take care of yourself.
• Protect Your Rights: It’s likely that your spouse will hire his or her own divorce lawyer. If you don’t have a divorce lawyer of your own, they could try to take advantage of you and offer an unfair settlement. With an experienced divorce lawyer in Des Moines, IA on your side, your rights will stay protected. He or she will improve your chances of getting fair settlement.
• Offer Objectivity: With your emotions running high, it may be difficult to think rationally and make good decisions regarding your divorce. That’s where a divorce lawyer comes in. He or she can be the voice of reason and prevent you from making bad decisions, such as settling too quickly and getting a poor settlement.
• Speed Up the Process: Divorces can take a long time to complete, especially if you don’t have a lawyer. A skilled divorced lawyer knows the ins and outs of divorce lawyer and can help you get it settled faster. Then, you can finally get on with the rest of your life.

Your Initial Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer

The first step to tackling your divorce is scheduling a consultation with a divorce lawyer in Des Moines, IA. During the initial consultation, he or she will want to know more information about your divorce, such as the date you got married, when you became separated and if there are any children involved.

If your lawyer asks you to bring certain documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs or prenuptial agreements, take the time to gather these documents before your consultation. The more information your lawyer has, the better he or she can help you.

Contact us today at Law Group of Iowa to discuss your case in full detail with a divorce lawyer Des Moines, IA residents recommend.

Iowa Divorce FAQ

Divorce represents one of life’s most emotionally and financially challenging transitions, affecting not just spouses but children, extended family, and your entire future. The decision to end a marriage brings grief, anger, uncertainty, and countless questions about property division, child custody, support obligations, and how to move forward. Iowa’s divorce process involves complex legal procedures, strict deadlines, and decisions with lasting consequences that affect your financial security and relationship with your children. You need someone who understands both the legal complexities and the emotional weight these cases carry. At Law Group of Iowa, we guide clients through divorce with compassion and experienced advocacy, protecting your rights and interests while working toward outcomes that allow you to build a stable future.

What Are Grounds For Divorce In Iowa?

Iowa is a no-fault divorce state requiring only proof that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. No specific reasons like adultery, abandonment, or cruelty need to be proven to obtain divorce. Breakdown of the marriage relationship means there’s no reasonable likelihood reconciliation will occur. Residency requirements mandate that one spouse must have lived in Iowa for at least one year before filing. Waiting periods require couples to wait a minimum time before divorces can be finalized. Attempts at reconciliation through counseling aren’t mandatory but courts may suggest them. We file divorce petitions meeting all legal requirements and guide you through procedural steps.

How Is Property Divided In Iowa?

Equitable distribution means property is divided fairly though not necessarily equally between spouses. Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during marriage regardless of whose name appears on titles. Separate property owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance may remain with the original owner. Factors considered include marriage length, each spouse’s contributions, economic circumstances, and future earning capacity. Retirement accounts, pensions, and 401(k)s accumulated during marriage are divisible marital assets. Business interests owned by one or both spouses require valuation and equitable division. Real estate including the marital home gets divided or sold with proceeds distributed. We advocate for fair property division protecting your financial interests.

What Determines Child Custody Arrangements?

Best interests of the child standard guides all custody and visitation decisions in Iowa courts. Physical care determines where children primarily reside and who makes day-to-day decisions. Legal custody involves decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint custody arrangements are preferred when parents can cooperate effectively for children’s benefit. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to provide stability, child’s relationship with each parent, and any abuse history. Parenting time schedules establish when children are with each parent including holidays and vacations. Child’s preferences may be considered depending on age and maturity level. We fight for custody arrangements that protect your relationship with your children.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Iowa Child Support Guidelines use formulas based on both parents’ incomes and number of children. Gross income includes wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other earnings. Adjustments account for other children, health insurance costs, and daycare expenses. Percentage of time children spend with each parent affects support calculations. Deviation from guidelines requires showing why guideline amounts would be unjust or inappropriate. Support obligations continue until children reach age 18 or graduate high school. Modification petitions can adjust support when substantial changes in circumstances occur. We ensure support calculations are accurate and fair based on actual income and expenses.

What Is Spousal Support Or Alimony?

Spousal support provides financial assistance to lower-earning spouses during or after divorce. Types include temporary support during divorce proceedings and long-term support after divorce finalizes. Factors considered include marriage length, each spouse’s earning capacity, age, health, and educational levels. Rehabilitative alimony provides support while spouses gain education or training for employment. Permanent alimony may be awarded after long marriages when spouses cannot become self-supporting. Modification or termination can occur when circumstances substantially change or recipients remarry. Tax implications of spousal support affect both payers and recipients. We advocate for fair support arrangements based on your circumstances and needs.

Why Do Contested Divorces Require Litigation?

Disagreements over property division prevent settlement when spouses can’t agree on asset distribution. Custody disputes arise when both parents want primary physical care or cannot agree on parenting time. Support amount conflicts occur when spouses disagree about income, needs, or guideline application. Hidden assets discovered during proceedings require forensic investigation and litigation. Domestic abuse allegations affect custody, visitation, and protective order issues. High-conflict relationships make negotiation impossible requiring court intervention. Business valuation disputes arise when one spouse owns companies requiring professional appraisal. We prepare thoroughly for trial while continuing settlement negotiations throughout litigation.

How Do Uncontested Divorces Work?

Mutual agreement on all issues including property, custody, and support allows streamlined processes. Simplified dissolution procedures are available when specific criteria are met reducing time and cost. Settlement agreements document all terms both spouses agree to regarding asset division and child-related matters. Court appearances may be minimal or waived in some uncontested cases. Timeline for uncontested divorces is typically much shorter than contested proceedings. Attorney representation remains important even in uncontested cases ensuring agreements are fair and legally sound. We handle uncontested divorces efficiently while protecting your interests and ensuring proper documentation.

What Should You Do When Considering Divorce?

Gather financial documents including tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and debt records. Document assets and property including real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, and valuable possessions. Consider children’s needs and your desired custody arrangements before discussions begin. Protect yourself financially by understanding your rights and obligations before separating. Avoid major financial decisions like large purchases or transferring assets without legal guidance. Change passwords and secure personal information preventing unauthorized access. Consult with us confidentially to understand your options, rights, and likely outcomes before making final decisions or informing your spouse.

Divorce changes everything, but you don’t have to navigate this difficult transition alone. A divorce lawyer Iowa residents trust can guide you through legal procedures, negotiate fair settlements, and advocate for your interests in court when necessary. We understand the emotional and financial challenges divorce creates and provide compassionate representation. We work on various fee arrangements including retainers and payment plans to make quality representation accessible. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your situation and how we can help you move forward.