Des Moines Divorce Lawyer

Are you looking for a divorce lawyer in Des Moines?

At Law Group of Iowa, we are trusted divorce lawyers serving clients across Des Moines for over 17 years.

If your marriage is ending and you have children, a home, or retirement savings to think about, a Des Moines, IA divorce lawyer can help you understand where you stand before anything is filed. At the Law Group of Iowa, we have handled family law matters in central Iowa for 17 years, and we know how much depends on getting the details right. A divorce reshapes your finances and your family. We work to keep the process orderly and to protect what matters most to you. Reach out when you’re ready to talk.

Divorce Lawyer Des Moines, IA

A divorce attorney represents one spouse at the legal end of a marriage, from the first petition through the final decree. That work covers property, debt, support, and any arrangements for children. In Iowa, divorce is formally called dissolution of marriage, though the two terms mean the same thing.

Iowa’s divorce rate was 1.9 per 1,000 residents in 2023, according to CDC data. Behind that figure are real households in Polk County working through custody schedules, dividing homes and accounts, and deciding how to move forward. Our role is to give those clients clear advice and steady representation at every stage. That can mean quiet negotiation in a cooperative case or firmer advocacy when a spouse refuses to deal fairly. Either way, the aim is a resolution you can live with once the case closes.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Des Moines

Every divorce carries its own mix of issues, and the right approach depends on what a couple owns, whether they share children, and how much they already agree on. Our divorce attorneys handle the full range of dissolution matters for clients in Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs. The categories below cover the situations we see most often.

• Contested divorce. When spouses disagree about property, support, or parenting, the case moves toward negotiation or trial. We build a record, press for a fair result, and prepare each matter as if it could go before a judge.
• Uncontested divorce. Some couples agree on most terms and simply want an orderly filing. We draft the decree, confirm the paperwork is complete, and keep the case on track through the court’s waiting period.
• Property and debt division. Iowa divides marital property equitably, which does not always mean equally. We account for homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, and shared debt so nothing important gets missed.
• Child custody. Legal and physical custody decisions rest on the best interest of the child. We help parents propose parenting schedules and decision-making arrangements that a court will accept.
• Child support. Iowa applies guidelines that weigh each parent’s income and time with the children. We make sure the numbers reflect accurate figures and that any order can be enforced.
• Spousal support. Also called alimony, spousal support depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and other factors. We advise clients on when it applies and what amount is reasonable.
• High-asset divorce. Marriages involving a business, real estate, or significant investments need careful valuation. We work to protect our clients’ interests when the marital estate is large or complicated.
• Divorce mediation. Many couples resolve their issues outside the courtroom with the help of a neutral mediator. We prepare clients for those sessions and review any agreement before it becomes binding.

Why Choose Law Group of Iowa as my Divorce Lawyer in Des Moines, IA?

Local Family Law Knowledge in Des Moines

Our Des Moines divorce attorneys have represented Iowa families for 17 years, and much of that work happens in the Polk County courts where Des Moines divorces are filed. We know the local judges, the county’s procedures, and the practical realities of resolving a case here. Familiarity with how central Iowa courts weigh custody and property questions lets us advise clients based on what happens in the courtroom, not just what the law says in the abstract. That background is what you want from a family lawyer in Des Moines, IA, and it shapes how we prepare every dissolution matter. We handle divorce, custody, support, and property questions under one roof, which keeps your case consistent from the first filing to the final decree.

Practical Options and a Free Consultation

Not every divorce needs a drawn-out court fight, and not every client needs full representation for an entire case. For clients who want help with only part of a matter, we offer limited scope representation that can lower the overall cost. We also provide a free consultation for divorce and family law matters, so you can get answers before committing to anything. Over 17 years, our divorce attorneys have guided clients through straightforward filings and hard-fought disputes alike, and we bring that same steady approach to each new case.

What Is Important To Understand About Divorce Cases?

Grounds for Divorce and Property Division in Iowa

Iowa is a no-fault state. A court can end a marriage when one or both spouses show that the relationship has broken down and cannot be repaired, and neither person has to prove the other did something wrong. That keeps the focus on resolving practical questions rather than assigning blame. Understanding these rules early helps you set realistic expectations for how a judge is likely to view your case. A few core concepts shape most Iowa divorces:

• No-fault grounds. Either spouse can seek a divorce without alleging misconduct.
• Equitable distribution. Marital property and debt are divided fairly based on the circumstances, not automatically split down the middle.
• Custody by best interest. Decisions about children rest on their welfare, stability, and relationship with each parent.
• Support guidelines. Child support follows state guidelines, while spousal support is decided case by case.
• Separate versus marital property. Assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance may be treated differently from property acquired during the marriage.

What Are Important Aspects of a Divorce Case?

A few factors carry more weight than most clients expect, and getting them right early saves trouble later. Full financial disclosure is one, since courts expect both spouses to account for income, assets, and debts honestly. Conduct during the case matters too. What clients post on social media can surface as evidence in a contested custody or support dispute. Parents heading toward a custody hearing should keep detailed records of their involvement in their children’s routines. Keep these points in mind:

• Accurate valuation of homes, businesses, and retirement accounts
• Clear records of separate property brought into the marriage
• Consistent, child-focused communication with your co-parent
• Careful review of any separation agreement before signing

What Is The Divorce Case Timeline?

No two divorces move at the same speed, but most follow a recognizable path. Uncontested cases can resolve in a few months, while contested matters involving custody or complex assets take longer. Iowa also requires a waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. A typical case runs through these stages:

• Filing the petition for dissolution and serving the other spouse
• Temporary orders for support, custody, or use of the home, if needed
• Exchange of financial information and other discovery
• Negotiation or mediation to settle as many issues as possible
• Trial on any remaining disputes, followed by the final decree

What Should You Bring to Your Divorce Consultation?

The more you bring to a first meeting, the more useful our advice will be. Gather what you can, though we can start with whatever you have. Helpful documents include:

• Recent pay stubs and tax returns for both spouses
• A list of major assets, accounts, and debts
• Your marriage date and the date of separation, if applicable
• Any existing court orders or agreements involving your family

Many clients arrive with the same questions about divorce, and the first meeting is where we work through them. During the consultation, we’ll review your situation, explain your options, and outline the likely next steps. Most clients leave with a clearer sense of what to expect.

Polk County Family Court and Local Resources

Divorce cases in Des Moines are filed in the Polk County District Court, part of Iowa’s Fifth Judicial District. The Polk County Courthouse handles family law matters, and a family law case coordinator helps manage the local docket. Filing a petition for dissolution currently requires a $285 fee, though other costs can apply. Several public resources can help you understand the process:

• The Iowa Judicial Branch divorce pages explain forms, filing steps, and self-representation.
• The family law FAQ answers common procedural questions.
• Iowa Legal Aid offers free guidance for those who qualify.
• The Iowa People’s Law Library compiles plain-language divorce information.

Reach Out to Law Group of Iowa to Schedule a Consultation

When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen. The Law Group of Iowa offers a free consultation for divorce and family law matters, and we’ll give you a straight assessment of where things stand. You can expect a real conversation about your goals, your children, and your finances, not a sales pitch. Contact us to set up a time that works for your schedule.