Your Dedicated Family Law Firm

At the Law Group of Iowa, we understand the sensitive nature of family legal matters. Our dedicated team of family law attorneys is well-equipped to guide you through the legal process and provide personalized and compassionate legal services. Our extensive experience, deep understanding of Iowa law, and unwavering dedication to our clients’ well-being set us apart as trusted advisors and advocates during some of life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child support, child support, or other legal issues, the consequences of the issue can have a significant impact on you and your children. When you need a skilled Des Moines, IA family lawyer, choose our firm to defend and protect the best interests of the family. Entrust us with your family law matters, and you’ll receive the supportive, personalized guidance you deserve throughout your legal journey. Call our firm today to get set up with a free and confidential consultation.
family lawyer Des Moines, IA

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Comprehensive Family Law Services

We know that each family law case is unique, and our initial consultations are designed to understand your specific needs and develop a tailored strategy for your case. You can count on us to guide you through this challenging time with care and professionalism. Our family law practice in Des Moines, Iowa, covers a wide range of family law areas, including:

  • Divorce: To apply for divorce, spouses usually need to meet the residence requirements of the state and county in which they live. They also need to establish a basis for divorce. Iowa recognizes the concept of “no-fault divorce.” This means that the reason can be as simple as an irreconcilable difference, or that the marriage has collapsed and cannot be repaired. Our experienced family law attorneys have a thorough knowledge of Iowa divorce statutes – we will work to create an individualized plan to help you and your family through every step of the divorce process.
  • Child Custody: If a couple has minor children, the division of parental rights and responsibilities is usually an important issue in their divorce.  Custody traditionally has consisted of two components: physical custody and legal custody.  Physical custody is the amount of time that the child lives with each parent, while legal custody is the authority of each parent to make major decisions affecting the child’s upbringing. Our experienced family lawyers have a thorough knowledge of Iowa child custody statutes – we will work to create an individualized plan to help you and your family through every step process that is in the best interest of your child or children.
  • Child Support: If a child is financially dependent on a parent, the parent has an obligation to support the child.  This obligation usually extends until the child becomes an adult, but it can extend further in some cases if the child has special needs or has not graduated from high school.  In most cases, the parent who spends less time with the child will have to pay child support to the parent who spends more time with the child. Our family lawyers can help with the process of payment modification by helping to show that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred.
  • Alimony: If your spouse’s income potential is dramatically different, your marriage was relatively long, your low-income spouse depends on your high-income spouse, and you are accustomed to a higher standard of living, then alimony, or spousal support may be appropriate. Our attorneys can also assist with the process of terminating alimony if, for example, the recipient spouse remarries or cohabits with a partner and is no longer eligible for financial support.
  • Property Division: The first step in property division involves determining which assets are marital property and which assets are independent property. If marital property is mixed with separate property, or the value of separate property increases during the marriage, determining the characteristics of the asset can be complicated. Our experienced team will be able to aid in evaluating the various assets and help work towards an amicable property division agreement.
  • Adoption: Adoption involves the process of assuming the legal rights and responsibilities of the parent towards a child. It may involve the termination of the biological parent’s existing rights, or the biological parent may have already agreed to terminate his or her rights.

We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where our clients feel supported in making sound decisions. With our trial experience and commitment to securing a favorable outcome, we aim to achieve a positive outcome for you and your family.

Additional Services

Family law deals with, as you probably recognize, some of the most emotional laws anyone can encounter. You need and want an attorney who not only knows family law in detail but has real compassion for your situation as well. Our Des Moines family lawyer also handles:

  •       Allocation of marital debt
  •       Asset and property division
  •       Business valuations
  •       Child support
  •       High assets and forensic accounting
  •       Legal separations
  •       Mediation
  •       Modifications
  •       Orders of protection and domestic violence
  •       Parental relocation
  •       Paternity
  •       Pension Valuations and QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relationship Orders).
  •       Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  •       Spousal support
  •       Tax implications in divorce
  •       Wasteful dissipation of assets

Not only are our lawyers educated and practiced in Iowa state law as it can impact families, but we also work hard to stay abreast of any changes in the law. And changes there are. You can rest assured our team will be up to date which is exactly what you want.

An Overview Of The Divorce Process

Divorce proceedings are a legal process intended to dissolve the marital relationship between two parties. This process encompasses various steps and considerations, from filing the initial petition to finalizing the divorce decree. ​​As experienced Iowa family lawyers, we understand that divorce can be a challenging and emotionally taxing journey for everyone involved. Our team is committed to guiding our clients forward with empathy and precision. Here’s an overview of what to expect throughout the process:

Filing The Divorce Petition

The first step in initiating a divorce is for one spouse to file a petition for divorce with the court. This document sets the legal process in motion and outlines the petitioner’s requests regarding asset division, child custody, support, and other pertinent issues. We assist our clients in drafting a petition that accurately reflects their needs and goals.

Service Of Process And Response

Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be formally notified through the service of process. They will then have an opportunity to respond, either agreeing to the terms or contesting them. Our role includes managing this critical phase, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and strategizing responses to contested issues.

Negotiation And Mediation

A significant portion of divorce proceedings involves negotiation and mediation. These processes aim to reach an amicable agreement on contested issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. Our experience in negotiation and mediation empowers us to advocate effectively for our clients’ interests, striving for resolutions that are fair and sustainable.

Trial And Finalization

Should negotiations and mediation fail to produce an agreement, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions. Our team prepares meticulously for this possibility, gathering evidence, and building a compelling case to present in court. Upon reaching a verdict, the judge will issue a divorce decree, officially dissolving the marriage.

Key Considerations During Divorce Proceedings

Throughout the divorce process, several critical considerations must be addressed to lead to a fair and equitable resolution:

  • Asset & Debt Division: Determining how to fairly divide marital assets and debts is often contentious. We work closely with our clients to identify and value marital property, advocating for equitable distribution.
  • Child Custody & Support: The well-being of children is paramount in any divorce. We prioritize creating fair custody and support arrangements that serve the best interests of the children.
  • Spousal Support: Depending on the circumstances, one party may be entitled to spousal support. We evaluate our clients’ needs and financial situations, advocating for just support agreements.

At the Law Group of Iowa, our priority is to support our clients through every stage of divorce proceedings with care and respect. We understand the emotional and legal challenges that accompany the dissolution of a marriage and are dedicated to achieving outcomes that align with our clients’ best interests. By choosing our family lawyer in Des Moines, you can trust that your case and future are in capable hands.

Des Moines Family Law Infographic

When Should You Hire A Family Lawyer?

Family Law Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), In 2021, there were 2.3 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants in Iowa. This means that for every 1,000 people living in Iowa, 2.3 of them got divorced in 2021. This figure is lower than the national divorce rate of 2.9 divorces per 1,000 people, but it has been increasing in recent years.

FAQs

If you are dealing with a family law matter, you may want to consult a Des Moines, IA family lawyer. It’s helpful to have someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side. Here are some frequently asked questions our family law attorneys receive from clients:

When should I hire a family lawyer?

You may consider hiring a family lawyer when facing legal issues involving family relationships. This can include divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, drafting prenuptial agreements, or navigating adoption processes. Consulting with a family lawyer early on can provide valuable guidance.

What is the role of a family lawyer in child custody disputes?

In child custody disputes, a Des Moines family lawyer plays a key role in advocating for the best interests of the child. They assist in negotiating custody arrangements, creating parenting plans, and representing clients in court to seek fair and favorable outcomes for both parents and, most importantly, the child.

How does the adoption process work with a family lawyer?

Family lawyers guide individuals or couples through the adoption process by helping you understand legal requirements, preparing necessary documents, and representing you in court if required. We ensure compliance with adoption laws and work to facilitate a smooth and legally sound adoption.

Can a family lawyer help with domestic violence cases?

Yes, family lawyers often handle cases involving domestic violence. We can assist victims in obtaining protective orders and filing for divorce on grounds of domestic violence. Our family lawyers work hard to provide legal remedies and support for individuals facing domestic violence situations.

What is the purpose of prenuptial agreements?

Prenuptial agreements serve to outline the financial and property-related expectations of spouses in the event of a divorce. A family lawyer can assist in drafting a comprehensive and legally binding prenuptial agreement that addresses the specific needs and concerns of the parties involved.

How are property and assets divided in a divorce?

In a divorce, property and assets are typically divided based on equitable distribution or community property laws. Our family law attorney helps conduct an accurate valuation of assets, negotiate a fair division, and represent their client’s interests in court if an agreement cannot be reached.

If you have further questions, consider scheduling a meeting with a Des Moines family lawyer. At Law Group of Iowa, we are here to help.

Family Lawyer in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines Family Glossary

At Law Group of Iowa, our experienced Des Moines, IA family lawyer knows that terms play a crucial role in family law, and understanding them can help individuals navigate legal proceedings with greater clarity. Below are five common legal terms used in family law, with expanded definitions for better understanding:

Affidavit

An affidavit is a written statement in which the facts stated are sworn or affirmed to be true under penalty of perjury. This document is often used as evidence in legal proceedings, including divorce cases, child custody disputes, and adoption matters. Affidavits allow individuals to present factual information without needing to appear in court, making them a crucial tool in family law cases. They must be notarized or signed before an authorized official, such as a lawyer or notary public.

Alimony

Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is a financial payment that one spouse is ordered to provide to the other after a divorce or legal separation. Our full-service Des Moines family lawyer can explain that the purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage. Courts consider factors such as the duration of the marriage, the financial resources of both parties, and the recipient’s ability to become self-sufficient. Alimony can be temporary, rehabilitative (to support education or job training), or permanent, depending on the circumstances.

Annulment

An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, meaning that it is legally treated as if it never existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment is granted when a marriage is found to be legally invalid due to reasons such as fraud, bigamy, coercion, or lack of capacity to consent. Religious annulments, which may be required in some faith traditions, are separate from civil annulments and do not have legal standing in a court of law. Annulments are less common than divorces but can be an option in cases where a marriage should not have been legally recognized in the first place.

Custodial Parent

The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child primarily resides following a separation or divorce. This parent is responsible for the child’s day-to-day care, including providing shelter, food, education, and medical care. The other parent, known as the non-custodial parent, may have visitation rights or shared custody arrangements. Legal custody, which involves decision-making authority over the child’s upbringing, may be granted solely to the custodial parent or shared between both parents. Custody arrangements are determined based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as parental stability, financial resources, and the child’s emotional well-being.

Discovery

Discovery is the pre-trial process in which both parties in a legal dispute exchange relevant information and gather evidence. This process helps ensure transparency and allows both sides to build their cases based on factual information. In family law cases, discovery may include requests for financial records, sworn depositions, interrogatories (written questions requiring a response), and subpoenas for documents. According to our Des Moines family lawyer, discovery is especially important in divorce proceedings, where financial disclosures impact asset division, alimony, and child support calculations. The process can be complex and time-consuming but is essential in ensuring fairness in legal disputes.

Law Group of Iowa

5601 Hickman Rd Suite 3B, Des Moines, IA 50310

Contact Us Today

If you’re looking for a family lawyer in the Des Moines area, contact the Law Group of Iowa today. Call our office at (515) 556-IOWA to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case. We take great pride in our commitment to excellence, compassion, and integrity in representing our clients through the emotional processes that stem from family law matters. 

Client Review

“I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Jason Yates. He is very responsive, professional and knowledgeable. I trusted him completely to help me navigate my case, and the outcome was better than I had hoped for. I recommend him to anyone looking for good representation. Thank you Jason!”
Libby Hennings
Client Review