Des Moines Family Law Attorney

Family Lawyer in Des Moines, IA

Family law is an emotional subject. Whether you’re navigating a child custody agreement, negotiating through child support, or pursuing a divorce, you want to prioritize your family’s well-being. Hiring a skilled Des Moines family law attorney allows you to safeguard your interests and pursue a fair case outcome in court.

The Lawyers, PLLC: Your Des Moines Family Law Attorneys

The team at The Lawyers, PLLC, has been working to protect client interests since 2022. Our attorneys have rich experience in family law, from litigating divorce cases to navigating child custody and support.

We understand how important these matters are to you and can provide the utmost support throughout your case. We offer services in both English and Spanish, widening our field of practice to Des Moines’s Hispanic/Latine community.

Our firm began its services in the Mason City area and is now proud to offer assistance to the people of Des Moines, Iowa. When we take on a family law case, we strive to succeed through peaceful mediation.

Mediation allows both parties to quietly and respectfully come to a compromise as their family heads in a new direction. However, should your case require litigation, we can protect your rights. The Lawyers, PLLC, is more than happy to offer our legal services.

Understanding Family Law in Iowa

There are a variety of cases that fall under the category of family law in Iowa. The most common family law cases involve the redistribution of wealth, property, and parental rights following a divorce. These cases can also involve spousal support, property division, and child support payments. Understanding how Iowa views family laws can help you prepare for mediation or litigation.

Divorce

In 2023, the divorce rate in Iowa was 1.9 per 1,000 people. Although this is relatively low, thousands of families still have to navigate the financial, legal, and emotional complexities of ending a marriage every year.

To file for divorce in Iowa, either the respondent must be a resident of Iowa or the petitioner must have lived in Iowa for no less than one year. Divorcing couples must also wait 90 days after the petition is served for the divorce to be finalized.

Iowa promotes equitable distribution of all assets, where the sum property of both parties is justly divided regardless of when said property was acquired. Iowa courts also do not take marital fault into consideration when dividing assets between the parties.

Child Custody and Visitation

Iowa judges make decisions on custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. Even if both parents agree on a custody arrangement, a judge must approve of the terms. Custody is treated fairly for both married and unmarried parents. However, unmarried fathers must prove their paternity to establish legal rights regarding their child.

Child Support

The Iowa Child Support Guidelines outline child support agreements in Iowa. The non-custodial parent is typically responsible for child support payments. These payments must either be sent to the Iowa Department of Human Services’ Child Support Recovery Unit or to your clerk of court.

Payments should never be delivered directly to another parent. If you are a custodial parent, a family law attorney can help with enforcing child support.

How a Des Moines Family Law Attorney Can Help You

Iowa family law can prove complex and challenging to navigate alone. There are various affidavits and forms to submit in order to pursue divorce or custody agreements. A Des Moines family lawyer can assist with properly filling out and submitting these forms in your stead.

A local attorney, like the ones at our firm, can reveal regional distinctions in family law, such as determining your clerk of court.

The Lawyers, PLLC, can help you sort through spousal support and the distribution of assets following divorce. We work alongside you through mediation and litigation to achieve a resolution that benefits you.

If you have children with a former partner, we can help you pursue joint custody or an arrangement that most prioritizes your children’s safety. Our attorneys can help you collect information for your case, lead negotiations, and represent you throughout the legal process.

FAQs

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Des Moines?

The cost of a family lawyer in Des Moines varies depending on multiple factors in a single case. Attorneys often set their fees based on their experience level, the complexity of the case, and other contributing factors. Family law costs can either be hourly fees or flat payments, depending on the attorney. Our firm offers a free consultation to help project your case’s unique costs.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Attorney?

It is important to hire a family law attorney as soon as possible. Family lawyers can help you begin the legal process by supporting you through documentation and litigation.

While Iowa citizens can represent themselves at the Polk County Courthouse on Mulberry Street, a 2021 study by Custody X Change showed that litigants had a higher chance of establishing shared custody in divorce cases when both parties had attorneys. Our trusted, experienced family lawyer can help you pursue an amicable settlement.

What Are the 3 C’s of Divorce?

The three C’s of divorce are important principles for couples navigating divorce to follow. These principles are communication, cooperation, and compromise. Couples need to have open and honest conversations, maintain respect toward each other, and work toward a fair conclusion. By doing so, couples can come to an amicable agreement in their divorce proceedings.

What Are Father’s Rights in Iowa?

In the state of Iowa, a father’s legal rights and obligations when it comes to their child vary depending on marriage status. Unmarried fathers must file a paternity affidavit to legally establish paternity. Without an affidavit, unmarried fathers cannot establish paternal rights.

In custody hearings, judges rule based on the child’s best interests, but can weigh against fathers if they were not married to the mother or a part of the child’s life. A family lawyer can help fathers protect their parental rights.

Contact The Lawyers, PLLC, to Hire a Family Law Attorney

The cost of family law litigation can prove taxing over time. It can be hard for low-income families to afford experienced legal services. The Lawyers, PLLC, offers complimentary consultations for family law cases. A free consultation can help you decide if we are the law firm for you without worrying about excess expenses. Schedule your consultation today.