Des Moines, Iowa, Family Law and Divorce Lawyer
We know that people don't call a family law attorney unless there is a serious problem. Of all the areas of law though, perhaps none is more emotionally troubling than divorce. Every issue is complicated because there are real children, parents and other family members involved. Courts expect all parties to resolve issues about child custody, visitation rights, debts and assets fairly. But when emotions and feelings are part of the equation, reaching a fair resolution isn't always so easy.
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At Graves Law Firm, P.C., in Des Moines, Iowa, we never forget that people are at the heart of every family law matter. Our attorneys and professional staff really do care about helping you get the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you are filing for simple divorce or have complex issues involving child custody, visitation and parents' rights, we stand by your side with effective, intelligent and compassionate representation.
Contact us for a free consultation about our experience and how we can help resolve your problem. Find out why we believe that your lawyers experience and attentiveness is important.
Iowa Family Law Attorneys
Our firm has experience in representing family law clients in all legal areas involving a divorce, including the following:
- Divorce — Iowa is a no-fault state, which means there does not have to be cause in order to file. There is a 90-day waiting period after a divorce is served and most courts will ask the parties to mediate in an attempt to settle issues before going to trial.
- Division of property and debt - Iowa mandates equitable division of property and debt, which means that the court determines what each party deserves, if the parties can't settle.
- Child custody — Of all the divorce related issues, this is usually one of the most important issues in dispute. Iowa does have a preference for joint custody, but courts recognize that, as a practical matter, joint custody is difficult on a day to day basis. Our lawyers personalize the custody case and find out what is in the best interests of the child. We research both parents and get to know the family so as to best present our clients' side.
- Visitation Rights and child support — Visitation is a very important question. Iowa wants to assure that both parents are involved in the lives of their children. However, parents need to be able to demonstrate that they can act in the best interest of the child in order to have visitation rights. We have experience with hearings in these matters. Child support amounts are set by established guidelines that are based on income of the two parents.
- Spousal support — Although generally not given unless it is a marriage of long duration, alimony or spousal support becomes a significant issue in some divorces.
- Modifications of previous divorce and support orders.
- Adoptions: An adoption is one of the few times in a courtroom where you see nothing but happy faces!
- Grandparent Rights: Iowa has a new statute allowing grandparents to pursue their rights to visitation.
- Guardian ad Litem: Attorney Tom Graves has served as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for many years.
We also provide premarital and other family law services, including prenuptial agreements, paternity actions and termination of parental rights.
Learn more at our Family Law Practice Center
Contact us to schedule an opportunity to meet with one of our lawyers about your family law matter today. We offer a free initial consultation and our fees are cost-effective and competitive.
