Des Moines Iowa Divorce Lawyer
Of all areas of law, perhaps none is more emotionally troubling than divorce. Every issue is complicated because the lives of children, parents and other family members are involved. While the issues of divorce — child custody, visitation rights, spousal support, property division — need to be resolved fairly, the emotions of people involved can make it difficult.
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At Graves Law Firm, P.C., in Clive, Iowa, we never forget that people are at the heart of every family law matter. Clive family law attorney Thomas P. Graves and his professional staff really do care about helping you get the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you are filing for a simple, uncontested divorce or have complex issues involving child custody, visitation and parents' rights, we stand by your side, providing effective, intelligent and compassionate representation.
Contact a Des Moines divorce lawyer at our firm to schedule a free consultation.
Iowa Family Law Attorney
Our Des Moines Divorce law firm has experience in representing family law clients in every family law matter, including:
- 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 divorce paperwork 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. If the parties cannot settle this between themselves, the court determines what each party deserves.
- Child custody — Of all the divorce-related issues, this one is usually the most important issue in dispute. Iowa does have a preference for joint custody, but courts recognize that, as a practical matter, joint custody can be difficult on a day-to-day basis. The final decision always rests upon what is in the best interest of the child. We research both parents and child. We get to know the family so as to best present our clients' side.
- Visitation rights— 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 — Child support amounts are set by established guidelines that are based on income of the two parents. We can assist you with a paternity action to establish parentage in order to receive child support or to seek visitation.
- Grandparent rights — Iowa has a new statute allowing grandparents to pursue their rights to visitation in cases where a parent is deceased.
- 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 court orders — Child support, spousal support and child custody modifications require a return trip to court.
- Adoptions — An adoption is one of the few times in a courtroom where you see nothing but happy faces! We can assist you with termination of parental rights, which may be required in order to adopt the child in question.
- Prenuptial agreements — We draft prenuptial agreements.
- Guardian ad litem — Attorney Tom Graves has served as a court-appointed guardian ad litem in juvenile, divorce and guardianship cases for many years.
Free Consultation • Credit Cards • Spanish Available by Special Arrangement
Contact a Polk County divorce attorney at Graves Law Firm to discuss your family law matter. We offer a free initial consultation and our fees are competitive. Call 877-571-2870 today.