Family Law

Deals with Family-Related Legal Issues, including Divorce, Custody, Child Support

Divorce and Child Custody Attorneys

Divorce and child custody cases can be emotionally and financially devastating for the family. While some matters are resolved amicably and quickly, many divorce and child custody cases are highly contested. Our attorneys have seen virtually every aspect of divorce and family law from all sides, and will bring that experience to your case. Our family law attorneys handle divorce, child support and child custody cases for clients in the Cedar Valley and throughout the State of Iowa.

Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your family, your assets and your future. We provide attentive, full service representation for all aspects of family law, including but not limited to:

1. Divorce: Iowa allows for no-fault divorces, which means a spouse can seek a divorce without proving that the other spouse did something wrong. There are multiple reasons our clients seek a divorce, and we are available to support you through the process and protect your interests. Our family law attorneys assist clients in filing for divorce, negotiating settlements, and representing them in court if necessary.

2. Legal Separation: Iowa allows for spouses to legally separate and live apart without terminating the marriage. Legal separation can be an alternative to divorce and provides parties the ability to address property division, spousal support, and child custody and support while remaining legally married.

3. Child Custody: In cases involving minor children, our family law attorneys will help parents establish legal and physical custody arrangements that are in the best interests of the children. Iowa courts typically favor joint legal custody and shared physical custody and encourage both parents to maintain an active role in their children's lives. Whether you are seeking a child custody agreement for the first time or are seeking a modification to your current child custody situation, our family law attorneys will work to ensure that your child’s well-being is protected, and your rights are secured. Please see our blog page further explaining the difference between legal custody and physical custody.
   
   What’s the Difference? Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody – a Summary
    
4. Child Support: Iowa has established child support guidelines that determine the amount of financial support a non-custodial parent is required to pay to the custodial parent. Child support is a critical issue amongst families and parents. Our family law attorneys help clients calculate and obtain child support, modify child support orders as circumstances change, and enforce child support orders. Our family law attorneys also assist clients looking to enforce orders against parents who owe back child support.
    
5. Alimony (Spousal Support): Our family law attorneys assist clients in determining whether alimony (spousal support) is appropriate in a divorce case, and if so, they help negotiate or litigate the amount and duration of support payments.
    
6. Property Division: Iowa is an equitable distribution state, which means that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Our family law attorneys work with clients to identify and value assets, debts, and property to ensure a fair distribution.
    
7. Adoption: Adoption is one of the most positive and rewarding legal and selfless processes a person can do. Our family law attorneys take pride in helping individuals and families navigate the adoption process, whether it's a stepparent adoption, agency adoption, or another type. They guide clients through the legal requirements and represent them in court as needed.
    
8. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Prenuptial agreements are a useful tool which enables you to preserve and protect your hard-earned assets. While prenuptial agreements may not be the most romantic pre-wedding gift, they are extremely helpful and offer a peace of mind for couples as they enter into the rest of their lives. Our family law attorneys can draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect individuals' financial interests and assets in the event of divorce or separation.
    

9. Guardianships and Conservatorships: Guardianships are established for individuals who are determined to be incapacitated or unable to make their own decisions. A guardian may make decisions related to healthcare, living arrangements, and other personal matters. Guardianships are different from conservatorships but require the protected person to be determined to be unable to make their own decisions regarding financial affairs and assets. A conservator may handle financial transactions, managing assets, and ensuring the financial wellbeing of the protected person. Our attorneys can guide family members and friends who are seeking a guardianship and/or conservatorship over a loved one.

Our family law attorneys also represent clients in actions for post-decree enforcement and modification. If your circumstances have undergone significant change since your decree was issued, you can request a modification from the court. If you are not receiving proper payments for support or alimony, you may petition the court for and order of enforcement.

Contact a Cedar Valley Family Law Attorney

If you are facing divorce or need legal support for a child custody or support issue, the experienced family law attorneys at Daniels, Hines, Kalkhoff, Cook & Swanson P.L.C. are here to help. Call us at (319) 260-4471 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. You can also submit an Initial Consultation Form, which allows our attorneys to assist you more efficiently. 

Meet Our Family Law Attorneys