Des Moines Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Lawyer In Des Moines, IA

Ending a marriage is never easy, and the impacts on your children, livelihood and lifestyle can cause serious problems down the line. A Des Moines divorce lawyer can provide stability during your divorce. With an attorney by your side, you can approach the conclusion of your marriage with confidence and maintain clear communication about your options through each step of your divorce proceeding.

At Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams PLLC, attorney Adams can guide you through the divorce process and help make it as smooth as possible. Whether your divorce is uncontested or contentious and requires litigation, you can trust Amanda Adams and her over 15 years of experience practicing in Iowa and Illinois.

Ms. Adams understands how confusing and overwhelming the legal process can be, especially when emotions run high during a divorce. When you work with Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams PLLC, you get big-city firm experience close to home. Your case receives the personalized attention and respect it deserves. If you have questions, attorney Adams responds promptly and ensures clear communication so you aren’t left without information or guidance.

Filing for Divorce in Iowa

All states, including Iowa and Illinois, allow for a no-fault divorce, meaning you do not have to prove fault or wrongdoing to file for divorce. Instead, you must assert that there was a breakdown of the marriage relationship that you and your spouse cannot repair.

In order to file for divorce in Des Moines Iowa, you must meet the state’s residency requirements. If your spouse lives in Iowa, you are able to file for an Iowa divorce even if you’ve never lived here. However, you need to have your spouse served by “personal service.” An experienced attorney can help explain what this means and ensure you’re meeting Iowa’s requirements for personal service.

On the other hand, if your spouse doesn’t currently live in Iowa, you’re required to have been a resident of Iowa for at least one year before you’re able to file for an Iowa divorce. Finally, if you both currently reside in Iowa, you can file a petition for divorce in the Iowa district court where either of you live.

Agreeing on Divorce Terms

If you and your spouse can agree on the essential terms of the divorce, including property division and child custody, you can avoid a lengthy and expensive court process through an uncontested divorce. However, if working together to reach an agreement is impossible, Ms. Adams can protect your rights in court and advocate for your interests.

However, if your spouse disagrees with some terms, they can contest the divorce, which means they can explain their side of things and let the courts sort out the contested issues. You may need to address the following issues, if relevant:

• Division of assets and debts
• Child custody and/or co-parenting
• Child support and spousal support

With a contested divorce, an attorney can explain how to protect your rights and represent your interests in non-court settlements or through formal court proceedings.

Division of Property and Assets

Iowa is considered an equitable distribution state. This means Iowa courts examine several factors when determining how to divide any marital property, including, but not limited to:

• Each spouse’s contribution towards acquiring the marital property
• The value of any marital property brought to the relationship
• The marriage’s length
• The age of each spouse
• The physical health of each spouse
• The emotional health of each spouse

What’s not considered is any marital fault, as Iowa is a no-fault divorce state. Your attorney can help make any arguments to bolster your position regarding any of these factors. They also can ensure your interests are maintained during this stage of the divorce process.

Once it examines each factor sufficiently, the court divides all property (regardless of when it was acquired), but it keeps separate any gifts and inheritances given either before or during the marriage. Also, part of the couple’s assets might be set aside to provide financial support for any children.