Legal issues involving family matters are often complicated and emotionally-charged. Important issues like the frequency in which you will see your children and who receives custody could be on the line. At Arenson Law Group, PC, our Cedar Rapids family law attorneys understand what is at stake. We realize the work we do today could make a significant impact on you and your family for years to come. We also recognize that likely want to resolve your case as quickly as possible and with the least amount of disruption.
If you are going through a divorce, custody battle, or any other stressful family law matter, it is critical that you secure legal counsel as soon as possible. The skilled and knowledgeable Cedar Rapids family lawyers at Arenson Law Group, PC can provide the information and clarity you need to make smart choices that protect your future. For many years, Arenson Law Group, PC has been providing Iowa families with compassionate and committed legal representation for a broad range of family law issues.
We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights while also remaining sensitive to the needs of the children involved. If you need assistance resolving important family matters or disputes, the experienced attorneys at Arenson Law Group, PC are ready to help you. From guiding you through a difficult divorce to helping you sort out child custody issues, we have the legal skills and knowledge it takes. Call us today at (319) 363-8199 to schedule a consultation, during which you can learn more about what our dedicated team can do for you.
Why Do I Need a Family Lawyer?
Family law matters often include divorce and issues associated with divorce, such as child support, custody, and property division. Other everyday family law matters include marital agreements, adoption, and domestic violence. Family lawyers are experienced in handling cases such as these, whether it be through litigation, arbitration, or mediation.
Navigating the legal processes that come with divorce and other family law matters can be tricky. There are many laws surrounding divorce, for example, and many vital components involved in a divorce proceeding. Whether it be making decisions alimony, child support, or assets, a Ceder Rapids family lawyer can ensure that your divorce proceedings go according to plan. A lawyer will make sure your rights are protected, and you get everything you are entitled to.
If you are looking to adopt, you can also benefit from the help of an attorney. An Iowa adoption lawyer can help with all the state’s legal processes. An attorney will ensure that you do the adoption process correctly and promptly.
Child custody is often a contentious ordeal. Attorneys understand how messy it can be. Having a skilled child custody attorney is necessary to ensure a smooth child custody transition. An experienced child custody lawyer will know how to help resolve any issues you encounter in your child custody battle,
A family attorney can provide advice on whether you should take your case to court and how strong it is. They can walk you through every step of the process of filing papers or a lawsuit. With document creation or review, a family lawyer will create a legally binding agreement that has clear terms that you can understand. If you have to deal with negotiations or go to court, there’s no guarantee that the outcomes will be best for you. However, with a family attorney on your side, you will have the best obtaining a favorable outcome.
Our Family Law Practice Areas
At Arenson Law Group, PC, our experienced Cedar Rapids attorneys handle cases involving a wide variety of family law matters, including but not limited to:
- Adoption
- Alimony
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Contempt in child custody cases
- Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage
- Domestic Violence
- Grandparents’ rights
- Legal Separation
- Mediation
- Modification
- Paternity
- Pre-nuptial agreement
- Property division
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO)
- Restraining and protective orders
- Termination of parental rights
- Visitation
- Post Secondary Education Disputes
At Arenson Law Group, PC, we understand that no two family law cases are exactly alike. Every case we handle has our undivided attention. In every case, we will leverage our legal skills and experience to help our clients achieve amicable resolutions. No family law case is too complicated or challenging for us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Family Law
If you are going through a divorce, need help with child support or custody, or need to modify an existing court order, you likely have a number of questions. At Arenson Law Group, PC, we get many questions from clients regarding Iowa family law matters. We hope you find our answers to the following questions useful. Contact us at (319) 363-8199 if you have questions about your particular family law case.
What are the grounds for divorce in Iowa?
Iowa is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that one party may seek a divorce based on irreconcilable differences, and the spouse is not required to blame the other spouse for any wrongdoing.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Iowa?
There is a 90-day waiting period that begins from the date the petition is served. Under some circumstances, the court may waive the waiting period.
I am getting divorced. Do I need a lawyer?
It is a good idea to talk with an experienced divorce lawyer about significant life events, such as divorce. An attorney will protect your rights, as well as those of your children. A lawyer will also be current with the laws in Iowa concerning divorce, marriage, marital property, child custody, and family support.
When can I file for divorce in Iowa?
You may file for divorce after living in Iowa for at least one year to make Iowa your permanent residence and not to obtain a dissolution.
What constitutes a division of property?
In Iowa, the court is authorized to divide the parties’ assets as part of a dissolution of marriage. The factors affecting the division of property are outlined in Iowa Code Section 598.2. While Iowa law does not mandate an equal division or percentage distribution of assets, it does require that the division be fair.
What’s a separation agreement?
Under Iowa law, couples have to memorialize their agreement in writing before a judge can approve the separation. This agreement is a legally binding contract with the details of your arrangement, including:
- Child custody and child support arrangements
- Allocation of marital property
- Provision for spousal support
The separation agreement is valid until it is terminated or modified by the court. If either spouse requests a divorce following the separation agreement, the judge may incorporate it into the final judgment of divorce.
What’s the difference between divorce and legal separation?
In Iowa, a divorce legally ends a marriage; the term “divorce” means “dissolution of marriage.” A legal separation acts as if it is a divorce, but the couple is still legally married. There is a court filing, a division of assets, and the couple will typically not live together, but they remain married.
How can I get sole custody of my child?
The court may not order joint custody if the other parent is likely to pose harm, physical, emotional, psychological, to the child. If this is the case, our attorney will make a case for sole custody. If your child’s health and well-being are at stake, we will fight for your sole custody and other legal protections.
Talk to a Family Lawyer in Cedar Rapids
With the contentious and complicated disputes that come with family law, our goal is to keep the proceedings as amicable and straightforward as possible. At Arenson Law Group, PC, our knowledgeable and compassionate Cedar Rapids family law attorneys try to resolve every case without litigation. However, we understand that sometimes an out-of-court resolution is not always feasible. As highly skilled Iowa trial lawyers, we will litigate if faced with a bad faith offer. Whichever route your family law matter takes, Arenson Law Group, PC will be prepared to handle it while treating you and your family with the respect you deserve.
The Cedar Rapids family law lawyers at Arenson Law Group, PC are skilled negotiators and trial lawyers committed to protecting clients’ rights and interests at the mediation table or in the courtroom. Filing for divorce is never an easy choice to make. You need a lawyer to help you understand your rights, the divorce process, and how you can obtain a favorable outcome from this highly emotional and stressful ordeal.
The experienced Cedar Rapids family law attorneys are ready to help you through whatever challenge you are facing and help you make the best decisions for your family. If you need legal assistance with other issues like separation, property division, child custody, child support, or any other family law matter, call Arenson Law Group, PC today at (319) 363-8199.
