Des Moines Divorce Lawyer

Des Moines Divorce Attorney

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Des Moines divorce attorneys are skilled, experienced, and solutions-driven advocates for clients. With experience handling uncontested divorces, contested divorces, collaborative divorce, and divorce mediation, our firm has the professional expertise that you can trust. Are you preparing for a divorce in Polk County? We are here to help. Contact us today for a strictly confidential consultation with a top-tier Des Moines divorce attorney. 

Give us a call at (319) 220-0416 or submit an online contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

A Word from Our Clients

An Overview of Divorce Laws in Iowa

Getting a divorce in Des Moines? It is crucial that you understand the law. Divorces are state-based legal cases. Here are four vital points to understand about the divorce laws in Iowa: 

• You or Your Spouse Must Be a Resident Iowa: Iowa has a residency requirement for divorce. You can get divorced in Iowa regardless of where you got married. However, to file for divorce in Iowa, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least a year.  
• Iowa is a No-Fault Divorce State: In Iowa, you do not have to prove your spouse did something wrong to get a divorce. The law allows couples to divorce simply because the marriage has broken down and cannot be fixed.
• Equitable Distribution is Used for Property Division: Iowa operates under an equitable distribution standard for the division of property during a divorce. An even split is not a legal guarantee—each spouse is entitled to their “fair” share.  
• Best Interests of the Child for Custody & Visitation: In Iowa, decisions about child custody and visitation are based on what’s best for the child. The court considers many factors, such as the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the child’s relationship with each parent.

We Provide Comprehensive Divorce Services in Des Moines

Getting a divorce is about a lot more than simply filling some paperwork or checking some boxes. You and your spouse will need to work out every material legal issue related to your marriage. Our Des Moines divorce lawyers take on all types of family law matters, including: 

• Property Division: Dividing assets can be one of the most contentious aspects of divorce. Questions about property division? Contact our Des Moines divorce attorney today. 
• Spousal Support: While not guaranteed, spousal support (alimony) may be awarded. Our Des Moines divorce lawyers handle the full range of spousal support cases. 
• Child Custody/Visitation: We help parents navigate Iowa’s best interests of the child standard. If you need help with a custody or visitation issue, our Des Moines divorce attorneys have the professional expertise that you can trust. 
• Child Support: Following a divorce, one parent may be required to pay child support. Our firm has a deep understanding of Iowa’s child support guidelines. Contact our Des Moines divorce attorney today. 

Our Firm Provides Solutions-Focused Divorce Representation

With extensive experience handling divorce cases, our Des Moines attorneys are focused on solutions-forward legal guidance and support. We handle all types of divorce cases, including: 

• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all key aspects of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and support.
• Divorce Mediation: Divorce mediation involves a neutral third party who helps couples negotiate and resolve disputes outside of court. 
• Collaborative Divorce: In a collaborative divorce, each spouse hires their own attorney, and all parties agree to work together to resolve issues without going to court.
• Contested Divorce: A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot agree on one or more key aspects of their divorce. As such, the case must go to court. 

Divorce in Des Moines: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do We Decide Who Gets What in a Divorce?

Property is split on a case-by-case basis. In a divorce in Iowa, the division of assets and property is typically resolved either through mutual agreement between the spouses or (less often) by a court decision. Iowa is an equitable distribution state. A couple’s marital property is split “fairly”—which may or may not be an even split. A Des Moines divorce lawyer can help. 

Do Most Divorce Cases Go to Trial?

No. Although divorce litigation is a possibility that you need to be prepared for, it is relatively uncommon for a trial to happen. Instead, the overwhelming majority of divorces in Iowa are resolved outside of court through a settlement agreement negotiated by the spouses. 

How Long Does it Take to Finalize a Divorce in Iowa?

It depends. The time that it takes to finalize a divorce in Iowa can vary based on a wide array of different case-driven factors. Notably, in Iowa, there is effectively a 90 day waiting period to divorce. The court cannot finalize a divorce until 90 days after the proper papers are served. Though, of course, complex divorce cases can take far longer than three months. 

Why Trust the Des Moines Divorce Lawyers at Ball, Kirk & Holm

Getting a divorce is never easy. Even if you and your spouse both know is the best path forward, there are still an enormous number of issues that need to be resolved. At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we are proactive. Along with other things, our Des Moines divorce lawyers will: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about divorce in Iowa;
• Help you gather supporting documentation and handle the legal paperwork; 
• Represent you in any divorce settlement negotiations with your spouse; and
• Develop a strategy to protect your rights and help you secure the best outcome. 

Contact Our Des Moines Divorce Attorney for Immediate Help

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Des Moines divorce lawyers have the professional skills and legal experience that you can rely on when it matters most. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to set up your completely private, no obligation case review today. We handle contested and uncontested divorces in Des Moines, Polk County, and throughout the surrounding area in Iowa.

Contact us today for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling (319) 220-0416.