Our attorneys understand the strict procedural rules and case law that drive these matters and are able to help you during these emotional proceedings. We are able to assist you with a range of issues including:
Family Law
If you are considering filing for divorce, a paternity or custody action, or are already a party to a family law dispute, you want an experienced attorney who understands the requirements and process of our legal system to guide you through the proceedings. Issues such as child custody, support, financial and property matters can be challenging andemotionally exhausting. The attorneys at the Neighborhood Law Group of Iowa have experience in helping families through these difficult circumstances and can inform you of all of your options along the way.
We are available to work with parties at all stages of their family law proceedings, from the initial filing and requests for temporary hearings, through mediation, and for the modification or enforcement of existing orders that may already be in place. Options for limited or “unbundled” representation at various stages of your proceeding may be available as well. We handle all types of family matters including: child custody, parenting time disputes, paternity matters, child support, spousal support/alimony, property settlements, mediation, contempt actions and/or modifications.
NLG of Iowa has experience in handling a wide array of divorce and family law issues, from simple divorce to complex dissolutions. We can provide guidance whether you are looking at mediation as a way to resolve your disputes or need to take your claims to court. We are happy to meet with you, listen, and help you decide what type of representation is best for you in your family law matter. Contact us for a free consultation.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative Divorce is a way to move through the divorce process while the parties work with their attorneys to maintain dignity while making decisions about outcomes that are best for their family. Rather than relying on the Court to determine parenting arrangements or property settlement, the parties create a plan for working out what is best for them and direct the process with their attorneys. Both parties must be committed to being open, honest and maintaining communication during the process. The focus remains on placing the best interests of the family and any children involved, first. The parties work with a team of professionals to achieve a divorce settlement.
Each party will have a Collaborative family law attorney that will represent their respective client. Other team members may include: financial and family coach professionals, or other therapeutic interventions to help identify and resolve any concerns and/or priorities of each party. These specialists help the team problem solve through financial matters, communication, co-parenting and other child-related discussions.
The collaborative process is interactive and family-driven. It is controlled by the parties and their desire to move through the divorce process in a healthier and more effective way. The Collaborative model has grown rapidly through the United States, Europe and Canada as more people seek to avoid the negative outcomes that arise out of the traditional adversarial divorce process.
The Neighborhood Law Group of Iowa provides Collaborative Divorce as an option as you explorehow you want your divorce process to look. For further information on the Collaborative Divorce process, please contact us, or explore the Central Iowa Academy Of Collaborative Professionals website.
Civil Protection Orders (No Contact Orders)
If you feel a domestic partner poses a threat to your safety, or has been abusive in the past, you may be eligible to obtain a protective order (civil no contact order). You can file a petition with the Clerk of Court to ask for a protection order. The petition will need to outline the type of abuse that has occurred and explain the type of relationship that exists. After filing the petition, a Judge will immediately assess whether to issue a temporary protection order. If children are involved, the temporary order can also include provisions for custody. If a temporary order is issued, the matter will be set for a hearing concerning the permanency of the order, which will occur no later than 15 days from the date of the temporary order.
The Neighborhood Law Group of Iowa represents people who need the protection of a civil protection order. If you need assistance in obtaining a civil protection order, contact us to set up a consultation to review your options.