Cedar Rapids Divorce Lawyers

Navigate Your Divorce with Howes Law Firm, P.C. on Your Side

Divorce is one of the most emotional experiences a person can face. Divorce can involve complex financial and property issues, children, pets, family homes, businesses, and more. These matters can be extremely challenging for spouses to navigate. Even if your divorce is amicable, having the steady hand of an experienced divorce attorney is indispensable to the process.

Our firm has a long-standing reputation for being a consistent and trusted presence in the community. Since 1989, our firm has helped thousands of people navigate both simple and extremely complicated divorces and family law cases. Our attorneys can assist with mediation or represent you in court if necessary.

Contemplating divorce? Call our Cedar Rapids divorce attorneys at Howes Law Firm, P.C. at (319) 264-2922 to schedule a free initial consultation.

How to File for Divorce in Iowa

When filing for divorce in Iowa, it is important to involve an attorney right away.

Iowa does provide two sets of online divorce forms for those representing themselves - one for couples with no minor children, and one for couples with children. However, even these basic forms can be complex to fill out, and small mistakes can drastically affect your divorce. Additionally, they may miss specific information needed for your divorce or otherwise not be able to accommodate for your specific circumstances.

An attorney can help you file for your divorce without the need for restrictive and complicated forms. They can also help protect your best interests if you are asked to sign any affidavits or sworn statements during the process.

Is Iowa a No-Fault Divorce State?

Yes, Iowa does recognize no-fault divorce. This means the petitioner is not required to prove any “grounds” to dissolve a marriage, such as adultery. Only one spouse needs to claim the marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be repaired. (Iowa Code § 598.5 (2021).)

Contested vs Uncontested Divorce

Divorces are either uncontested – meaning you and your spouse agree on all the pertinent issues – or contested, which means cannot agree on the terms of your divorce.

During a divorce, you’ll have to address issues including:

• The division of marital property and assets
• The allocation of any debts or financial liabilities
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Alimony

If you and your spouse file uncontested, the process will be much faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective. If you file contested, you can negotiate or mediate to attempt to work matters out. If you fail to come to an agreement through these methods, you will have to take your case to court for a judge to decide.

Considering Legal Separation in Iowa

An alternative to divorce available to Iowa residents is legal separation. A legal separation leaves the couple still legally married, but the couple allows the courts to settle divorce issues such as custody, alimony, and division of property. The couple can also purchase property and enter contracts as separate individuals. However, neither party can remarry unless the separation is converted into a divorce.

Some reasons a couple may chose legal separation over divorce include:

• Separation allows for the chance of reconciliation between the parties
• The spouses want to preserve existing medical, insurance, or tax benefits
• Separating may be less jarring or traumatic for children than divorce
• One or more parties in the marriage has religious or moral issues with divorce

Our attorneys can look into the facts of your situation to determine if a legal separation may be a better option for you. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of each situation so you can make your decision with confidence.

Discuss Your Divorce with Our Cedar Rapids Divorce Attorneys

The team at Howes Law Firm, P.C. is here to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you reach a positive divorce resolution. Going through a divorce is never easy but with the competent counsel and guidance of our Cedar Rapids divorce attorneys, it can be less confusing, stressful, and challenging.

Contact our Cedar Rapids divorce attorneys at (319) 264-2922 to learn more about our divorce representation.