What family law services does Baer Law Office offer in West Des Moines?

Baer Law Office provides a comprehensive range of family law services in West Des Moines, including divorce, spousal support, property division, paternity, and child custody cases. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to guiding clients through these complex legal matters with personalized attention.

How does the divorce process work in Iowa?

Iowa is a no-fault divorce state, allowing couples to dissolve their marriage without assigning blame, citing that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The state follows equitable distribution principles for property division, aiming for a fair but not necessarily equal split of marital assets.

What factors influence spousal support decisions in Iowa?

Spousal support, or alimony, in Iowa is determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacities of both parties, and the standard of living established during the marriage. The court has broad discretion to decide the amount and duration of support.

How is child custody determined in West Des Moines?

Child custody decisions in West Des Moines are made using the 'best interests of the child' standard. The law encourages shared parental responsibilities unless such arrangements would harm the child, considering both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (residence).

How can I schedule a consultation with Baer Law Office?

To schedule a confidential consultation with Baer Law Office, you can contact us through our website or call our office directly. Our team is committed to providing personalized legal guidance tailored to your family law needs in West Des Moines.

West Des Moines Family Law Attorney

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Top West Des Moines Family Lawyer

At Baer Law Office, our West Des Moines family law attorney is a solutions-focused advocate for clients. We take on the full range of family law cases in Iowa. We have won the best law firm award for 10 consecutive years. If you have any questions or concerns about a family law case, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with a top West Des Moines family lawyer.

An Overview of Family Law Cases We Handle in West Des Moines

An award-winning law firm, Baer Law Office is committed to providing solutions-focused legal guidance and support in family law cases in Iowa, including right here in West Des Moines. No matter your specific situation, we will invest the time and resources to help you find the right path forward. Along with other cases, our West Des Moines family attorney has experience with:

Divorce: Iowa is a no-fault divorce state. It allows couples to end their marriage without assigning blame. They can split on the grounds that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Notably, the state follows equitable distribution principles for property division. In court, a couple’s marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. We handle both uncontested divorces and contested divorces in West Des Moines.
Spousal Support: Also known as alimony, spousal support in Iowa is not guaranteed but may be awarded based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacities of both parties, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Notably, in Iowa,tThe court has broad discretion to determine the amount and duration of support. If you have any specific questions about spousal support in West Des Moines, we can help.
Property Division: Iowa is an equitable distribution of property state. When a married couple gets divorced in West Des Moines, they must determine who gets to keep what. Their marital assets will be split in the manner deemed most “fair.” Separate property will remain the sole possession of the specific spouse. Our West Des Moines family lawyer has the skills and experience to handle even the most complex of property division cases.
Paternity: Paternity is the basis of a father’s rights and responsibilities in Iowa. Establishing paternity in Iowa can be done voluntarily through a paternity affidavit or through official court proceedings. Our West Des Moines family lawyer represents both fathers and mothers in Paternity cases in Iowa. If you have any questions, we are here to help.
Child Custody: For parents going through a divorce or separation in West Des Moines, custody rights matter. Iowa uses the best interests of the child standard for custody cases. In effect, the priority of the court is to determine what is best for the child. The law encourages shared parental responsibilities unless such arrangements would harm the child. Notably, custody in Iowa encompasses both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child resides).
Child Support: Child support in Iowa is calculated using statewide guidelines that consider the income of both parents and the number of children involved. The noncustodial parent typically pays support to help cover the child’s living expenses, including housing, food, and education. If you have any specific questions or concerns about child support, our Des Moines family lawyer is here to help.
Name Change: Following a divorce, you may wish to change your name or the name of a child. Our family law team can help. Iowa provides legal procedures for adults and minors to change their names. Adults can file a Petition for Change of Name. However, name changes for kids can be more complicated. Indeed, changing a minor’s name typically requires parental consent and/or court approval.
Prenuptial Agreements: Prenuptial agreements in Iowa are governed by the Iowa Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (IUPAA). They are generally enforceable—as long as certain criteria are met. These agreements allow couples to outline the division of assets and financial responsibilities in a divorce. We draft, review, negotiate, and litigate prenuptial agreements in West Des Moines.

We Emphasize Collaborative Solutions in Family Law Cases in West Des Moines

Family law cases should be handled with the highest degree of care and sensitivity. We know that most people are looking for a low-conflict, cost-effective solution in their case. Whether it is a divorce, custody case, or another matter, you likely want to avoid a fight. At Baer Law Office, we put a strong emphasis on collaborative solutions in family law cases. With experience handling family mediation and less formal negotiation, we are committed to helping clients find the solutions that work best for their specific situation. At the same time, our West Des Moines family law attorney is trial-tested.

How Our West Des Moines Family Law Attorney Can Help

Family law is complicated. If you are trying to navigate any type of family case, you may be stressed out and unsure of your rights and your options. A proactive approach is a must. Kim Baer is a top family law attorney in Iowa. With a well-documented record of clients testimonials, she puts people first. When you contact our legal team, you will have an opportunity to connect with a West Des Moines family law attorney who can:

Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your case;
Investigate the family law matter, gathering relevant evidence;
Represent you in any family law settlement negotiations; and
Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on protecting your best interests.

Contact Our West Des Moines Family Lawyer for a Confidential Consultation

At Baer Law Office, our West Des Moines family law attorney provides solutions-driven advocacy to clients. If you have any family law questions, we are here to help. Give us a phone call now or (515) 279-2000 at contact us online for a fully private, no obligation initial consultation. We provide family law representation in West Des Moines and all across the region.