How long does a divorce take in West Des Moines, Iowa?

In Iowa, there is a 90-day waiting period after serving divorce papers before a divorce can be finalized. However, complex matters such as custody disputes or property division can extend the timeline. An attorney can help you move through the process as efficiently as possible.

Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in Iowa?

While you’re not legally required to have an attorney, a divorce lawyer can protect your rights, help divide assets fairly, and address custody, support, and other legal issues. Divorce is a major life change—having legal guidance can reduce stress and avoid mistakes.

How is child custody decided in West Des Moines divorces?

Child custody in Iowa is determined based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider factors like each parent’s ability to provide care, the child’s needs, and the relationship between the child and each parent. Joint custody is common unless one parent poses a risk to the child’s well-being.

What happens to our property during a divorce?

Iowa is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and contributions to the household when dividing assets and debts.

Can I get alimony (spousal support) after a divorce in Iowa?

Yes, alimony may be awarded depending on the circumstances. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage. It can be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent.

West Des Moines Divorce Lawyer

Get Help From Our West Des Moines Divorce Lawyer Today

At Baer Law Office, our West Des Moines divorce attorney is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced advocate for clients. It is our mission to help clients solve problems in divorce cases. We know that going through a divorce can be challenging—you need a strong advocate on your side. If you are preparing for divorce in Polk County or Dallas County, we can help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with a top West Des Moines divorce attorney.

An Overview of the Divorce Laws in Iowa

Preparing for divorce in West Des Moines? If so, it is crucial to remember that your case is handled by state law. You should have a basic understanding of how the divorce laws work in Iowa. Here are some of the key points to be aware of:

No-Fault Divorce State: Iowa is a no-fault divorce state. There is no fault-based divorce option. To be clear, this means that you do not need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to file for divorce. Instead, you simply state that the marriage is broken beyond repair. The court does not consider things like cheating or misconduct when deciding whether to grant the divorce. With that being said, you can still raise issues like financial misconduct or marital infidelity when dividing property or asking for spousal support.
Residency Requirement: You can get divorced in West Des Moines even if you originally got married in another state. However, you must satisfy Iowa’s residency requirement. To file for divorce in Iowa, one spouse must live in the state for at least one year. However, you do not both have to live in Iowa—just one of you. You should file for divorce in the state or in the county where either you or your spouse resides.
Best Interests of the Child: For parents going through a divorce, custody can be a very big issue. Iowa courts make child custody decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child. The judge looks at things like each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect. The goal is to create a stable, safe, and supportive environment for the child. Courts usually prefer both parents to stay involved in the child’s life. However, the judge will not award joint custody if doing so would put the child at risk.
Equitable Distribution: Property division matters. Iowa uses equitable distribution to divide property in a divorce. The court divides assets fairly—but not always equally. If property division is decided by a judge, the court will consider things like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, contributions to the household, and future financial needs. Only marital property—things you got during the marriage—is divided. Property you owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance might stay with you as separate property is not subject to equitable distribution in West Des Moines.

We Provide Comprehensive Representation in Divorce Cases in West Des Moines

Baer Law Office is an award-winning law firm that provides family and divorce services in West Des Moines and throughout the following region. We understand that a divorce is about far more than filing the correct paperwork. It is about setting yourself and your family up for a better future. Our West Des Moines divorce lawyer handles all aspects of divorce cases, including:

Spousal Support: Following a divorce in West Des Moines, one spouse may be required to pay spousal support (alimony) to the other. Alimony is not guaranteed in every divorce in Iowa—but it can be awarded when deemed appropriate.
Property Division: We have extensive experience helping couples in West Des Moines navigate complex property division matters, including those related to things like real estate, investment accounts, and retirement savings.
Child Custody: If you are a parent of young kids or teenagers who is going through a divorce in West Des Moines, it is imperative that you have a plan for child custody.
Child Support: After a divorce is finalized in West Des Moines, the parent with primary physical custody of a child will often be required to pay child support.

Collaborative Solutions Often Work Best in Divorce Cases

You may have heard horror stories about divorces that have turned into a difficult conflict or a nasty fight. We know that people in West Des Moines are looking for a timely, cost-effective, and altogether favorable resolution to their divorce case. At Baer Law Office, we put a strong emphasis on collaborative solutions. Our West Des Moines divorce lawyer has the skills and experience to handle divorce mediation. We are also a trial-tested law firm that is ready to take aggressive action to protect your rights.

Why Rely On Our West Des Moines Divorce Attorney

Getting divorced is hard—even if you know that it is ultimately the right decision. Kim Baer is an Iowa divorce lawyer with the skills and experience to help you navigate the legal process. Our client testimonials tell the story of what our family law team can do for you. We are proactive and provide personalized guidance and support. Along with other things, our West Des Moines divorce lawyer is prepared to:

Listen to your story and answer questions about divorce in Iowa;
Investigate the case—gathering the evidence you need to move forward;
Handle all of the legal paperwork related to your divorce;
Represent you in any settlement discussions, including divorce mediation; and
Develop a comprehensive strategy to help you get the best possible outcome.

Contact Our West Des Moines Divorce Lawyer Today

At Baer Law Office, our West Des Moines divorce lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights and help you find the best solutions. Give us a phone call now or (515) 279-2000 at contact us online to set up your fully confidential, no obligation initial appointment. We provide divorce representation in West Des Moines, Dallas County, Polk County, and beyond.