by Daniel Willems | Jul 16, 2019 | Estate Planning, Family Law
Most people do not think of estate planning until they are in their 40’s or 50’s — and some even wait until they are even older. However, it is in your best interest to create an estate plan when you turn 18 or become emancipated (whichever comes first)...
by Daniel Willems | Jun 28, 2019 | Divorce, Family Law
When you decide to divorce, you’ll need to file a petition with the court. As part of that petition, you have to allege that: 1) there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed and; 2)...
by Daniel Willems | May 22, 2019 | Divorce, Family Law
Alimony, commonly referred to as spousal support, may be ordered in any dissolution of marriage case. The court awards three types of alimony: traditional, rehabilitative, or reimbursement. The type of alimony order, if it is ordered, depends on several factors...
by Daniel Willems | Mar 20, 2019 | Divorce, Marriage
While common law marriage does exist in Iowa, it could be difficult to prove. The couple has to meet certain requirements for the courts to consider them married under common law. Additionally, once a couple is considered married under common law, they cannot simply...
by Daniel Willems | Feb 26, 2019 | Divorce, Family Law
When a couple who works as partners in a business gets divorced, the business could be adversely affected. One spouse may buy out the other spouse, or both could still work at the business, though that is not a likely situation unless the couple is parting on very...
by Daniel Willems | Jan 14, 2019 | Mediation or Arbitration
In many family law cases, you can avoid the stress and costs of a trial by taking part in Alternative Dispute Resolution. There are two ways to reach a decision with Alternative Dispute Resolution: mediation or arbitration. What is Mediation? Mediation is the act of...
by Daniel Willems | Dec 11, 2018 | Adoption, Family Law
Step-parent adoption in Iowa is a fairly straightforward process, especially with the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. Adopting your step-child can be a time of joy for both the child and new parent, providing security and stability to the whole...
by Daniel Willems | Oct 14, 2018 | Adoption, Child Custody, Divorce, Family Law
What is Family Law? Family Law is an area of legal practice that focuses on family relationships. You will work with a family law attorney in the case of divorce, child custody or visitation rights, adoption, emancipation or paternity. The most common cases seen in...
by Daniel Willems | Sep 24, 2018 | Family Law
There are two types of restraining orders in Iowa for victims of abuse. The first, and most common, is a criminal no contact order, which is the result of a criminal case. The second type of restraining order is a civil protective order. Criminal No Contact Order A...
by Daniel Willems | Aug 27, 2018 | Family Law, Marriage, Prenuptial Agreement
A prenuptial agreement, also known as a premarital agreement or “prenup,” is a legal agreement between two individuals before they marry. The purpose of the prenup is to protect the interests of one or both individuals if the marriage ends in divorce....
