Best Divorce Lawyers in Cedar Rapids

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

  The non-emergency number for the Cedar Rapids Police Department's Joint Communications Center is 319-286-5491.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

  Fill out a "REQUEST FOR RECORD" form to get a copy of your police record. You can pick up the form at the Cedar Rapids Police Department, 505 1st Street SW, or download it at https://cms8.revize.com/revize/cedarrapids/Police%20Documents/RequestForRecord.pdf.

• Can a divorce order be changed in Cedar Rapids if things change?

  In Cedar Rapids, if the parties' situations change after a decree has been finalized, that could be a reason to change the ruling. Child custody, physical care of children, visitation, child support, transportation, and spousal support (if previously awarded) are amendable aspects of a divorce decree. However, the person who wants to change the order must show that there has been a significant change in the facts that affect the part of the order they want to change.

• What factors influence asset division in a Cedar Rapids divorce?

  The court in Cedar Rapids distributes the property fairly after considering all of the following:

  • Length of marriage
  • Each party's marital contribution, including homemaking and childcare services.
  • The contribution by one party to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other
  • The earning capacity of each spouse
  • Spousal support payments and if the property division should replace them.
  • Pensions and other economic factors
  • Each party's taxes
  • Property distribution agreements in writing
  • Antenuptial agreements

• During a divorce involving child custody in Cedar Rapids, will you require the services of an attorney?

  Even though you don't need a lawyer in Cedar Rapids for a divorce with child custody issues, divorces involving children are difficult. You may need help from an attorney with all or part of the divorce process because you might miss important issues or not think about how your lawsuits will turn out. Couples thinking about getting a divorce should talk to an attorney for these reasons, especially if there are children or several assets in the marriage.

• What should a parent do if there is a court order for visitation but that parent is afraid about what might happen while the other parent has visitation rights?

  In such a situation, the custodial parent must comply with the court's order in Cedar Rapids. If either of them violates the visitation order, they risk being found in contempt of court. Therefore, the violator may be required to pay penalties or be imprisoned. However, if the custodial parent wishes to contest a court order, they must request an order modification.

• What should you do next after you have been served divorce papers in Cedar Rapids?

  After receiving divorce papers, the first step is to consult with a divorce attorney in Cedar Rapids. When divorce papers are served, the recipient has the option of submitting a response, also known as an "answer." It is important to note that there is a deadline for filing a response, which is 20 calendar days from the date of service, although this may vary based on the facts of your case.

• What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?

  The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:

  • File the divorce petition
  • Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
  • Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
  • Make financial disclosures
  • Request discovery from your spouse
  • Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
  • Go to trial if necessary
  • Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
  • Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts

• How much does it cost to get a divorce?

  The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.

• How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

  Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.

• How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?

  Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.

  • Know your budget
  • Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
  • Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
  • Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
  • Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
  • Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills

• What is an uncontested divorce?

  An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.

• Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

  It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.

• How long does it take to get a divorce?

  The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.

• How to prepare for divorce?

  It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:

  • Interview attorneys
  • Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
  • Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
  • Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
  • Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
  • Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
  • Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
  • Get support from friends and family

• What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?

  Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.

• What is divorce mediation?

  When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.