For many people, going through a divorce is one of the most difficult and painful things they will ever do. At Pendleton & Herbold LLP, we understand how trying and complicated this experience can be for the entire family. As your lawyer, we will recommend the divorce process best suited to your current situation and long term goals such as:
- Legal separation — A couple remains married but chooses to live apart. The court order will detail the rights and duties of each person for as long as the separation lasts, in issues such as separation maintenance (similar to child support and spousal support), child custody, visitation and property division.
- Uncontested divorce — When both parties agree to dissolve the marriage, and all aspects of the divorce are negotiated and decided outside of the courtroom, it is called an uncontested divorce.
- Collaborative divorce — Similar to an uncontested divorce, issues about the property division, child custody and other related legal matters are settled outside of the court room. However, there are variations in the legal process used to finalize and file the documents.
- Contested divorce — When any aspect of a divorce is brought to court and decided by a judge it is considered a contested divorce.
Clear Communication and Efficient Solutions
Legal disputes, particularly those involving a divorce, can turn into stressful, time consuming and expensive experiences. We understand that most people want to find the most efficient means to resolving conflicts, dissolving the marriage and moving on with their lives.
Reaching those agreements can sometimes be challenging. Even when a couple has mutually agreed to dissolve the marriage, there are usually disputes over things like property division, child care and child visitation. Using communication techniques like mediation or negotiation can effectively dissolve the marriage without all of the emotional turmoil of a trial — and the end results are often better for everyone involved.
Aggressive Advocates Protecting Your Interests
Iowa is an equitable property division state. As your lawyers, we will advocate for your legal goals and help to negotiate a fair and equitable division of property. When litigation is unavoidable, we aggressively advocate for our clients' best interests. Our lawyers have extensive experience representing the rights and interests of individuals involved in complicated family law disputes.
Experienced Indianola Contested and Uncontested Divorce Attorney
From our office in West Des Moines, Iowa, Pendleton & Herbold LLP, represents clients throughout the Des Moines region. Contact us toll free at 888-340-8147 to arrange an initial consultation with an experienced Des Moines divorce attorney.
