by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A parent, custodian, or guardian of a child may desire to file a private termination of parental rights action in Iowa under Iowa Code Chapter 600A. A private termination of parental rights action is
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Many Iowa counties require that a Settlement Conference be held in divorce and custody cases. The purpose of the Settlement Conference is to get the parties and attorneys to try and work out some of all of the issues in the case, so as
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In Iowa custody and divorce cases, the court can address custody, visitation, child support, and attorney fees on a temporary basis. In divorce cases, temporary financial matters such as spousal support and payment of bills can also be addressed. The purpose of the Temporary Matters hearing is to handle such issues on a short-term basis, so that the parties
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Divorce and custody cases can be the most important legal system event in a person’s life, as the outcome can influence custody, visitation, property, and financial aspects of the person’s life for years to come. If the outcome of the trial is not favorable, then an appeal should be considered.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A guardianship is the legal process through which someone other than the parent of a child can legally care for the child. Guardianship are commonly used when a child’s parents are unable or unwilling to care for a child. For example, a relative may seek a guardianship of a child when the parent(s) are
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Under Iowa law, either unmarried parent of a child can seek to have the court establish their respective rights and responsibilities as parents of the child. Essentially, that involves establishing paternity, custody, physical care, visitation, child support, tax exemptions, and other similar matters.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear When an Iowa court grants a divorce, annulment, or separate maintenance, it may order either or both parents to pay a “reasonable and necessary” amount towards the support and maintenance of a child. The court is required to consider the responsibility of both parents to provide for the minor child’s needs and welfare. The child support payments are
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear An order of protection, also sometimes informally called a “restraining order,” is a court order that is intended to stop domestic violence, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, or interference with personal liberty. Men, women, and children can seek an order of protection in Iowa. The law surrounding orders or protection can be complex, so I always recommend that those seeking an order of protection – or those defending themselves against a wrongfully filed Protective Order –
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A divorce, also referred to as a marital dissolution, is the termination of a marriage by court order. In Iowa, there is a 1 year residency requirement, meaning that at least one of the spouses must have been an Iowa resident for a least a year. If neither spouse has lived in Iowa for a year, then the Iowa courts do not have the authority to grant a divorce. The proper court for filing a divorce petition in Iowa is