Iowa Family Law

Mediation versus Settlement Conferences in Iowa Divorce and Custody Cases

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Courts in Iowa (almost) always require either Mediation or a Settlement Conference take place in custody or divorce cases before there can be a trial. Many courts require this even before there can be a hearing on temporary matters such a visitation, although that varies widely. Settlement conferences and mediation are two different approaches that … Read more

Do I have to take Children in the Middle again? Addressing the co-parenting class requirement

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In Iowa (and many other states), parents who have a custody or divorce case are required by the court to take a class on co-parenting. That class, often called “children in the middle” or “parenting solutions” is intended to help a parent learn how to work well with the other parent in a way that … Read more

Premarital (Prenuptuial or Antenuptial) Agreements in Iowa

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Iowa law permits couples to enact premarital agreements (also known as prenuptial agreements or antenuptial agreements) prior to marriage. Premarital agreements are becoming increasingly more common and enables couples to come to a mutual understanding of the distribution of property prior to

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Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Appeals in Iowa

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

When the Iowa juvenile court takes action against a parent’s rights, that parent can appeal. Child in need of assistance (CINA) appeals in Iowa are governed by the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Rules on Electronic Document Management System, which are the electronic filing of court documents. Because appeals are time sensitive and have specific requirements, it is highly advisable

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Effect of a Parent Moving Away 150 Miles in an Iowa Custody Case

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In situations where the parents of a child are no longer together, the parent with primary care of the child may decide to move at some point.  For the other parent, that could in essence mean losing their child.  Iowa law addresses that by considering a move of 150 miles to be a material change in circumstances, which justifies a Petition to Modify custody and physical care.

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Grandparent Visitation and Guardianship in Iowa

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Grandparents are often very involved with grandchildren, and those bonds that are formed can be meaningful to both the grandparent and grandchild.  In many situations, events will occur that result in the child’s parent or parents no longer allowing the grandparent to see the child. Depending upon the circumstances, there may

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Parental Alienation in Iowa Custody and Divorce Cases

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Parental Alienation is a situation commonly produced in divorce and custody cases when one parent (or other person) tries to destroy the relationship between a child and the other parent.  Iowa law recognizes such improper action on the part of a parent, grandparent, or other person is seriously harmful to the child, and the Iowa court system can address the situation.

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Dealing with Pets in Iowa Divorce Cases

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In the hearts of their human owners, pets can feel like as much a member of the family as a person.  As such, getting the right resolution for the distribution of pets in an Iowa divorce case is often of great importance.

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Rule to Show Cause (Contempt Action) in Iowa

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In Iowa, when a person fails to follow a court order, the matter can be addressed through a Rule to Show Cause (which is sometimes also called a contempt action).  A Rule to Show Cause is most commonly used in family law cases to address violations of court orders involving custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support.

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