by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Divorce or child custody cases that involve multiple states can have an added layer of complexity, making it all the more important to handle such cases carefully.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A child custody or divorce case can be one of the most important events in a person’s life. It can also be one of the more expensive events too. However, there are things that a person can do to help minimize that expense while also seeking the best possible outcome for the case.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Iowa law requires that the parents in a divorce or child custody case take a court-approved class. This class is called Children in the Middle in
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Motions are a key part of just about every type of court case. This article discusses Motions in the Iowa and Illinois legal systems.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In a child custody case, those who try to represent themselves tend to run into significant problems. Every person who is facing a child custody case needs an attorney, for two main reasons:
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The new laws in Illinois that govern divorce and child custody cases took effect on January 1, 2016. These changes in terminology are a reflection of the goals of the court in custody and divorce case.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In Divorce and child custody cases, Interrogatories are a common discovery tool. Interrogatories can help a party to obtain information that is needed to reach a favorable settlement, or to take the case to trial.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear It is common in divorce and custody cases in Iowa and Illinois for the court to award a non-custodial parent (a parent who does not have primary physical care) an extended block of visitation in the summer months. Summer visitation is also commonly awarded to both parents so that each parent can have an opportunity to take a vacation or otherwise spend time with the child. Summer visitation can be a great opportunity for a parent to spend more time with a child, but it can also be a source of contention.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In a divorce or custody case, Requests for Production of Documents is a commonly used discovery tool.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Depositions can be useful tools in child custody and divorce cases in Iowa and Illinois.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which is found at 50 U.S.C. sections 501-597b, was enacted to allow servicemembers to devote their energy to the defense needs of the nation and to provide for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings, except criminal proceedings, that may adversely affect the civil rights of servicemembers during military service.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear Filing a child custody case in the right location is important.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In divorce and child custody cases in Illinois and Iowa, Discovery is an important part of the case. Discovery refers to the process through which each side in a divorce or custody case is entitled to gather information from the other side, for use in court later. It is important to comply with discovery, as a failure to do so can result in significant harm to a case.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear During a divorce case, it is critical that both spouses carefully choose their words when discussing the situation with their children. This is important for both the mental wellbeing of the children, and each spouse’s legal interests in the case.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear The question of where to file for divorce is one that can be complex, especially when a person has moved recently or has a spouse who lives in another state. Selecting the right jurisdiction and venue for the divorce case is important, as incorrect choices can cause significant harm to a person’s case and interests.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear When a person consults with a lawyer about their family law case, there are many different things that should be discussed so that the client is as informed as possible about how the case would proceed and the terms of representation. While each situation is different, there are some common things that are applicable in every case:
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A Joint Parenting Agreement is a common legal document in divorce or child custody cases in Illinois and Iowa. It contains the terms under which the parents of a child or children will interact as to each other and the children.
by 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.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear A person who is served with papers for a child custody case is often shocked and upset by the situation. Handing things the right way during that upsetting time is important, as missteps can result in lasting harm to a person’s child custody situation.
by Attorney Eric D. Puryear In family law cases, the best interest of the child is the court’s highest priority. The Iowa District Court and Illinois Circuit Court judges who handle custody and divorce cases are required by law to follow that standard. This article discusses the best interests of the child as applied by the courts.