Experienced Divorce Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

In Need of a Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce is never easy. Even in the most amicable situations, the process of ending a marriage can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. You’re not just separating from your spouse—you’re untangling years of shared finances, family routines, and plans. Sometimes, the emotional toll is amplified by fear, conflict, or uncertainty about what comes next.

Having a trusted legal advisor can make all the difference during these moments.

At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines divorce attorney provides compassionate, strategic representation to individuals navigating the dissolution of marriage. With more than 20 years of family law experience in Iowa, we help clients move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether your case involves child custody, property division, spousal support, or a contested dispute, we will develop a strategy tailored to your needs and goals.

Our mission is simple: to help you move forward with dignity, stability, and a plan for the future, starting with an initial consultation.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Iowa?

Understanding the legal foundation for divorce is an essential first step. Iowa is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove your spouse’s wrongdoing to file. Instead, it is sufficient to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be repaired. This approach reduces unnecessary conflict and allows both parties to focus on resolving practical issues like custody and finances.

However, while fault is not required, the circumstances of your marriage may still influence the outcome of specific issues, especially in high-conflict cases involving abuse, financial misconduct, or contested custody matters.

Our Des Moines divorce attorney will help you understand how Iowa’s no-fault framework applies to your situation and advise you on presenting your case clearly and credibly.

What Is the Process for Getting Divorced in Iowa?

Many people begin the divorce process unsure of what to expect. Even those emotionally ready to move on may feel overwhelmed by the legal steps, documentation, and timelines involved. At Feitelson Law Firm, we walk our clients through each stage of the process, offering clear explanations and reliable support.

The typical divorce process in Iowa includes the following:

• Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the district court.
• Serving the other party with the petition and summons.
• Temporary orders, if needed, address issues such as custody, support, or family home use during the divorce.
• Discovery, during which spouses exchange information and documentation about finances, assets, debts, and parenting arrangements.
• Negotiation or mediation, which may lead to a mutual settlement agreement.
• Trial, if disputes cannot be resolved outside of court.
• Final decree, issued by the court to officially end the marriage and set the terms of your divorce.

We tailor our legal strategy to match your priorities—whether you need strong courtroom advocacy or a cooperative approach to settlement. No matter how complex or straightforward your case, we’ll guide you through each step with transparency and care. Contact our skilled divorce lawyer in Des Moines today to learn more.

What Are the Key Issues Decided During an Iowa Divorce?

Every divorce is unique, but most involve several critical legal issues that must be resolved before the court can finalize the case. Each of these areas can profoundly impact your future, so it’s essential to have a skilled divorce attorney in Des Moines advocating for your interests.

In Iowa, divorce may involve decisions related to:

• Child custody and visitation– Determining legal and physical custody of children, parenting time schedules, and decision-making authority
• Child support– Calculating appropriate financial contributions from each parent based on income and parenting time.
• Spousal support (alimony)– Deciding whether one spouse should provide ongoing financial assistance to the other.
• Property and asset division– Identifying and equitably dividing marital assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, and personal property.
• Debt allocation– determining how shared debts such as credit cards, loans, or mortgages will be divided.

Our Des Moines divorce lawyer will help you prioritize your goals, protect your legal rights, and advocate for an outcome that supports your long-term financial and emotional well-being.

How Is Property Divided in an Iowa Divorce?

Dividing property during divorce can quickly become one of the process’s most stressful and contentious parts—especially if emotions are high or the assets are complex. Iowa follows the rule of equitable distribution, meaning the court will divide marital property fairly, though not equally. The goal is to create a balanced resolution that reflects each spouse’s contributions and future needs.

Property division may involve:

• Real estate (marital homes, rental properties).
• Vehicles and personal belongings.
• Bank accounts and investment accounts.
• Retirement plans and pensions.
• Business interests or professional practices.
• Debts and financial obligations.

Our divorce attorney in Des Moines works closely with financial professionals when needed to ensure all marital property is accurately valued and appropriately divided. We also help clients distinguish between marital property (acquired during the marriage) and separate property (acquired before marriage or through inheritance), which can affect what is subject to division.

Can My Divorce Be Resolved Without Going to Trial?

Yes, many divorces in Iowa are resolved outside the courtroom through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law. Reaching a settlement agreement can save time, reduce legal costs, and allow both spouses more control over the outcome. Even if you and your spouse disagree initially, skilled legal guidance can often lead to resolution without the stress and uncertainty of a trial.

At Feitelson Law Firm, we are strong proponents of resolving matters amicably when possible. However, we also thoroughly prepare every case so we can litigate if necessary. If trial becomes the best—or only—option to protect your rights, you can count on experienced, assertive representation in court.

How Long Does the Iowa Divorce Process Take?

The timeline for divorce in Iowa varies based on the complexity of the case, the level of cooperation between spouses, and the court’s availability. There is a 90-day waiting period from when the petition is served until the divorce can be finalized, although exceptions may apply in cases involving domestic violence or other emergencies.

Additional factors that can affect the timeline include:

• The number of contested issues, including custody, support, and/or property.
• The need for financial investigations or expert evaluations.
• The success of mediation or negotiation efforts.
• Scheduling availability for hearings or trial.

Our attorney will work diligently to move your case forward efficiently while ensuring that every decision is fully informed and strategically sound.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Iowa Divorce?

While it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, doing so can put your rights and future at risk—especially in cases involving children, significant assets, or disagreements. Divorce settlements can have long-term consequences, and even a small error in paperwork or an overlooked legal issue can lead to costly complications later on.

Partnering with a trusted Des Moines divorce attorney ensures that:

• Your rights are protected throughout the process.
• You fully understand the legal implications of your decisions.
• Your paperwork is correctly prepared and filed.
• You have a clear child custody, support, and property division plan.
• You’re not taken advantage of during negotiation or trial.

At Feitelson Law Firm, we provide clear, practical legal advice and personalized guidance to help you make the best choices for your future.

We Also Focus on the Following Areas:

• Adoptions
• Child Custody 
• Child Support
• Child Support Enforcement
• Fathers’ Rights
• Paternity
• Domestic Violence
• Modification of Child Support or Modification of Custody
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Spousal Support

Start the Next Chapter with Strength and Support: Contact Feitelson Law Firm

Divorce is more than the end of a marriage—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in your life. With the proper support, you can come through the process stronger, more secure, and ready to move forward. At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines divorce attorney stands by your side, offering the legal knowledge and personal care you need during this transition.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you navigate your divorce with clarity, dignity, and confidence.