Des Moines Child Custody Attorney

Advocates for Child Custody and Child Support

Parent with child custody Divorce can be very hard on your children. Our custody lawyers in Iowa are ready to help you fight for your child's best interest. Reach out to Hope Law Firm for an advocate in your parental rights. Our child custody attorneys in Des Moines can guide you every step of the way through this complex process.

Contact us now to find out more about how our Des Moines child custody attorney can help you protect your relationship with your child.

Understanding Child Custody Laws in Iowa

A Des Moines custody attorney knows that Iowa law directs that the court must order a child custody award which includes liberal visitation rights. The child will then have the opportunity for continuing physical and emotional contact with both parents. Visitation can be waived if the court deems it likely to harm the child. Below, are the basics of Iowa's child support guidelines.

Sole custody: One parent has legal custodial rights and responsibilities.
Joint custody: Both parents have legal custodial rights and responsibilities. This custody can exist even though a child resides with only one parent.
Joint physical care: Both parents have joint custody and share parenting time.

When establishing the custody arrangement that is best for the child, the court’s considerations include:

The geographic proximity of the parents
Whether the parents agree to joint custody
The safety of the child or the other parent
The suitability of each parent to be a custodian
The psychological and emotional development of the child
The parents’ ability to communicate with each other about the child
Each parent’s level of care for the child before and since the separation
Whether each parent can support the other’s relationship with the child
The child’s wishes, taking into account the child’s age and maturity

In Iowa, parents must attend a course about the effect of divorce on children within 45 days of the custody order.

Iowa Child Custody Laws & Moving Out of State

The laws on relocation do not allow a parent to relocate with their child without a court order. The parent who is sharing legal custody or has physical custody cannot relocate to another state unless he or she can prove to the courts that there was a substantial change in circumstances to support the move.

Discuss Your Case with a Child Custody Lawyer in Des Moines

You know what is best for your children, and we know how to work with you to achieve your goals. Contact Hope Law Firm today and schedule a consultation with our child custody lawyers in Des Moines.

The Opinions That Matter Most

See What Our Clients Have To Say

“Katie and her team were able to quickly get answers to keep the process moving, which I appreciated. Katie is a bright, dedicated, compassionate, and knows her job.”
Linda W.
“Steve has advised me on several different legal issues and assisted me with a child support case.”
Ben & Jenni O.
“Her professionalism really showed in court when I was most nervous.”
Angella W.
“Katie was very helpful during my stressful divorce.”
Kristen L.
“The Hope Law Firm does a great job!”
Sofiia A.
“Katie and Shelby are wonderful. Professional and friendly. They made the process of my divorce very easy for me.”
Cammie H.
“Great knowledge on what is possible when settling stipulations and really goes to work for you and has your best interests a priority.”
Jennifer P.
“Katie was simply AMAZING and helped us keep my son exactly where he should be.”
Zach & April B.
“Steve helped me get custody of my daughter and child support started.”
Kira T.
“Good results and were able to settle things with ex' lawyer.”
Sara
“I can't thank Hope Law Firm enough for helping me get through the toughest time in my life.”
Pamela H.
“She was a great lawyer and did a WONDERFUL job! She was on-top of the process from start to finish.”
Jessica H.
“I would highly recommend Hope Law Firm to anyone needing help with a divorce.”
Ricky R.
“Katie did a great job of walking me through everything step by step.”
Jenny C.
“Charlotte is a knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney who guided me through the process.”
Kelsey T.

Read Client Reviews