Complete Divorce Services in Council Bluffs

Most people only go through a divorce once in their lifetime. As a result, you may feel stressed about the proceedings. To set your mind at ease, we begin our relationship with a free divorce consultation. At this meeting, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about taking the next step.

While it’s possible to file for divorce without an attorney, you are expected to follow the same rules as an experienced lawyer, with no extra assistance from the court. That’s why we highly recommend hiring a legal professional to help with the proceedings.

Contact our divorce attorney for help with the following matters:

• Child support
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Equitable distribution of property, including businesses and retirement accounts
• Custody and visitation
• High-asset divorces
• Post-divorce modification
• Legal separation

No matter what stage of the divorce process you’re in, Peters Law Firm has the expert legal team you need. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation and begin litigating your divorce today! We proudly serve Council Bluffs, Omaha, and the surrounding areas.

FAQs About Divorce

What is an uncontested divorce?

This is the opposite of a stereotypical contested divorce. If both spouses agree to the same terms when ending the marriage, then there’s no need for hearings, settlement negotiations, or other court procedures. Instead, the couple hammers out the terms together, with help from their respective lawyers, and they go their separate ways peacefully.

An uncontested divorce is the fastest, most affordable way to end a marriage, but it’s not always easy to achieve. To increase your chances of successfully obtaining an uncontested divorce, consult with a family lawyer as soon as possible. It may be possible to work out a complete marital dissolution agreement with your attorney before filing for divorce. This is often the best way to ensure a fast, desirable outcome.

How do I file for divorce in Iowa?

Every state has slightly different rules. Have you been wondering, “How do I get a divorce in Iowa?” The process begins by filling out a form — known as a petition — with information about you, your spouse, and your marriage. File this petition with your county court. Then, give a copy to your spouse. This is known as “serving” the divorce papers, and it gets the process started.

It’s best to speak with an experienced Neola or Council Bluffs divorce attorney as soon as you think divorce is on the horizon. You’ll receive expert advice about how to proceed based on your unique situation.

What are the most important questions to ask a divorce attorney?

To ensure you get the best legal counsel possible for your divorce, it’s important to ask your divorce attorney questions to assess whether they are suited to handle your needs. The following should be among the first questions you ask your Council Bluffs divorce attorney:

• How many family law cases have you handled?
• What is your strategy for my case?
• How responsive are you to clients?
• Will anyone else in your office be working on my case? If so, who and can I meet with them?
• How will you charge me for services? What is your hourly rate?
• What costs (aside from your own) do you expect will be involved?
• How long will it take to resolve my case?

How do I prepare for my first consultation with a divorce attorney?

Being prepared for your divorce consultation can help you save time and money down the road. When getting ready for your first consultation with your divorce attorney, be sure to collect all personal information that may be relevant to your case. This includes financial records, tax documents, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, employment information, information about your living situation, and any other information that you feel is important for your case. In addition to your personal information, be sure to write out a set of questions you wish to ask your divorce attorney during your consultation.

Be prepared to answer questions about what you wish to get out of your divorce. Think about how you’d like to divide your assets and what custody considerations you have for your children, if you have them, as this will help your attorney determine the best strategy

What should I not tell my divorce attorney?

When it comes to meeting with your divorce attorney, honesty is always the best policy. You’ll need to discuss highly sensitive aspects of your marriage, such as any physical abuse, infidelity, or substance abuse that has taken place. However, keep in mind your goal in meeting with your attorney: proceeding toward a fair divorce settlement. A vindictive or vengeful mindset will hamper your progress toward that goal. 

Choose Peters Law Firm as Your Divorce Lawyer in Southwest Iowa

If you’re thinking about getting divorced, you need a family attorney in Council Bluffs who has experience negotiating the issues you’re facing, such as child custody and visitation, division of assets, and more. Compassion is also an essential trait in a divorce lawyer, as you may need to share personal details about your life, family, and marriage. Effective communication throughout your proceedings and resolution is also critical.

When you hire our local divorce attorneys in Council Bluffs, you can rely on us to assist you throughout the process, from legal separation through final custody agreements. We are committed to negotiating a fair settlement and will do everything possible to avoid a costly and painful legal battle.

To schedule your free divorce consultation, please contact Peters Law Firm today. We serve clients in Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Le Mars, and the surrounding areas.