Child Custody

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

Money-Saving Tips for Those with Divorce or Child Custody Cases

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby 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.

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Summer Visitation

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby 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.

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Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby 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.

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Complying with Discovery in Divorce and Custody Cases

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby 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.

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Deciding Where to File For Divorce

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby 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.

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Things to Discuss with a Lawyer During a Family Law Consultation

Attorney Eric D. Puryearby 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:

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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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