Services

Divorce

If you decide to dissolve your marriage, the staff at The Kruml Law Firm will guide you through the stressful process of divorce, a process that may otherwise be overwhelming on your own. Founded by skilled divorce attorney Kari Kruml, The Kruml Law Firm will provide knowledgeable support and experienced representation to guarantee that your rights are protected, and that throughout each step of the process, we take the course of action that is best for you and your family.

The decision to file for divorce is often one of the most difficult decisions one faces, but knowing that your legal needs are being met allows you the peace of mind necessary in order to focus your attention on the more important personal issues which require your attention.

In the State of Iowa, the legal process of divorce is called dissolution of marriage. Divorce in Iowa is done through a no-fault procedure that allows for a marriage to be resolved without placing blame on either spouse. If a divorce is uncontested and both parties are in agreement on all issues, The Kruml Law Firm will work with the Court and the opposing party to move your dissolution of marriage case through quickly.

While a 90-day waiting period for the finalization of a dissolution of marriage action is typically required by state law, the Court may waive that period for good cause, in such a case we at The Kruml Law Firm will work to resolve your divorce as quickly as possible. If your divorce is contested or involving children, The Kruml Law Firm will guide you through the complete legal process that may include hearings and an eventual trial.

Additionally, some judicial districts require additional procedures on the part of both parties, which may include mandatory mediation and the completion of a course educating parents of the effects of divorce on their children. Across the State of Iowa, we will work you through the requirements of these additional procedures so that you know you remain in compliance with all the Court’s requirements. Divorce raises many complex issues, not all of which relate merely to the application of the law.

Our knowledgeable and empathetic staff will assist you throughout your entire divorce proceeding.

 

Division of Property

State law in Iowa calls for the equal division of property as a result of a divorce, yet many factors are taken into consideration when property is divided. Ascertaining the rights of the parties to the various marital assets and liabilities is a complex process.

Some of these factors include: property brought separately into the marriage, financial contributions to the marriage by the respective parties, both the present and future earning capability of each party, health of the parties, and future custody and support of the children, in any.

It is important to understand the Iowa’s law on distribution of marital property both real and personal, and to have a knowledgeable and experienced advocate to fight for the property you believe you deserve.

 

Spousal Support

Spousal Support, or alimony, is not automatic, and the Court will consider a wide variety of factors in the both the decision to grant spousal support and in deciding the amount and duration of any such award.

Some of the factors the Court will consider include: length of the marriage, age of the respective parties, education of each spouse, earning potential of each party, and health of each spouse.

 

Child Support and Child Custody

Divorce has the potential to be hard on children and all legal matters involving children deserve the utmost sensitivity, expertise, and efficiency.

The Kruml Law Firm understands the attention that every case involving children needs and is able to provide expert legal guidance to insure that the best interests of your children are considered.

Child Support

In the course of a divorce or custody action, the Court may deem it necessary for the non-custodial parent to pay child support. In the determination of child support, the Court considers the necessity of both parents to provide for the welfare of a child and the child’s need for a relationship with both parents.

The laws covering support of minor children requires the application of a mandatory set of guidelines established by the Iowa Supreme Court to determine the amount of child support.

These guidelines rely on factors like the income earned by both parents, childcare costs, and healthcare expenses, as well as a series of other factors.

Child Custody

The determination of child custody can be among the most emotional, complicated, and contested matters of family law. Iowa law views custody determination as necessary in order for children to have ongoing physical and emotional interaction with each parent.

The law directs that Court ordered custody must include liberal visitation rights for each parent, unless there is a determination of likely harm to the child.

The Kruml Law Firm will work with you to achieve the custody or visitation arrangement that is in the best interests of you and your children.

Some types of custody arrangements include: joint legal custody (both parents share legal rights and responsibilities associated with the child); joint physical care (when parenting time is shared between both parents in a roughly equal manner); and sole-custody (when one parent has both the decision-making capacity and physical custody of the child).

 

Modification

In many family law matters, one or both of the parents may experience a significant change in circumstances from the time at which an original judgment, or decree, was entered and such changes may warrant a modification in child support or custody related matters.

Remedies are available if a current order is not being obeyed or must be changed to meet current circumstances. In many instances, solving the problem is a simple matter.

If the parties can agree to the terms of the modification, and the terms themselves are not contrary to existing law, it may be possible to have the changes made with little cost of difficulty.

Whether you need information and representation to file a consensual modification or to enforce a difficult decree, we can advise you fully regarding your options.

 

Paternity Actions – Establishment and Disestablishment

In Iowa, a man has no obligation for the support of, or right to visit, or right to make decisions for a child, until his paternity has been legally established.

If a paternity has been legally established and the question arises as to whether the child is the biological child of the father, DNA testing must be performed and steps taken to disestablish paternity.

The only way to disestablish paternity in Iowa is through filing a special disestablishment action.

We at The Kruml Law Firm are both knowledgeable and experienced in actions to establish or disestablish paternity.