Des Moines family law
Know what
happens next.
Clear guidance for divorce, custody and child support, from the first meeting to the final order.
The answer first
About four months for most couples.
Iowa law does not let a judge finalize a divorce until 90 days after your spouse has been served or signs an acceptance of service. That means no one can do it in less than three months.
- Week 1First meeting and a checklist of what to gather.
- Weeks 2 and 3We draft the petition, both financial affidavits and the settlement agreement, plus the parenting plan if you have children.
- Weeks 3 and 4We file with the Polk County District Court and your spouse signs an acceptance of service, which starts the 90-day clock.
- Days 30 to 90The parenting class and signing the final agreement.
- After day 90The judge signs the decree, usually without anyone going to the courthouse.
Meet Karin
“Most people who call me have never hired a lawyer before. My job is to make the next few months less frightening, and that starts with telling you what happens next and when.”
Karin Ellingsrud
Guidance from someone who has done this work for decades.
23 years practicing family law in Iowa. Trained family mediator.
Meet Karin and the team →Family law
What clients remember
“She never once made me feel foolish for asking the same question twice.”
Mark S., Urbandale
Start with a conversation