We help clients negotiate the process of divorce. We work with our clients to develop a clear understanding of their circumstances as they transition back to single status. We work with divorce clients on the wide range of issues that arise in all divorces, including child-rearing after divorce, child support, and division of property.
Guardianship
We assist clients who need to establish a guardianship or conservatorship to care for dependent adults or children. We work carefully with clients to navigate the process to establish guardianships and conservatorships.
People accused of criminal law violations from misdemeanors like public intoxication, possession of alcohol under the legal age (PAULA), OWI, or drug possession to major felonies such as sexual abuse, robbery, or burglary
Sex Crimes
During the mid 1990’s the legislature began to increase punishments for defendants who had committed sex offenses. While it is hard to imagine today, prior to about 1990, the Department of Corrections had only a limited sex offender treatment program. Moreover, before 1995, there was no requirement of Sex Offender Registration.
Robbery
Burglary
Misdemeanors
Drug Crimes
Murder
In his first week of practice in 1977 Mr. Mears visited the Anamosa State Reformatory (now called Anamosa State Penitentiary). He had been appointed to represent a defendant on appeal, who had been convicted of first-degree murder. In 1978, in that case, he appeared for the first time before the Iowa Supreme Court.
Juvenile Crimes
Mr. Mears’ practice has evolved over the last thirty-six years. When he first started out, his practice was a general one including employment law, juvenile law, and even an occasional divorce.
Services include estate planning and gift tax planning. We also assist with estate administration and the the preparation of estate and inheritance tax returns.
Wills
Ms. Mears’s practice centers on family law, wills and probate, real estate, and matters arising out of the University of Iowa community, largely University employment.
Power of Attorney
Services include preparation of wills, living wills, powers of attorney (general and healthcare). We also work with executors in the probate of wills.