Family law and divorce — The end of a marriage is a difficult time where important decisions must be made. Our job is to work toward a resolution that focuses on a more stable future for you and your children. Iowa takes the same approach as mediation is mandatory in the state. Cost-efficient representation is in your best interests as it saves both time and money so you can move on with your life.
Child Support
Child support may be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. In determining whether there is a substantial change in circumstances, the court shall consider the following...
Child Custody and Visitation
At our Primghar, Sheldon and Sutherland law offices, we provide a wide range of services that combine legal complexities with emotionally charged issues. From helping the injured to mediating child custody disputes, we focus on our clients’ best interests and pursue the best possible outcome through mediation or litigation.
Guardianship
The term “probate” refers to a court-supervised proceeding that is involved when an individual passes away and handles the transition of their assets that the decedent owned and payment of any debts and taxes. Probate also refers to the court-supervised process where an individual needs to have court-supervision over the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated individual through a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding. Our experienced trusts and estates attorneys can give you advice, direction and assistance in handling the necessary court filings and hearings.
Annulment
Upon every judgment of annulment, dissolution, or separate maintenance, the court may order either parent or both parents to pay an amount reasonable and necessary for supporting a child. In establishing the amount of support, consideration shall be given to the responsibility of both parents to support and provide for the welfare of the minor child and of a child’s need, whenever practicable, for a close relationship with both parents.
Real estate law is an incredibly complex field of law that covers many different topics. Real estate lawyers can help individuals or businesses with their real estate issues regardless of whether a business is contemplating building and financing a new commercial shopping center, or a homeowner needs helps with a mortgage loan modification.
Personal Injury involves civil law cases where you are trying to obtain compensation for an injury you sustained to your person. Physical injuries to your person could arise from being involved in an automobile accident, a railroad accident, airline or other common carrier accident, a construction or other workplace accident, being injured as a result of a dangerous or otherwise unsafe product and other injury-causing situations. However, personal injuries don’t even necessarily have to be physical-they could be psychological. Psychological personal injuries are typically caused by psychological trauma associated with life-threatening and/or disfiguring physical injuries, or as a result of witnessing trauma in others, or following personal escape from serious injury following a traumatic event. Before you can collect an award, your personal injury lawyer will have to prove that the defendant is liable. To prove liability, the attorney must also establish negligence.
Estate planning is not just for the elderly. Ensuring the financial safety and protection of your family is an important goal that we all seek. Who will take care of your affairs if you are incapacitated? Who will receive your assets upon your passing and how will they receive those assets? Who will take care of your minor children if something happens to you? These are all basic questions that are addressed in the planning process. There are many different methods used for estate planning, ranging from a basic will to a living trust to a family limited liability company. We can assist with selecting the right tool for you.
Wills
Estate planning and probate — Wills and trusts allow you to take control and make decisions prior to incapacity or death. By not having a formal estate plan, already grieving loved ones will be left to interpret your intentions, giving rise to interfamily disputes. At Smith, Grigg, Shea & Klinker, P.C., we help you take the proactive steps that provide peace of mind for all.
Average costs to have an individual tax return prepared range roughly from $150 to $800, depending on complexity. Professional tax preparers stay abreast of tax law changes, are familiar with software glitches, and have insight about frequently overlooked deductions. Tax preparers have studied and equipped themselves to work with the latest guidelines. Often, consulting a tax preparer not only pays for itself, but offers you a learning experience that will help you better structure your financial matters for future savings. Many tax professionals are very good financial advisors. All of these considerations enter into the “Do I or Don’t I?” equation. However, it mostly comes down to the investment of time versus money.