Anatomy of a panic attack: When your ex plays custody hostage negotiator -
Sheer panic. That's what I see in the eyes of clients who first sit across from me after their spouse has filed for divorce, changed the locks on...more
When Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 513 into law (effective July 1, 2025), she fundamentally changed how divorced parents in Iowa handle college expenses. The new legislation eliminates Iowa courts' authority to...more
Highly contested child custody cases are hard on everyone. The children's routines change. The parents lose the ability to see their children 24/7. None of it is pleasant. But can parents make it worse? Absolutely!...more
Many clients dream of a low-conflict divorce. And for good reason—a peaceful separation benefits everyone involved: the spouses, the children, and even their finances. But what happens when one spouse uses the divorce process...more
There's no escaping the economy, but there is escaping marriage. People divorce for all sorts of reasons: financial disagreements, extramarital indiscretions, child-rearing differences, and simply growing apart as a couple....more
Holidays come and go, but your ex-spouse is forever. This simple truth guides my advice to clients who share children with their soon-to-be former spouse. The secret to a smoother post-divorce life—benefiting both the...more
The profile picture suddenly features one parent and the kids smiling at a pumpkin patch. Another picture shows a buff body at the gym. Perhaps a vague motivational quote. Finally, the post about their spouse being a...more
Divorce changes everything—including your finances. Many people underestimate the true cost of living solo until it’s too late. Your financial affidavit isn’t just paperwork—it’s your financial lifeline....more
You're going through a divorce. Your spouse says something that cuts deep—maybe they call you an unfit parent or threaten that you'll walk away with nothing. These brief yet hurtful comments can trigger impulsive actions. But...more
Iowa law clearly states that “parents with joint legal custody” means both parents jointly have legal custodial rights and responsibilities toward their child and neither parent has legal custodial rights superior to those of...more
During the holidays, families spend time together observing religious, secular, and other personal traditions. For parents living together with their children, planning where everyone should be and when can already be a...more
American Indian tribes hold an exceptional legal status within the United States. As semi-sovereign entities, tribes have various rights, including enacting legislation, maintaining an independent judiciary, and governing...more