Practice Areas / Family Law

Kermit L. Dunahoo, the supervising attorney, has 20 years experience in Iowa family law matters. He has published two Iowa practice books related to family law and trial practice for attorneys, and has been a lecturer at two continuing legal education seminars on Iowa family law practice. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association's family and juvenile law section.

A Full Service Family Law Practice

The Dunahoo Law Firm offers a full-service package for its family law clients to assist you in effectively planning your action, maintaining your action, and following up afterwards. For example, a potential divorce client often needs pre-divorce planning consultation (especially to plan ahead on financial matters) and post-divorce follow-through (to ensure fulfillment of both parties' rights and obligations under the decree and to update certain public records). Some debt-ridden divorce clients can benefit from our pre-divorce or post-divorce bankruptcy consultation.

All Types of Family Law Matters Handled

The Dunahoo Law Firm handles most types of family law matters including, but not limited to, the following matters as set out in DLF Website Forms Nos. 30-41:

    No. 30        Adoptions worksheet
    No. 31        Child custody worksheet
    No. 32        Child support worksheet
    No. 33        College expenses worksheet
    No. 34        Dissolution/divorce worksheet
    No. 35        Modification (of alimony) worksheet
    No. 36        Modification (of child custody) worksheet
    No. 37        Modification (of child support) worksheet
    No. 38        Modification (of visitation) worksheet
    No. 39        Palimony/co-habitation lawsuits worksheet
    No. 40        Prenuptial agreements worksheet
    No. 41        Visitation worksheet

Divorce-Related Bankruptcy Matters

The Dunahoo Law Firm also maintains an extensive bankruptcy practice, a closely- related matter common in divorces. Estranged or separated couples in heavy debt together should consider consulting together with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss their debt options - one of which is to file a joint Chapter 7 bankruptcy and thus work out their debt load problems. This approach just might cure the marital problems (by eliminating marital tensions over debt matters, especially if one spouse is particularly responsible for incurring the bulk of the debt). If not, a joint bankruptcy before the divorce can reduce costly litigation over debt matters in the divorce proceeding. Effective closure over the failed marriage/divorce can be helped by both parties leaving the marriage with a fresh start, both socially and economically.

Of course, either one of the spouses can file bankruptcy separately at any time: before, during, and after the divorce. Any couple or spouse in a crumbling debt-ridden marriage should consult an attorney practicing primarily in both family law and bankruptcy before proceeding with either a divorce or bankruptcy, as these two inter-related matters should be done together in tandem.

[See DLF Website Form No. 16]

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"The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.

Memberships and offices in legal fraternities and legal societies, technical and professional licenses, and memberships in scientific, technical and professional associations and societies of law or field of practice does not mean that a lawyer is a specialist or expert in a field of law, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer. All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa." 

DISCLAIMER:
This web site has been prepared by Dunahoo Law Firm for informational purposes only and nothing contained herein should be considered as legal advice. Viewing of information contained on this web site and communication with Dunahoo Law Firm via this web site shall not create an attorney-client relationship and one should not rely on information herein without seeking the advice of legal counsel.