Top best Family Lawyers Near me in ZIP 50219

Unlike many of my law school peers, I didn’t always know I wanted to be a lawyer. While attending high school in Minnesota, I was a bit of an entrepreneur, starting and running my own car detailing and lawn care businesses. When I went back to my home state of Wisconsin to start my undergraduate studies at UW-Madison, I followed in my brother’s footsteps and initially sought an engineering degree. After a year and a half of studying, however, I realized my true passions lied with the elective courses I took in psychology and social sciences; the classes that challenged me to see the world through different lenses and think creatively to find solutions to difficult problems. I immediately changed my major, pursued a career in the law, and never looked back.. I represent my clients ethically, analytically, and empathetically. I understand when meeting a prospective client, it is often during the worst moments of his or her life, and I don’t take that lightly. Trials are rarely the desired answer, but in some cases, they are the only appropriate solution. That is why I focused my attention both during and after law school on litigation, client counseling, and negotiation, to ensure I had the tools necessary to best help my clients achieve their goals. When I moved to Iowa with my wife and our children in 2016, I joined a local general practice firm and continued to cultivate my skills in civil litigation and negotiation, representing clients in a variety of matters, from contempt proceedings to breaches of corporate fiduciary duty claims.. My extensive experience in a wide array of legal areas, together with my practical, real-world knowledge and creative approach, gives my clients the trust that their matters are skillfully handled by a dedicated attorney who not only understands their legal needs, but has their best interests in mind. I know what it means to work hard for the most important things in your life. I feel quite privileged to use my passion for and knowledge of the law to help local Iowans navigate the confusing, emotionally charged, and often-adversarial legal system to get the justice they want and deserve.

Since beginning my legal practice as an associate with a general practice firm in Eastern Iowa in 2006, I have particularly appreciated the complex logistical, emotional, and legal needs that clients face when they become involved in family law litigation. Over the past many years, I have enjoyed representing clients in a wide range of family law matters including dissolutions of marriage, custody proceedings, modifications, terminations of parental rights, adoptions, child support reviews, mediations, civil domestic abuse cases, and appeals. I have had the privilege of representing clients in counties throughout Southeastern Iowa, including Linn, Johnson, Benton, Iowa, Tama, Washington, Keokuk, and Scott counties. I have also helped clients with needs such as the drafting of prenuptial agreements and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders. Having served as a family law mediator since 2010, mediation has become one of my favorite aspects of family law practice, as it provides parties with the opportunity to avoid the need for further litigation, and it imparts parties with more power to control the outcome of their cases in a mutually agreeable and satisfying manner.. Working as an attorney is a second career for me. After receiving a B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Manitoba in Canada, where I grew up, I attended graduate school and received my M.A. in Philosophy from Duke University. I relocated to Cedar Rapids when my husband began teaching at Coe College. For many years, I taught classes in Philosophy at Kirkwood Community College and Coe College as an adjunct professor. In 2006, I graduated with my J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and began practicing as an attorney. I also enjoyed the great privilege of serving as a law clerk to the local judges of the Sixth Judicial District of Iowa in 2008 and 2009, assisting with legal research and with the drafting of rulings and orders.. Having lived in Cedar Rapids for over 25 years, this community has grown to be my home. For many years, I volunteered in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools, and I truly appreciate all that this area has to offer.

Robert (Bob) Hatala is a litigation attorney with Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC. He has practiced law in Cedar Rapids since his graduation from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1983. Mr. Hatala is engaged in the general practice of law including, but not limited to, commercial law, product liability, litigation, contracts, construction law, municipal law and insurance. Mr. Hatala also represents business clients on organizational and business matters and small municipalities on planning, zoning and other legal matters. Mr. Hatala has appeared before the Iowa Supreme Court and the Iowa Court of Appeals in various types of cases. He is admitted to practice in the State of Iowa, and the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.. Mr. Hatala was born in 1952 in Fort Madison, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1974 with a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in 1983 from the University of Iowa in Public Affairs. After serving as Mayor of Fort Madison, Iowa, and Employee Relations Manager for a can manufacturing plant owned by Dial Corp., he entered law school at the University of Iowa where he graduated in 1983.

Rae Kinkead is a family law attorney and mediator. Having more than 10 years of experience, Ms. Kinkead recognizes each case needs personalized legal strategies. Ms. Kinkead offers counseling and litigation services and is well-versed in mediation, limited representation, and collaborative law.. Ms. Kinkead continues to learn new and innovative ways to best help her clients and their families. She completed the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyer’s Institute for Family Law Associates Advanced Training in 2018 and the American Bar Association's Family Law Trial Advocacy Program held by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy in 2015, both of which are advanced training programs for attorneys specializing in the practice of family law. She also completed a 40-hour training in mediation in 2016 and collaborative practice training in 2023.. Ms. Kinkead’s family law practice focuses on the following:. Family Law Litigation. Ms. Kinkead represents clients in all aspects of domestic relations, including adoption, divorce, separation, child custody, visitation and support, property division and domestic abuse. She also works with clients to create, and at times, defend, prenuptial agreements. A negotiated resolution is usually the best result. However, when not possible, Ms. Kinkead is prepared to have a trial before a judge to receive a resolution for clients.. Guardianships and Conservatorships. Ms. Kinkead regularly works with families to obtain and manage guardianships and conservatorships for individuals of all ages, children and adults. She is well-versed in Iowa law to provide the best outcomes for her clients and loved ones.. Child Representation. In some divorce and custody cases, the couple's child or children need some form representation of their own. Ms. Kinkead regularly serves as a child and family reporter, guardian ad litem, or attorney for children.. Limited Representation. In some cases, clients prefer to customize what services an attorney provides in order to meet their specific needs, without hiring an attorney to provide services for all aspects of their case. This is referred to as limited representation or unbundled service. Ms. Kinkead is experienced in limited representation, working with clients to meet their current needs and those needs which arise as their case evolves.. Collaborative Law. When couples choose to work together using a collaborative divorce model, Ms. Kinkead helps find respectful and creative settlements which meet the needs of all parties through this non-adversarial process. Ms. Kinkead is also a member of the Collaborative Lawyers of Eastern Iowa and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.. Appellate Advocacy. Ms. Kinkead works in appellate advocacy, challenging and defending trial court decisions. Ms. Kinkead has experience handling appeals, both in cases for which the firm was trial counsel and in cases brought to her which have been tried by lawyers outside of our firm.

My name is Pressley and I am a trial lawyer. The only thing I am before that is a father of my two sons.  I have worked hard to live authentically in all aspects of my life. I always try to grow and learn. This has been true in my lawyering as well as my personal life – they are, in many ways, one in the same – because I am who I am, whether at home, meeting with clients, or in the courtroom.

Mark H. Rettig is a shareholder with Day Rettig Martin, P.C. practicing in the areas of family and domestic relations law, probate and estate planning, real estate, litigation (jury and non-jury), ERISA collections, and in matters dealing with the creation, drafting, and qualification of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO’s). He is also the assistant corporate counsel for the Cities of Marion, Iowa and Robins, Iowa.. Mark received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1973, majoring in history and political science. He graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1976, where he was a member of the Board of Editors of the Iowa Law Review from 1975 to 1976.. Mark is a member of the Linn County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association [Family Law & Juvenile Law section; Probate, Trust & Estate Planning section], and the American Bar Association [Family Law section]. He also is a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and has attended their seminars focusing upon ERISA related topics and specifically in sessions dealing with collections in the multi-employer context. Mark is licensed to practice and has appeared before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States (admitted in 1978), the United States District Courts for both the Northern (admitted in 1976) and Southern (admitted in 1982) Districts of Iowa, and in the Courts of the State of Iowa (admitted in 1976).. Mark gains satisfaction from having the opportunity to help people, in addition to the mental stimulation that the legal profession provides. Growing up in the Amana Colonies of Iowa, Mark has a passion and respect for history, especially that of the Amana Colonies. He is a member of the Amana Heritage Society and the Amana Church Society. He is also a member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association and a Life Loyal member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.. You can contact Mark at  or via email at

Jacob Koller is a family law attorney with more than 20 years of experience. He counsels individuals in all aspects of domestic relations, including premarital agreements, separation and divorce, child custody and visitation, child support and related matters. He also represents individuals in other circumstances affecting the family unit, such as adoption.. Mr. Koller is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), an organization comprised of family law practitioners with the highest levels of knowledge, skill and integrity. He is among only 10 family law attorneys named Fellow of the AAML in Iowa. Mr. Koller also serves as president of the Collaborative Lawyers of Eastern Iowa and believes in empowering his clients to make informed decisions about their lives and their children's lives. Mr. Koller also serves on the firm's board of directors.. Mr. Koller’s family law practice focuses on the following:. Litigation. Mr. Koller believes the best result in any family law matter is a successfully negotiated settlement. When this is not possible, however, it becomes necessary to have a trial before a judge. Mr. Koller is experienced in the preparation and prosecution to trial of complex financial, including high net worth marital estates, large farm and livestock operations, and business interests – and child custody matters. He is a 2008 graduate of the American Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute, which is an advanced trial training program for attorneys specializing in the practice of family law.. Collaborative Law. Mr. Koller is trained in the practice of collaborative law. He is a founding member of the Collaborative Lawyers of Eastern Iowa. Collaborative Law is a non-adversarial process that views the issues arising from a divorce as a series of battles to be solved rather than fought. The end goal is to meet the legitimate needs of everyone involved in a restructured family. Both parties have independent lawyers present during negotiation to provide legal advice in an educational context. Mr. Koller is also a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.. Mediation. Mediation, which is a form of alternative dispute resolution, has become an important component in resolving family law cases. Mr. Koller is a trained lawyer mediator, having completed a 40-hour training in 2009, and he has successfully mediated hundreds of cases. As a mediator, he acts as a neutral to aid parties and their attorneys in settling their disputes without the need for court intervention.. Appellate Advocacy. In some cases, the decision of the trial judge is challenged on appeal. Mr. Koller has experience handling the prosecution and defense of appeals, both in cases for which the firm was trial counsel and in cases brought to him that have been tried by lawyers outside of our firm. He has successfully argued cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Brian Fagan is a litigation attorney with 20 years of experience representing individuals and businesses in matters relating to employment and labor law, business and commercial litigation and trust and estate litigation. Mr. Fagan represents employers in a variety of industries, including health care, utilities, manufacturing, financial services, insurance and transportation. He appears before local, state and federal administrative agencies, and state and federal courts and arbitration panels. Mr. Fagan is the firm's managing partner and also chairs the firm's labor and employment practice group.. Mr. Fagan formerly served as a Law Clerk to Judge Michael J. Melloy for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. From 2006-2010, he served as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Cedar Rapids.. Mr. Fagan graduated from the University of Iowa. He worked for Congressman Jim Leach in the district and Washington, D.C. offices and for the U.S. House of Representative Financial Services Committee. Mr. Fagan earned a Master of Arts in International Political Economy from the Catholic University of America. He graduated with honors from Drake University Law School where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Drake Law Review.. Mr. Fagan was listed in Best Lawyers® 2019 "Lawyer of the Year" in Cedar Rapids for Litigation - Labor and Employment, in 2021 for Employment Law - Individuals and in 2022 for Labor Law - Management. Mr. Fagan has been recognized by his peers as an AV Rated attorney with Martindale-Hubbell and is included in the Great Plains Super Lawyers list.. Employment and Labor Law. Mr. Fagan represents and counsels businesses and individuals on employment-related matters, including employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, trade secrets, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, as well as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). He regularly handles traditional labor law arbitrations, including discipline and discharge and contract interpretation grievances. He conducts internal employment investigations and counsels clients facing government investigations on the multitude of statutes and regulations governing the workplace.. Litigation Practice. Mr. Fagan represents and advises individuals and businesses in a broadly varying litigation capacity, including commercial and business litigation, agricultural related litigation and trust and estate litigation. He advises clients as they work toward a negotiated, mediated or litigated result.. Mediation. Mr. Fagan is a Certified Mediator and received his training at Northwestern University and the International Academy of Dispute Resolution in Des Moines, Iowa. He is trained in Collaborative Law.

Attorney Noelle R. Murray has practiced law for 25 years and is committed to providing the experienced and highly personalized legal representation you deserve. She represents clients in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, custody, visitation and child support, as well as criminal defense and commercial debt collection. Attorney Murray is a certified family law Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer.. Attorney Murray is a graduate of South Texas College of Law (1993) and the University of Iowa (1989). She is a member of the American Bar Association, Iowa Bar Association (Criminal, Elder, Family and Juvenile Law Sections) and Linn County Bar Association. Attorney Murray is also active in the community having served on the board of directors for Iowa Center for Aids Resources and Education, Young Footliters and Renegades Fastpitch Softball. She performs pro bono work through the Iowa Volunteer Lawyers Project and also donates time to Combined Efforts Theater in Iowa City.. After first serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the 43rd Judicial Circuit of Missouri, Attorney Murray moved back home to the great state of Iowa in 2001. Prior to joining Bertroche Law Office, PC in 2014, Attorney Murray had established a general law practice in the Iowa City area for 13 years handling criminal defense, juvenile, mental health and substance abuse commitments, divorce, custody, child support and guardianship/conservatorship cases. Attorney Murray is grateful to Attorney Joseph G. Bertroche, Jr. for affording her the opportunity to purchase Bertroche Law Office, PC at the time of his 2018 retirement. Under the new company name, Murray Law Firm, PC, Attorney Murray endeavors to maintain the incomparable levels of integrity and dedication to effective client representation adhered to by Bertroche Law Office, PC for the past 35 years.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.