When couples divorce, marital property and debt must be divided. Iowa is an equitable division state which means that property will be divided fairly – not necessarily 50/50. To divide marital property, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney to reach an fair settlement agreement after considering various factors: Property division… Read More »
What Factors Determine Iowa Child Support?
There are various factors that are considered when making a child support determination from parents’ incomes to the number of children being supported and who has primary custody of the kids. A child support calculation will also take into account the costs for healthcare, child care or other necessary expenses that serve the child’s best… Read More »
Temporary Orders in a Divorce
When couples decide to divorce, there are a number of important issues that need to be addressed in real time, before the divorce is finalized. Either spouse can ask the court for temporary orders to establish custody and visitation rights, request alimony or child support payments, or even request to remain in the family home… Read More »
Increase in Teen Injuries From Fireworks
With the 2020 Fourth of July weekend fast approaching, Iowans are reminded to “think safety” when setting off fireworks to avoid injuries, which can happen in the blink of an eye. Since the legalization of the sale and use of fireworks in 2017, fireworks have been flying off the shelves and, according to one seller,… Read More »
Sexual Orientation Employment Discrimination Prohibited Under Federal Law
In what is seen as a big win for LGBT employment rights, the Supreme Court has ruled that sexual orientation discrimination is a violation of Title VII of the civil rights act which protects employees from sex discrimination. “An employer that fires or otherwise discriminates against an employee merely for being gay or transgender defies… Read More »
Protecting Businesses and Healthcare Providers from Covid-19 Liability
Iowa lawmakers have passed legislation which largely shields businesses and health care providers from lawsuits related to the Corona virus. Although the bill passed in a 31-18 vote, groups representing Iowa meat packing plants and nursing homes, both hit hard by Corona virus infections, argue the new law will undoubtedly result in businesses not being… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation for Covid-19 Illness
Whether coverage will be expanded remains to be seen, but keep in mind that infectious diseases such as the flu are not covered under workers’ compensation because it is nearly impossible to determine when and where someone contracted the illness and coverage under workers’ compensation insurance depends on whether an injury or illness resulted from… Read More »
Caution Urged as 2020 Motorcycle Season Ramps Up
Unfortunately, last week a motorcycle accident resulted in a fatality at SW 7th and MLK parkway in Des Moines. According to police, a teen driver’s failure to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic while turning at the intersection contributed to the crash. With nice weather returning to the area, car and truck motorists… Read More »
Controlling Hazards in the Workplace to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers have the responsibility to provide their employees a safe and healthful workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards. A big part of protecting workers involves workplace controls including: eliminating or substituting hazards engineering controls administrative controls and work practice controls Elimination (including substitution) involves removing a… Read More »
Enforcing Child Custody and Visitation During Covid-19
Family law attorneys across Iowa have never seen an event that has been as disruptive to child custody agreements as Covid-19. Reluctance to allow agreed upon visitation out of fear that children will become infected has led some parents to defy child custody orders or seek emergency orders when they feel the other parent is… Read More »
