- DivorceDivorce - Iowa is a "no-fault" divorce state, allowing couples to end their marriage without providing a specific reason to family courts. However, even an uncontested divorce can quickly become complex without the guidance of an experienced attorney. Our team can help protect you during the divorce process.
- Child SupportAttorney Dawn Long joined Howes Law Firm, P.C. in 2004. Before practicing law, Dawn taught high school English for a year. She also worked as Steve Howes’ legal assistant. Dawn primarily practices as a family law attorney in areas such as divorce, custody, modification, and child support, and has specific training in cases involving domestic abuse. Additionally, she has been trained in and practices collaborative law.
- Child Custody and VisitationChild custody and visitation - Determining the custody of your child is a legally contentious process. Our attorneys can help you establish a custody agreement that works in the best interests of your child or children.
- AdoptionAdoption - Complex issues can arise during the adoption process, especially for out of state or international adoptions. Our attorneys can communicate with all involved parties to ensure a smooth adoption process.
- Paternity
- Premarital AgreementWe provide comprehensive representation for all types of family matters, including divorce, child custody, paternity, domestic abuse, name changes, prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, and post-divorce issues such as decree and custody modifications. We can assist you with mediation or represent you in court.
- GuardianshipGuardianships - Whether you need to establish guardianship or appoint a guardian for your child, our attorneys can help you navigate the process.
- Spousal SupportAlimony - The state of Iowa recognizes three types of spousal support - traditional, rehabilitative, and reimbursement. Our family lawyers can help you determine which type of spousal support best applies to your situation.
- Legal SeparationSeparation agreements - A legal separation may be preferable to a divorce for many reasons. Our lawyers can assist you with drafting and thoroughly reviewing your separation agreement.
- Criminal DefenseAlex joined Howes Law Firm in 2020. He attended the University of Iowa where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. Alex earned his Juris Doctorate from Drake Law School as well as earning certificates in Criminal Law Practice, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Public Service. Alex continues his dedication to public service through involvement with numerous charitable and service organizations. Alex began his legal career with Harned & McMeen, maintaining a private practice as well as serving as Assistant Iowa County Attorney. Alex then transitioned to Nidey, Erdahl Fisher Pilkington & Meier and has now joined our legal team. Alex is a rostered mediator and provides mediation services.
- DUI/DWIBeing arrested is traumatic, It is understandable that you may be upset, fearful, and not thinking logically. The most important thing to remember is that you have a constitutionally protected right to remain silent. You also have the right to consult with a lawyer. You should exercise both of those rights. What you say or information you provide to law enforcement may adversely affect the outcome of your case. Do provide your name and address and politely insist that you do not want to talk further, and that you want a lawyer. An exception to this rule would be first offense drunk driving charge where there are consequences for not taking the requested test for alcohol or drugs. Given the time of many of these arrests, consulting with legal counsel may be difficult. However, you should make every attempt to at least talk by phone with an attorney.
- Drug CrimesOur Cedar Rapids criminal defense attorneys are here to passionately protect your legal rights in any criminal proceeding. Let us put our extensive legal experience to work fighting for a positive outcome. Whether you have been charged with DUI, a drug crime, or a violent crime, we will work diligently on your behalf every step of the way. If your criminal charge is one we believe could better be handled by one of our colleagues, we will make that referral for you.
- Juvenile CrimesAttorney Mark Fisher joined Howes Law firm, P.C. in 2019. Prior to joining Howes Law Firm Mark practiced law with Nidey Erdahl Fisher Pilkington & Meier, PLC for over 11 years. Since entering the practice in 2007 Mark has practiced extensively in the area of Family Law, Criminal Law, and Juvenile Law. In addition, Mark has done a substantial amount of appellate work, both in State and Federal Court.
- Business FormationAttorney Jase Jensen joined Howes Law Firm, P.C. in 2012 and is a graduate of Drake University. Jase practices family law, real estate, last will and testament, estate planning, business formation, and trust and probate.
- Business DisputesWhether large or small, new or old, every business has legal needs. From forming your business to running it on a day-to-day basis to transferring, selling, or closing it, you will often need the advice and guidance of an attorney experienced in business law.
- Business Transactions
- Non-compete AgreementCasey Rigdon was fundamental in navigating our business through a lawsuit involving an employee being sued over a previous employer’s non-compete agreement. He was extremely knowledgeable, thoroughly explained what our options were, and helped put our minds at ease during a trying time. With his counsel, we were able to get the lawsuit dismissed with prejudice prior to trial, saving us not only a financial burden but also a lot of time and headache.
- Real Estate LitigationWhether you are planning for the future, filing for divorce, or building a new business, you will find a dependable and determined advocate at Howes Law Firm, P.C. Our attorneys in Cedar Rapids deliver client-focused representation in the areas of family law, business law, estate planning, real estate law, bankruptcy, personal injury, and criminal defense.
- Real Estate TransactionsWhether you are a buyer or seller, realtor or lending institution, our Cedar Rapids real estate lawyers can guide you through all real estate transactions.
- Property Damage
- Personal InjuryAccidents caused by someone else’s negligence can leave you grappling with physical pain, lost income, property damage, and mounting medical expenses. A Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer at our firm can build a strong claim to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
- Auto Accidents
- Estate PlanningLet our estate planning and probate attorneys help you. Contact us online or call our Cedar Rapids law office at
- WillsI highly recommend Howes Law Firm, P.C. The professionalism and ease in which they conduct their services are elite. I am a client for life. They made setting up our corporation so easy and painless and they assisted us with finalizing our Last Will and Testament, which has put our minds at ease, knowing that if something were to happen to one of us that we have this important documentation in place.
- Trusts
- Power of AttorneyDurable Power of Attorney for both medical and financial decisions, in which you authorize someone to act in your place should you become incapacitated
- ProbateEstate planning allows you to write instructions for how you wish your property to be handled upon your incapacitation or passing. Without a properly executed estate plan, your assets could be subject to Iowa probate law, which may or may not reflect your wishes. Our firm handles wills, trusts, probate, and other important legal tools in this field.
- BankruptcyIf you're struggling with overwhelming debt, you may be wondering if there is any way you can resolve your situation. At Howes Law Firm, P.C., we help people just like you understand their financial relief options. Our bankruptcy lawyers focus on Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases for individuals, and we can help you determine whether this form of bankruptcy is your best option.
- ForeclosureAs a general rule, prospective homeowners who take out a loan will need to sign a promissory note in addition to their mortgage. This gives homeowners contractual rights during foreclosure.
- Tax LawWe also provide legal representation for additional matters such as trust and estate administration, probate, estate and income tax planning, long-term care planning, and estate dispute resolution and litigation. Our firm has built a solid reputation in Cedar Rapids for thorough, sensitive, and trusted professionalism in all estate planning matters.
- Debt CollectionFiling for Chapter 7 will also implement the automatic stay. The automatic stay in bankruptcy will pause nearly all debt collection actions against you, include wage garnishments, contact from creditors, and court proceedings.