Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Council Bluffs, IA
At Savage Law, we are committed to delivering accessible, client-centered legal services to the people of southwest Iowa and the greater Council Bluffs area. Since 2006, our team has combined state-of-the-art technology with a deep understanding of local legal needs to provide timely, effective representation. Our attorneys and staff bring strong academic credentials, close community ties, and a steadfast dedication to client success. We specialize in guiding individuals through complex legal challenges, including divorce, custody disputes, estate planning, and guardianship matters.Our approach prioritizes your best interests, ensuring personalized advocacy whether your case requires court intervention or documentation support. With a heritage rooted in international experience and academic excellence, we bring a unique perspective to every case. Our founder, Helen Broadway-Savage, has practiced law in Iowa since 2003, building a reputation for integrity and client-focused service. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal needs and explore how we can support your goals.
Services
Divorce
Custody
Wills and Estate Planning
Guardianships
Adoptions
Name Changes
Contempt Actions
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined legal experience in Iowa courts
- Our team maintains strong academic credentials and community ties
- We provide personalized advocacy for complex family law matters
- Our office utilizes state-of-the-art technology for efficient service
- We specialize in client-centered representation for southwest Iowa residents
Services
Divorce
We provide comprehensive divorce representation for Iowa residents, handling contested and uncontested cases. Our team guides clients through property division, child custody arrangements, and support calculations while prioritizing their emotional well-being. With deep knowledge of Iowa's 90-day waiting period and residency requirements, we help clients navigate the legal process efficiently.
Custody
Our firm specializes in custody determinations and modifications, including physical care arrangements. We help establish parental rights for unmarried fathers and address complex custody scenarios. We educate clients about Iowa's presumption of joint legal custody while advocating for their specific parenting goals and children's best interests.
Wills and Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans for married and unmarried individuals, including wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents. Our services ensure asset distribution according to client wishes while addressing potential scenarios like simultaneous death of spouses. We emphasize the importance of designating backup decision-makers for healthcare and financial matters.
Guardianships
Our team assists with establishing guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults. We guide clients through court procedures, documentation requirements, and ongoing responsibilities. We provide specialized support for complex situations involving contested guardianships or unique family dynamics requiring legal protection.
Adoptions
We handle adoption proceedings with sensitivity and expertise, ensuring compliance with Iowa's legal requirements. Our services include home study coordination, court documentation preparation, and representation throughout the adoption process. We support various adoption types while maintaining focus on the child's best interests and family stability.
People
Helen Broadway-Savage
Attorney
Helen Broadway-Savage, an Iowa-licensed attorney since 2003, established Savage Law in Council Bluffs after practicing in the Quad Cities. With academic honors from Drake University Law School and fluency in multiple languages, she brings international perspective to local legal matters. Her community involvement includes service on the 4th Judicial Districts Judicial Nominating Commission since 2018.
Questions
What documents should I bring to my initial consultation?
Bring legal papers you've been served or court orders needing modification. No other documents are typically required for initial consultations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, cashier's checks, and major credit cards. Checks require 5 business days to clear before filing fees can be paid.
Is Iowa a no-fault divorce state?
Yes, Iowa follows no-fault divorce principles where neither party needs to prove wrongdoing for dissolution of marriage.
How long does a divorce take in Iowa?
Uncontested divorces take at least 90 days. Contested cases typically require 6-9 months or longer depending on court schedules and complexity.
What are the residency requirements for Iowa divorce?
Iowa requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for 12 consecutive months before filing for divorce.
Why do I need a will if I'm married?
A will ensures your assets go to designated beneficiaries if your spouse predeceases you or dies simultaneously. It also names guardians for minor children in such scenarios.
