Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Des Moines, IA
With over five decades of combined legal experience, our firm provides comprehensive legal representation tailored to each client's unique needs. We specialize in family law, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and adoption services, offering strategic counsel grounded in practical solutions. Our attorneys are committed to protecting client rights while navigating complex legal processes with integrity and transparency. We maintain active memberships in state and federal bar associations, ensuring our practice remains current with evolving legal standards. Our team prioritizes clear communication, keeping clients fully informed throughout every stage of their case.By maintaining offices in Des Moines, we serve local communities while handling cases across Iowa and Texas jurisdictions. Our approach combines rigorous legal analysis with compassionate client support, recognizing the personal nature of legal challenges. We offer initial consultations to develop customized strategies that align with each client's objectives. Our track record demonstrates consistent success in both negotiated settlements and courtroom litigation. This experience positions us to deliver reliable legal counsel across multiple practice areas.
Services
Family Law
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Estate Planning
Adoptions
Probate Law
Juvenile Cases
Guardianships
Business Formation
Traffic Violations
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined legal experience in multiple practice areas
- Our attorneys maintain active memberships in state and federal bar associations
- We provide personalized case strategies with transparent communication
- Our team handles complex cases across Iowa and Texas jurisdictions
- We offer free initial consultations with no obligation
What people say
Seasoned, knowledgeable, and tough attorney
Professional and timely
Dedicated to client success
Compassionate and understanding
Excellent communication skills
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses divorce, child custody, and support matters with practical counsel. We guide clients through property division, spousal support negotiations, and post-decree modifications while prioritizing client objectives. Our approach balances legal strategy with compassionate support during transitional periods.
Personal Injury
We represent clients in personal injury cases arising from vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, and animal attacks. Our attorneys assess claim value, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue litigation when necessary to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense team protects client rights during investigations and court proceedings. We handle cases ranging from traffic violations to serious felony charges, developing defense strategies while ensuring clients understand their legal options and potential outcomes throughout the process.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents. Our services cover probate administration, guardianship establishment, and special needs planning to ensure client wishes are honored while minimizing family disputes and legal challenges.
Adoptions
We facilitate all adoption types including step-parent, private, and international cases. Our attorneys guide clients through documentation requirements, court procedures, and legal compliance while addressing emotional and practical considerations throughout the adoption journey.
People
Patrick H. Payton
Founder / Attorney
With over 50 years of legal experience, Patrick Payton specializes in family law and criminal defense. He holds law degrees from Drake University and is admitted to multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
Katheryn Anderson
Accounts Manager
Katheryn manages financial operations with over 15 years of experience in legal accounting. She ensures transparent billing practices and efficient financial management for client cases.
Kira Mendelsohn
Paralegal
Kira provides case management support with specialized training in legal documentation. She assists attorneys with case preparation and maintains client communication throughout the legal process.
Questions
What areas of law does Payton Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in family law, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, adoptions, probate, juvenile cases, and business formation.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for up to one hour to discuss your legal needs and develop a strategy.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding areas, with experience handling cases across Iowa and Texas jurisdictions.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience with active memberships in multiple state and federal courts.
Can you handle complex legal cases?
Yes, we have extensive experience with complex cases including multi-state adoptions, contested probate matters, and serious criminal defense cases.