The U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, which means the police must follow the law when obtaining or seizing evidence during criminal investigations. Otherwise, it is a violation of your rights, with potentially far-reaching...
Month: September 2023
When do Iowa judges grant one parent sole custody?
Many people preparing for divorce dream of making a clean break with their spouses. They want to move on with their lives and never see their spouse again if possible. When married couples have children together, that kind of complete separation usually isn't...
Why do college students drink alcohol?
As a parent whose teen is heading off to college, you may be worried about their alcohol use. You know that it’s common on college campuses. As far as you know, your teenager has not been drinking in high school, and you don’t want them to develop new habits that...
Does your spouse have to respond to a divorce petition?
If you file for a divorce, you have to serve the divorce petition to your spouse. You can do so in person, by mail or by publication. This paperwork tells your spouse about the upcoming divorce, and they have to legally respond to the petition. The court can then...
Are all field sobriety tests fully accurate?
A police officer who pulls someone over for the suspicion of drunk driving will have to try to determine the driver’s impairment level. There are a few options for doing this. One of these is the field sobriety test. A field sobriety test involves the officer giving...
How to keep divorce costs down
Getting divorced is a major decision for several reasons. It signals the end of a long-term relationship. For parents, it means possibly disrupting the children. Divorce is also a financial commitment. The average divorce in the U.S. costs between $15,000 and...
How mediation can help your divorce
Divorce is an emotionally difficult and complex process, not to mention expensive. It often involves negotiation over what both people want; in some cases, it can get quite contentious. Enter mediation. What is mediation? If both you and the other party agree, it is...
Will marijuana be legal if it becomes a Schedule III drug?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced its intention to change marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III. Marijuana reform advocates – including many medical professionals -- have said for many years that this is the more appropriate...
Do you need legal grounds to file for a divorce in Iowa?
Dissolving a marriage can be a complicated process. You need to be adequately informed from the word go. One of the things to understand is whether or not you need legal grounds to file for a divorce. Here is what you need to know: No-fault divorce Iowa recognizes...
How long could you go to jail for drug possession in Iowa?
You probably are aware that Iowa doesn’t take drug offenses lightly, but have you ever wondered how severe the penalties are? Drug charges, even simple possession of marijuana, can be more than a minor setback. A conviction can severely disrupt your life, and the...