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Category: Divorce Made Simple

This blog provides practical information on the legal process of divorce. Our attorneys break down the divorce process in a way that is easy to understand.

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Divorce Made Simple

This blog provides practical information on the legal process of divorce. Our attorneys break down the divorce process in a way that is easy to understand.

Mediation Mondays: How Mediation Can Save You Time, Money and Stress During Divorce

October 6, 2025 / , ,
Divorce doesn’t have to mean long court battles, high costs, and months of emotional strain. For many couples, mediation offers a more peaceful, efficient path forward. By focusing on collaboration instead of confrontation, mediation can help you save time, money, and stress—while keeping more control in your own hands. 1. Mediation Saves Time Traditional divorce litigation can take months—or even years—to resolve. Mediation streamlines the process by removing crowded court schedules and lengthy filings. With the help of a neutral mediator, couples can often reach agreements in a matter of weeks, not months. That means less waiting, less uncertainty, and
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Mediation Mondays: Top Qualities to Look for in a Divorce Mediator

September 29, 2025 / , , ,
Choosing a mediator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your divorce. The right professional can help you reach fair agreements while minimizing conflict, stress, and cost. But not all mediators are the same. Here are the top qualities to look for when making your choice: 1. NeutralityA good mediator doesn’t take sides. Their role is to guide both parties toward resolution, not to advocate for one spouse over the other. Neutrality helps ensure trust in the process. 2. Strong Communication SkillsMediators must listen carefully, ask the right questions, and explain complex issues in plain language. They
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Divorce in Iowa: The Basic Steps You Need to Know

September 22, 2025 / , ,
Starting a divorce can feel overwhelming. The good news? Once you understand the basic steps, the process feels more manageable. Here’s a simple roadmap of what happens in an Iowa divorce, from filing that first piece of paper to receiving your final decree.  Step 1: Filing the Petition – Making It Official  Every divorce begins with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This is the document that tells the court you’re asking to legally end your marriage.  The Petition usually includes:  Step 2: Serving the Other Party – Giving Notice  Once the Petition is filed, your spouse must be officially
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Mediation Mondays: Is Mediation Right for Your Divorce?

September 15, 2025 / , ,
When facing divorce, one of the earliest decisions you’ll make is how you want to resolve your case. While litigation in court is the path most people know, mediation offers an alternative that can be less stressful, less expensive, and more respectful. But mediation is not the right fit for every couple. Asking yourself a few key questions can help you determine whether this process is right for you. 1. Can we communicate respectfully—even if it’s difficult?Mediation doesn’t require you and your spouse to agree on everything, but it does require a willingness to engage in honest conversation. If you
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Mediation Mondays: The Role of the Mediator

September 8, 2025 / , ,
When people first hear the word “mediator,” they often imagine a judge-like figure who steps in to decide who is right and who is wrong. In reality, mediation is very different. A mediator does not act as a decision-maker. Instead, their role is to guide both parties through difficult conversations, helping each person feel heard and understood while working toward a solution that everyone can accept. The mediator’s neutrality is the cornerstone of the process. Unlike an attorney who advocates for one side, a mediator remains impartial, ensuring that the process is fair and balanced. They create a safe space
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Are We Technically Married? The Truth About Common Law Marriage and Divorce in Iowa

August 25, 2025 / , ,
If you’ve been living with your partner, sharing a home, bills, or even a last name, you may wonder: are we legally married? In Iowa, the answer might be yes—even if you never had a wedding or a marriage license. That’s because Iowa recognizes common law marriage. And while the concept sounds simple, the reality is often complicated. What Is Common Law Marriage? A common law marriage is a legally valid marriage created without a ceremony or license. If the court finds one exists, you and your partner have the same rights as any other married couple, including the right
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Protecting the Freedom to Marry in Nebraska: Our History, the Current Risk, and Steps You Can Take Now

August 18, 2025 / ,
At Koenig | Dunne, we have always believed in the dignity of marriage for all couples. In 2014, we partnered with the ACLU of Nebraska to file the landmark federal lawsuit Waters v. Ricketts on behalf of seven courageous same-sex couples to secure the legal right to marry in Nebraska. On March 2, 2015, the U.S. District Court for Nebraska struck down Nebraska’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. This victory was not just a legal milestone, it was one of the most meaningful moments in our firm’s history. The Current Risk to Marriage Equality in Nebraska The freedom to marry
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Mediation Mondays: When Kids Are Watching—Modeling Conflict Resolution

August 11, 2025 / , , ,
Children notice more than we think. Even if they aren’t in the room, they can sense tension, overhear snippets of conversations, and pick up on the way their parents interact during conflict. For parents going through separation or divorce, every disagreement becomes a chance—consciously or not—to teach children how to handle challenges. Mediation offers a unique opportunity to model calm, respectful problem-solving, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Instead of seeing their parents argue in a courtroom or exchange heated words in the hallway, children can witness a process built on listening, cooperation, and compromise. This sends a powerful
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Mediation Mondays: Starting the Conversation With Your Ex

August 4, 2025 / , ,
Even when you believe mediation is the best path forward, bringing it up to your ex can feel daunting, especially if communication is strained or trust is low. But the truth is, how you start that conversation can make all the difference. The goal isn’t to convince them they’re wrong, it’s to open the door to a process that benefits both of you. Here are a few ways to approach it: 1. Keep it neutral.Avoid emotionally charged language or revisiting old arguments. Approach the topic calmly and respectfully, focusing on the present and the future. You might say, “I want
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Mediation Mondays: From “You vs. Me” to “What’s Best for Us” — The Mindset Shift of Mediation

July 28, 2025 / , ,
Separation or divorce often feels like a battleground. You take your corner, they take theirs, and every decision becomes a tug-of-war. But what if there was another way—one that replaced “you vs. me” with “what’s best for us”? That’s exactly what mediation offers: a mindset shift. Rather than framing every issue as a win-lose proposition, mediation encourages both parties to take a step back and look at the bigger picture—especially in co-parenting situations. Instead of focusing on who gets more time or control, the question becomes: What arrangement supports our children’s well-being? What helps us both move forward with less
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