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STEPHEN T. FIEWEGERLAW
Adult holding a child's hand at golden hour, representing family law matters in Davenport, Iowa

Practice Area

Davenport Family Law Attorney

Clear guidance through divorce, custody and support questions, so you can make careful decisions about your family's future.

Free Consultation Call (563) 424-1982

[ATTORNEY: confirm family law is offered and wording]

Family law matters are personal, and the decisions made during them can shape a family's life for years. Divorce, custody and support cases involve both emotional weight and technical legal rules, and those rules differ between Iowa and Illinois. This page offers general information about how these matters work so you can come to a consultation prepared.

Every family is different, and general information is no substitute for advice about your own circumstances.

Family law matters

  • Divorce (called "dissolution of marriage" in both Iowa and Illinois)
  • Child custody and parenting time
  • Child support
  • Spousal support (alimony or maintenance)
  • Division of property and debts

Divorce and property division

Iowa and Illinois both allow no-fault divorce, meaning a spouse generally does not need to prove wrongdoing to end the marriage. [ATTORNEY: verify] Property and debts are divided under each state's rules, which look at factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions and their economic circumstances. Identifying what is marital property, what is separate, and what everything is actually worth is often the most important work in the case.

Children: custody, parenting time and support

In both states, decisions about children are guided by the best interests of the child. Courts consider a range of factors, including each parent's involvement, stability and ability to support the child's relationship with the other parent. Child support is calculated using state guidelines based largely on the parents' incomes and the parenting arrangement, and can be modified later if circumstances change substantially. [ATTORNEY: verify]

Spousal support

Spousal support, called alimony in Iowa and maintenance in Illinois, is not automatic. Whether it is awarded, how much and for how long depends on state law and the facts, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity and the standard of living during the marriage. [ATTORNEY: verify]

When cases cross the river

In the Quad Cities it is common for spouses or parents to live in different states. Which state's court can hear a case, and which state's law applies, can significantly affect the outcome. Stephen T. Fieweger is licensed in both Iowa and Illinois and can explain how these rules apply to your situation.

Our Process

What to expect

  1. Confidential consultation

    We listen to your situation, answer your questions and explain the process and timelines in your state.

  2. Gather information

    We collect financial records, property information and details about your children's needs and routines.

  3. Work toward resolution

    We pursue agreement where possible and prepare to present your case in court when necessary.

Family Law: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to prove fault to get divorced?
Generally, no. Both Iowa and Illinois allow divorce without proving fault, based on a breakdown of the marriage. [ATTORNEY: verify]
How is child custody decided?
Courts in both states decide custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's involvement, stability and willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
How is child support calculated?
Both states use guidelines based mainly on the parents' incomes and the parenting-time arrangement, with adjustments for items like health insurance and child care. [ATTORNEY: verify]
Will I have to pay or receive spousal support?
It depends. Spousal support is not automatic and depends on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning ability and the standard of living during the marriage.
Can custody or support orders be changed later?
Often, yes, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. The standards for modification differ by state and by the type of order. [ATTORNEY: verify]
My spouse lives in Illinois and I live in Iowa. Which state handles the case?
It depends on residency requirements, where the children have lived and other factors. Because Stephen Fieweger is licensed in both states, we can help you understand which court is the right place for your case.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Contact us or call (563) 424-1982.

Talk to an experienced Quad Cities attorney.

The first conversation is free. We'll listen, explain where you stand and tell you plainly whether we can help.

Free Consultation Call (563) 424-1982
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