Child Welfare Services

The Law Shop provides private representation and/or professional guidance in Iowa for parents, children, and others in the following types of child welfare matters:

Child in Need of Assistance (CINA)
Termination of Parental Rights (state action)
Juvenile Appeal

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Child in Need of Assistance (CINA)

Parent, child, or intervenor representation in a state action involving the legal parents of minor child based upon alleged abuse or neglect of a minor child. Goal of action is reunification of child with parent(s).

Termination of Parental Rights (state action)

Parent representation in defense of a state action to terminate the legal rights of such parent based upon the best interests of minor child and satisfaction of specified factors.

Juvenile Appeal

Action seeking to have specified actions of the district court considered by an appellate court.

"It is always a pleasure to work on cases with Andrea.  She has incredible passion for her work as an attorney and true dedication to her clients. I know when she is on the other side of a case we will have a dignified process and an opportunity to find creative solutions to our clients’ problems." – Kimberly J. Stamatelos, Attorney / Author of “The Compassionate Lawyer” / Co-Founder of The Compassionate Alliance
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“Amy has been a great volunteer for Y Camp, earning our Volunteer of the Year Award first in 2012 and then again with her husband Erik in 2014.  She will be Y Camp’s first female Board Chairperson, having already served as Vice Chairperson and Chair of the Property Committee.  She also organized a great community event fundraiser for camp.  Amy has been and continues to be one of our best volunteers, she truly cares about serving others!”  ~David Sherry, Executive Director, Des Moines YMCA Camp
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“Getting divorced was never on my radar. It was a huge, horrible, unexpected shock. Working with Amy was a lifeline in many ways. Of course, her knowledge of the law was top-notch. But more than that was the care she showed me. Every meeting ended in a very tight hug. I get teary-eyed even now remembering it. She was very patient, willing to answer every single question I had (& still does when things pop up).  She listened and let me lead the way, but was also very clear in offering advice in areas that might work out better in a way I hadn’t thought of. I think the most glowing praise I can give her is that I have found out my ex has referred friends to Amy instead of the lawyer he used in our divorce!” - Heidi
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"In the spring of 2024 I once again found myself calling upon Amy to kindly hold my hand through a divorce - one that I never saw coming. This moment was traumatic for me, but Amy made it one of the easiest legal processes I have ever experienced. Everything was under control in the incredibly capable hands of her and the staff of the Law Shop. I cannot recommend The Law Shop highly enough - frankly there aren't words that match the gratitude and love I have for everyone who works there. If you want to feel cared for, heard, and valued then this is very much the place for you. The Law Shop understands that you exist outside of what has happened to you in your life, and will help you to navigate the situation in order to get you to the other side."
– Kelly
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IOWA SUPREME COURT NOTICE

The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise.

A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.

Memberships and offices in legal fraternities and legal societies, technical and professional licenses, and memberships in scientific, technical, and professional associations and societies of law or field of practice, does not mean that a lawyer is a specialist or expert in a field of law, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily more expert or competent than any other lawyer.

All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attomey-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of lowa.