Andrea McGinn Esq.

Collaborative Attorney & Consultant

From the moment you step into her office, Andrea greets you with respect and a smile. She wants to hear your story and guide you through your legal proceedings with compassion and knowledge, so you can come out on the other side feeling heard and ready to take on the next chapter in your life.

Andrea grew up in Runnells, Iowa, on the family farm. She now resides in Pleasant Hill with her husband, Nick, their two sons, Nolan and Nash and their two dogs: Leonidus (Leo), a Bulldog, and Ellie, a Lab mix. When Andrea isn’t in the office, she is enjoying the company of family and friends, traveling, or floating on a boat at their family lake house in Missouri.

Their children keep Andrea and Nick on their toes. Family is Andrea’s number one priority, and she maintains this position in her law practice by staying focused on the long-range best interests of her clients and their children.

Andrea attended the University of Iowa for undergrad and majored in psychology (Go Hawks!). She then moved back home to Des Moines, where she graduated from Drake Law School. Andrea’s attention to detail and knowledge of the law, combined with her empathetic practice style, ensure that you and your family will be in good hands throughout your legal journey. She will do everything she can to help you come out on the other side feeling like your story was told and you received a fair outcome for you and your family.

Andrea enjoys practicing in the areas of family law, including collaborative divorce, traditional divorce, custody, child support, Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Child & Family Reporter (CFR) work, termination of parental rights and adoptions. She also practices child welfare law, assisting families with children in need of assistance involved with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. This includes parent representation, child representation, assisting relatives or individuals seeking placement of a child, and appealing certain DHHS matters. Andrea has a passion for working with children and families and welcomes anyone into her peaceful, warm office space in Van Meter.

PRESENT

• Iowa Bar Association – Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section
• Dallas and Polk County Bar Associations
• Iowa Association for Justice
• Iowa Collaborative Divorce
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team
• Child Protection Council
• Safe Babies/Zero to Three Court Team Attorney
• Iowa Supreme Court Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force
• Board Member, Iowa Law Firm Incubator

PAST

• Court Appointed Special Advocate
• Owner, McGinn Law, PLLC
• Juris Doctor, Drake University Law School
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Spanish University of Iowa

 

"I have referred Amy to literally every person I know who is adopting (I think I'm at 3 and running!) and there is a reason for that!  Amy truly makes us feel like she cares about helping our family grow, and the best part is that I know it isn't an act - it is clear that she loves what she does and helping children find their forever families!” ~Elizabeth Skurdal
“In working with Amy in my Collaborative divorce was needless to say a pleasure. Although divorces are one of the most depressing things to go through in life, it also happens. The thing to remember in any case such as divorce, sickness and death, each person needs to realize they will have to go through it. Surround yourself with good people, your ideals need to match your tools going into anything. As a multi business owner, I too find the hammer that fits the hand. Amy and her team worked due diligently on all aspects from beginning to end. No matter how much a person feels the process is un-fair or un-just, this team will make sure it is. The emotional support is unbelievable, when you feel lost, Amy will find you and put you on the right path. This is not common amongst the other attorneys I’ve worked with on a daily basis. I have found a great friend that has stuck with me all the way through and yet years after on clarification of what happened. The best thing you will ever take from this is these words I carry with me today ‘this won’t last forever’ ‘the way you feel today will be a memory’ Take these words and live by them because Amy and her team truly understand what each of us is going through.” – Jeremiah
“Definitely would say Andrea was a great lawyer and was there anytime we had questions/concerns. Everything we needed done was done, and we couldn’t have asked for a smoother, painless process. We did and still do appreciate the time she put into our situation and making our dreams come true about us finally becoming a family!!” – Melissa and Joe
“Amy was invaluable in helping me through a difficult time. I was dealing with the overwhelming emotions involved in the divorce process. Amy walked me through the process and made it easy. She answered my questions, no matter how trivial and took time out of her day to come meet with me rather than making me come to her. Amy did a wonderful job of making a difficult time less difficult. Now I can focus on living my best life possible with my children.” – Kayla