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.

Andrea McGinn, Iowa Collaborative Law Family Attorney

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

 

"Andrea, you're a blessing to us, and words can't explain how deeply happy we are that we chose you to be a part of our lives. Sincerely, we couldn't have done it without you. Your commitment to your work is very appreciated, and we will never forget this. We will definitely stay in touch. I guess you can say I've chosen an outstanding attorney. :) Thank you very much for all your hard work!" – Luis and Amanda
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"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
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"Not going to lie, my divorce was the worst time of my life. But through compassion, education, and immense knowledge of the law, Amy helped the process be as it could have been. She helped me understand my options and I chose with an educated view of both sides. The biggest benefits to using Amy and her firm are: 1. Compassion for both parties. They support and work for you, but will let you know what they’ve seen with their experiences in the field and the potential impacts to my decisions. Also compassion doesn’t equal pushover by any means. 2. Timeliness: Amy, Andrea, and others responded right away. My ex’s lawyer took a week for some answers. Given the entire process once I involved Amy took 10 weeks, I felt like I mattered and not just a number. Everyone’s divorce process and timelines may be different, but knowing I could TEXT or CALL multiple people and get a prompt response took stress away during a stressful time. 3. Knowledge: Been there, done that. Doesn’t influence either way, just educates and helps you make the choices. It was my divorce and knowing what Amy had seen in past cases helped me make some tough decisions. 4. Cost: Fair rates compared to the other rates I was quoted at the big Des Moines firms. If you don’t believe me, go and have a consultation with Amy, Andrea, or anyone else who is there as multiple people helped me through the process. You will see the reasons why they stand out vs the big firms." – Ty
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“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
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