Iowa Legal Aid's family law unit represents mothers below 200% of the federal poverty line in custody, paternity, dissolution, and protective order cases out of its Des Moines headquarters at 1111 9th Street. Intake screens for income, assets, and conflicts; bring birth certificates, pay stubs, and prior orders. Apply by phone at 800-532-1275 Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
800-532-1275 · 1111 9th St Suite 230, Des Moines, IA 50314
Polk County's family court division at the Mulberry Street courthouse hears custody, paternity, and dissolution matters for the Des Moines metro, with a free self-help center on the second floor where women can pick up forms and use a public computer. Filing fees can be waived for indigent litigants who submit Form 2008. Reach the clerk at 515-286-3394 weekdays 8am-4:30pm.
515-286-3394 · 500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa State Bar's referral service at 625 E Court Avenue in Des Moines connects women with a vetted family law attorney for a 30-minute consult capped at 5, useful when a mother needs paid representation but cannot navigate the open market. Specialty panels include domestic abuse, paternity, and military family law. Call 515-243-3179 Monday-Friday during regular hours.
515-243-3179 · 625 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309