Practice Areas
Melissa S. Larson, P.C. is a general civil and trial practice firm. We provide exceptional and professional service to help you through life's challenges, and strive to keep your fees as affordable as possible.  Whether you are going through a divorce or custody dispute, need assistance in a juvenile case, or simply need estate planning or real estate documents drawn up, you are looking in the right place. Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling 641-221-9052, and put us to work for you today.

Family Law

Dissolving a relationship and dealing with the aftermath are some of the most important life changes a person can go through, and have a lasting impact on daily life. No two cases are alike, and we offer individualized service in premarital agreements, dissolution of marriage, child custody, modifications, child support, medical support, property division, spousal support, paternity, disestablishment of paternity, and contempt of court cases. We can help you protect your children and understand your rights.

Juvenile Law

Navigating the juvenile courts can be complicated. We provide individualized legal service for parents and children throughout various types of cases including, but not limited to, child abuse or neglect, delinquency, child in need of assistance, adoption, step-parent adoption, emancipation, and termination of parental rights,

Estate Planning

Creating wills, trusts, medical directives and powers of attorney are vital ways to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death or incapacitation. By using the tools of estate planning, you can provide for the well-being of your family, ensure that assets are distributed as efficiently and inexpensively as possible, and make specific provisions regarding your medical care in the event you are not able to make those decisions for yourself. We work with you to create an individualized plan to fit your needs, and to review your plan as your needs change. Ask us today about our affordable estate planning options.

Unbundled Legal Services

There are times when the expense involved with obtaining legal services may prohibit an individual from doing so despite the fact that they need legal advice. We offer limited-scope representation in many types of cases, which can allow you to receive vital information and direction while keeping your costs down. Ask us today about assistance with preparing pleadings or motions, representation in specific proceedings, or settlement negotiations.

Mediation

This informal process involves parties who are in conflict meeting with a neutral third party to negotiate an agreement. Mediation is required in the fifth judicial district for family law cases prior to both temporary hearings and final trial on the merits of the case. Elder law and probate cases may be assigned to mediate in Polk County, and can choose to mediate throughout the state. The decision-making regarding the specifics of the agreement is in the hands of the parties, not a judge or arbitrator, which allows for more flexibility. Mediation is an excellent way to avoid the time and expense of going to court. Our firm has experience both as the attorney accompanying the client through this process, and as the mediator helping parties work out their disputes. We also travel throughout Central and Southwest Iowa to assist parties through the mediation process.

Collaborative Law

Approaching divorce from a place of mutual respect and openness is the best way to preserve family relationships and often times to save money. You sign an agreement not to go to court, and through the use of collaboratively trained attorneys and other professionals, you and your ex spouse work together to craft a settlement. This is accomplished through sessions where the parties and their attorneys meet together. If you are interested in minimizing the impact on your children and your bank account through a more peaceful divorce process, ask us about this cutting-edge area of practice today.

Guardian ad Litem

The best interests of minor children are at the forefront of the court's consideration in many types of cases, because children deserve to be protected. We offer thorough and attentive Guardian ad Litem services in custody disputes, juvenile cases, guardianships, disestablishment of paternity cases, and adoptions, and strive to look out for the best interests of children and to give them a voice in the legal process.

Guardianships & Conservatorships

Minors and incapacitated adult loved ones sometimes need assistance and guidance in carrying out their financial affairs and providing for their day to day needs. We can assist you in establishing, maintaining, and terminating a guardianship and/or a conservatorship in a those situations.