Hinshaw Law Firm PLLC

The Law Offices of Mark R. Hinshaw, PLC, located in West Des Moines at 1200 Valley West Drive, Suite 208, stands as a leading family law firm in central Iowa. Led by attorney Mark R. Hinshaw, the firm specializes exclusively in family law matters, bringing profound expertise and genuine commitment to helping families navigate divorce, custody, and other critical family law issues.

Mark R. Hinshaw is a veteran family law attorney who handles hundreds of divorces every year in central Iowa. This extraordinary caseload—coupled with his focus exclusively on family law—means Mark possesses deep, comprehensive knowledge of how Iowa courts approach family law matters, what judges expect, and how to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients. The sheer volume of cases Mark handles annually means he's constantly engaged with the latest developments in family law practice.

Mark's trial experience is particularly impressive. He has served as lead trial counsel in over one hundred divorce matters in Central Iowa, ranging from straightforward cases to extraordinarily complex situations. This extensive litigation experience means that whether your case settles or proceeds to trial, Mark brings seasoned courtroom advocacy to protecting your interests.

What sets Mark apart is his expertise with specialized and complex family law matters. The firm successfully handles international family law cases brought under the Hague Convention in the United States Federal Court for Iowa. The Hague Convention addresses international parental child abduction, allowing parents to seek return of wrongfully retained children. These cases are extraordinarily complex, involving international law, federal procedure, and careful fact development. Mark's success with these cases demonstrates his ability to handle family law's most challenging matters.

Mark has also successfully argued numerous cases in front of the Iowa Court of Appeals, the state's intermediate appellate court. Appellate practice requires different skills than trial work—careful legal writing, deep understanding of appellate procedure, and ability to identify and develop the strongest legal arguments. Mark's appellate experience means he can not only try cases effectively but also understand how appellate courts might view particular issues, allowing him to develop trial strategies with appellate concerns in mind.

The firm handles the full spectrum of divorce matters. For couples who have reached agreement on major issues, the firm efficiently processes uncontested divorces, ensuring proper documentation and legal compliance. For couples unable to agree, the firm vigorously advocates through contested divorce litigation, protecting clients' interests in property division, spousal support, custody, and other critical matters.

The firm recognizes that military divorce involves unique considerations—military retirement benefits, BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), service member relocation, and other military-specific issues. Mark's experience with military divorce ensures these specialized aspects receive proper attention.

For same-sex couples, the firm provides experienced representation in divorce matters. Mark understands the specific legal and practical issues same-sex couples may face and advocates effectively for their interests.

Child custody and visitation arrangements receive particular focus. Mark understands that custody decisions affect children's daily lives for years to come. The firm works to establish custody arrangements that genuinely serve children's best interests while respecting both parents' rights to maintain meaningful relationships with their children.

The firm also handles grandparents' rights matters, recognizing that meaningful relationships extend beyond parents and children. When grandparents seek visitation or custody, the firm advocates for arrangements that serve everyone's interests.

Fathers' rights represent an important emphasis for the firm. Mark recognizes that fathers are equally capable parents and deserve equal protection of their parental rights. The firm vigorously advocates for fathers seeking custody, visitation, or involvement in major parenting decisions.

For situations involving domestic violence, the firm provides experienced guidance on protective orders, safety concerns, and how domestic violence affects custody and visitation arrangements.

Paternity establishment, guardianship matters, adoption, and enforcement of court orders round out the firm's comprehensive practice areas. Whether you need to establish who is legally responsible for a child, seek guardianship of a minor, complete an adoption, or enforce an existing court order, Mark and his team have the experience to guide you.

What truly distinguishes the firm is Mark's exclusive focus on family law combined with his extraordinary caseload. Handling hundreds of divorces annually means Mark is constantly engaged with Iowa family law practice at the highest level. The combination of this high-volume experience, over 100 trial matters handled, successful appellate arguments, and expertise with international family law matters means Mark brings exceptional expertise to whatever situation you face.

The firm offers free consultations, allowing you to discuss your situation with Mark and understand how the firm can help.

For families throughout Des Moines, Polk County, and central Iowa facing divorce, custody disputes, paternity matters, or other family law challenges, The Law Offices of Mark R. Hinshaw, PLC represents an exceptional choice. Mark's combination of hundreds of annual divorces, over 100 trials, successful appellate work, and expertise with complex international matters makes him one of central Iowa's most experienced and capable family law advocates.

Contact the firm today at 515-278-8333 or visit hawkeyedivorce.com to schedule your free consultation with Mark R. Hinshaw. When you need representation by an attorney who has handled hundreds of divorces, try over 100 cases, and successfully argued before the Iowa Court of Appeals, the choice is clear.