How much does it cost to hire Douglas for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Douglas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Douglas offer a free consultation?

Douglas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Douglas's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Iowa typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Douglas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Douglas take my case if I'm outside Marshalltown?

Douglas is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Douglas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Douglas?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Douglas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Douglas accepting new child custody clients right now?

Douglas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Douglas William Beals, Child Custody Attorney in Marshalltown, Iowa

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Contracts · 3.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AttorneyatMoore, McKibben, Goodman, Lorenz & Ellefson, LLP

Marshalltown, IA

Practicing child custody in Marshalltown since 1987.

39+: Years practicing
3.8 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Contracts Criminal Defense Divorce Family Law +6 more →

Are you Douglas William Beals?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Douglas William Beals is an attorney based in Marshalltown, IA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Contracts. Douglas has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Moore, McKibben, Goodman, Lorenz & Ellefson, LLP. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Marshalltown, IA
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Contracts

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Contracts matters from Marshalltown, IA.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Douglas William Beals

Douglas concentrates on child custody, child support, contracts, criminal defense, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Douglas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Marshalltown, Iowa

Douglas takes child custody matters in Marshalltown, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Marshalltown, Iowa

Douglas takes child support matters in Marshalltown, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Marshalltown, Iowa

Douglas takes contracts matters in Marshalltown, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Marshalltown, Iowa

Douglas takes criminal defense matters in Marshalltown, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Marshalltown, Iowa

Douglas takes divorce matters in Marshalltown, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Douglas William Beals — Over 39 years of Iowa child custody experience

Douglas William Beals is a lawyer practicing civil practice, family law, taxation and 8 other areas of law. Douglas received a B.A. degree from Buena Vista College in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Douglas practices at Moore, McKibben, Goodman, Lorenz & Ellefson, LLP in Marshalltown, IA.

How Douglas handles child custody matters

The kind of cases Douglas takes

Douglas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and contracts matters in Marshalltown and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Douglas William Beals's legal education and bar admissions

Creighton University
J.D. · 1987
Buena Vista College
B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Douglas's state bar admissions

Iowa
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE

Douglas studied at J.D. in Creighton University and B.A. in Buena Vista College.

Law school and academic background

Douglas completed J.D. in Creighton University and B.A. in Buena Vista College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Douglas runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Douglas William Beals

Douglas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Douglas's professional memberships and bar associations

Marshall County and Iowa State Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Douglas William Beals's office in Marshalltown

Douglas's primary office is at 302 Masonic Temple Building, 26 South First Avenue, Marshalltown, IA, 50158-0618. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Moore, McKibben, Goodman, Lorenz & Ellefson, LLP

302 Masonic Temple Building, 26 South First Avenue

Marshalltown, IA 50158-0618

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Douglas William Beals — 3.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Douglas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Marshalltown.

3.8

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Douglas William Beals claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Douglas William Beals — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Douglas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Douglas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Douglas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Marshalltown, Iowa

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Douglas

Douglas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Douglas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Douglas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Douglas William Beals

How much does it cost to hire Douglas for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Douglas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Douglas offer a free consultation?
Douglas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Douglas's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Douglas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Douglas take my case if I'm outside Marshalltown?
Douglas is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Douglas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Douglas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Douglas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Douglas accepting new child custody clients right now?
Douglas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Marshalltown, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa

Douglas handles child custody matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Douglas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Marshalltown handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.