 The Kids First Law Center opened in 2005. Kids First is the only agency in Iowa that provides free representation to children in divorce cases. Jenny Schulz is the founder and executive director of Kids First. Kids First employs three attorneys who each represent 40-50 kids at a time in high-conflict family law cases.
Why do kids need
a lawyer?
Children of high-conflict divorce are among the most at
risk. They are at risk to suffer from behavioral and
emotional problems, fail in school, abuse drugs and alcohol,
and have failed relationships as adults. These problems
are caused by the fighting kids witness between their
parents. Kids often feel isolated and have no control
over their family situation.
Kids First gives kids a trusted adult they can confide
in. Kids First helps give children a voice.
What does Kids
First do?
Kids First is dedicated solely to representing
children in divorce and custody cases. In individual cases,
the
Kids First attorney:
- meets with child clients regularly,
listens to concerns, and answers
questions;
- conducts an independent investigation;
- collaborates
with professionals who know the child, such as teachers
and therapists;
- encourages parents to understand their
child’s perspective;
- negotiates issues between
parents;
- recommends services to the family; and
- attends all court
hearings and advocates the child’s position.
Kids First
remains involved with each child until the divorce is final, often a year
or more.
Does anyone else do this work?
No other agency in Iowa represents children in these cases
for free. Without Kids First, children would not have
a voice in their parents’ dispute.
When should a child
have a lawyer?
Children would benefit from a lawyer when there is:
- A high
level of conflict between parents;
- Family violence;
- Neglect or verbal abuse;
- Substance abuse;
- Serious mental health needs;
- A request for supervised
visitation;
- A child who wants to express views;
- Parental manipulation;
or
- Interference with visitation/custody.
How and when does
Kids First get involved?
The court appoints the Kids First attorney when the court finds that the child should have a lawyer. For a child to be eligible for services from Kids First: (1) the child must be 6 to 17 years old; (2) the child must live in Linn, Johnson, Iowa, Benton, Jones, or Cedar County; and (3) a high-conflict family law (divorce or custody) case must be pending.
Who pays for
these services?
Even though Kids First is court-appointed in each case, the state does not provide funding with the appointment. Children receive free representation from Kids First if their families cannot afford to pay for services. For higher income families, Kids First provides representation on a sliding fee basis. Kids First is funded mostly by individual donations and grants. To find out how to donate
to Kids First, click
here.
How does Kids First help?
Divorce cases are 75% more likely to settle when a child’s attorney is involved, avoiding the cost and stress of trial. Cases that settle are also less likely to return to court later. In cases that go to trial, Kids First can help judges make more fully-informed decisions. Children have less anxiety when they know what to expect and have a trusted adult to confide in. When kids are freed from worrying about parents fighting, kids can be kids again. They can focus on schoolwork, friends, and activities.
Do you use volunteers?
Approximately 30 private attorneys in Linn County have
agreed to represent children for free through Kids
First. We also train volunteers to help facilitate our workshops for children of divorcing parents. To
inquire about volunteer opportunities, click here.
Who serves on the Board of Directors?
Lydia Brown, Officer, Partner, The Skywalk Group
Ryan Buresh, Treasurer, CPA, Owner of Prairie Soup Company
Cathy Gullickson, President, Organizational Consultant
Rich Mitvalsky, Officer, Attorney, Gray, Stefani & Mitvalsky, PLC
Mike Tiernan, Officer, Vice President, Bankers Trust
Thomas Wolle, Vice President, Attorney, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman, PLC
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