- DivorceJustin was born and raised in the Quad Cities, and graduated from Bettendorf High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. After earning his Juris Doctorate in 1996 with highest honors, Justin joined his father Morton Teitle, whose long-standing practice was well known for handling divorce and family law cases. Since that time Justin has maintained and expanded his general practice, serving clients in a variety of matters. He lives in Bettendorf with his wife and two children.
- Child SupportIn all cases involving children, the obligation for child support and medical support is a factor. When a government agency is involved, such as the Child Support Recovery Unit, separate laws govern agency actions and affect the way child support is addressed by the court. In both Iowa and Illinois, child support guidelines use formulas to determine an appropriate amount of support to be paid. A party’s income can be more difficult to ascertain in certain situations, especially if bonuses and incentive pay are involved, or if he or she is self-employed. Child support will also vary depending on the type of custodial arrangement, and in some situations parents sharing custody can agree to waive child support altogether. Navigating the child support laws takes attention to detail, and we are ready to help you with all of your questions in this area.
- Child Custody and VisitationIn some cases, paternity of a child may not have been established at birth or otherwise, or may have been incorrectly established. In other situations, although paternity is known or established, there is no court order governing the rights of the parents of a child. There are many options involved in choosing an appropriate parenting agreement and schedules for custody or visitation rights. Courts address matters such as shared custody (joint physical custody), primary custody, split custody, and legal custody. Factors in determining parental rights to custody are many and varied, and include an examination of the past history of each parent’s role with the child or children, as well as other issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, criminal record, child abuse and mental health concerns.
- AdoptionAdding to a family is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever undertake. Depending on the type of adoption, legal requirements will vary as to what must be done before finalizing the case. Adoptions involving foster children, newborns or non-relatives may require a home study, and a separate proceeding for termination of parental rights. In certain situations, the process can be more streamlined, such as stepparent adoptions, adoptions of an adult, or international adoptions. Teitle Law Offices, P.C., is experienced in the area of adoption, and can help you through the process from beginning to end. We celebrate every opportunity to handle these matters.
- Paternity
- Premarital AgreementJustin has been handling cases in family law for over twenty years, and has a stellar reputation amongst judges and attorneys for his work in this field. At the most challenging times in the lives of his clients, Justin’s experience and resolve lead to positive solutions and results. Whether in the courtroom or through negotiations, he advocates for you as an individual, protecting critical financial interests and rights to your children. Justin routinely handles divorces, custody cases, child support, spousal support (alimony and maintenance) and modification cases, as well as adoptions, guardianships/conservatorships, juvenile court proceedings and other important family law matters such as prenuptial agreements. At Teitle Law Offices, P.C., we believe the cornerstones to success are listening, preparing and acting. While other family law attorneys may talk big and make threats, Justin is busy getting results, just as he has done for his entire career. Let him help you today.
- GuardianshipWhen a family member is a minor, has special needs, or becomes unable to handle his or her own day to day needs or financial matters, it may be necessary to consider taking court action to establish a guardianship or conservatorship. A guardianship allows someone to care for and make daily decisions for another (the “ward”), including medical decisions and the location of his or her residence, among other things. This legal authority is sometimes needed for school registration, insurance and governmental benefits. If power to handle financial issues is important, then a conservatorship is needed. Conservators can hold and invest funds for their ward, and they owe what is called a fiduciary duty with respect to the ward’s property. Both guardians and conservators are required by law to report to the court annually concerning their duties and activities on behalf of the ward. Justin has established many guardianships and conservatorships over the years for clients, and will answer all of your questions in order to make an appropriate recommendation.
- Spousal Support
- Child Abuse
- Restraining OrderSplitting up is tough, no matter how you look at it. The outcome of a divorce will affect you for many years to come, particularly if children are involved. When parties are going through a dissolution of marriage, there are many issues the court must consider and determine, including those related to both finances and children. A judge will order the division of your property and debts, establish both legal and physical custody of your children, visitation rights, and determine support for both children and spouses (if applicable). This may include college or post-secondary education support for adult children. In divorce cases procedures exist to address temporary matters which may be disputed, such as restraining orders in domestic violence cases, payment of household bills or other situations. The law provides for full disclosure of financial information in the “discovery” process, and parties have the opportunity to reach a mutual agreement on all issues. If no agreement is reached, a judge makes the decision after each side has presented evidence and testimony.
- Business DisputesLooking to start a new business? Does your existing business have legal issues to address with vendors, employees or customers? Teitle Law Offices, P.C., is proud of its long tradition of representing entrepreneurs and business owners in the Quad Cities region. We have helped numerous individuals to create business entities, and continue to serve as registered agent and outside counsel over time. Justin has been the trusted advisor for a wide variety of businesses from small to large, and his established clients represent varied industries including retail, construction, professional services, real estate development and medical practices, to name a few. Justin has assisted clients in the sale and purchase of businesses, as well as the addition of new investors or partners. Efficiently solving problems for clients requires listening, knowledge, sound legal judgment and practical business experience, all of which Teitle Law Offices, P.C., brings to the table every day. Call us today to get started.
- Employment ContractMany businesses encounter situations where advice is needed upon entering into a new lease or other contract. This might include the need for employment or non-compete contracts, vendor contracts and the like. Justin has drafted, evaluated and edited many business and commercial leases and agreements, and can help you identify areas of concern and how to protect yourself in these situations. He has also advised both business owners and individuals regarding employment contracts and non-compete agreements. In a business with multiple shareholders or partners involved, we recommend having a comprehensive buy-sell agreement to address future transfers of interests or new investors. Many considerations apply, and Teitle Law Offices, P.C., can give you the detailed analysis needed to get to the right answers.
- Non-compete Agreement
- Personal InjuryAt Teitle Law Offices, P.C., the general practice allows Justin to use his long history of experience in various areas of the law to help clients with important issues affecting them personally. This includes defending criminal cases and handling personal injury matters arising from auto accidents or other circumstances. Justin has recovered settlements for injury victims aggregating over $1,000,000.00, and can help you or a loved one get just compensation based on your situation. He has spent many years dealing with insurance companies, and will put that experience to work for you. We also assist with small claims cases when appropriate, and other civil disputes involving property or money. Feel free to contact us for discussion of any of your legal needs.
- Estate Planning
- WillsYour Last Will and Testament is the final expression of your wishes for the distribution of your property upon death. A Will is important because it ensures who will be in control of the process of dealing with your final financial affairs, and also allows you to name your preference as to who will care for your minor children in the event they are under the age of majority when you pass away. Wills not only allow you to avoid unintended consequences for your family, but also to make strategic tax choices, including leaving gifts to charities or non-profit organizations. A Will can also establish a future trust for your beneficiaries, to be administered according to your specific wishes, giving added flexibility to the planning process.
- TrustsIn some situations, it can helpful to place your assets in a trust during your lifetime. Revocable living trusts allow the person who establishes the trust to avoid the need for the probate process upon death, and add a measure of privacy to the administration of your final financial affairs. Further, although such trusts are more expensive to establish in the beginning, they can result in cost savings in the future, depending on the size of your estate. However, revocable living trusts also take maintenance during your lifetime, and aren’t recommended for everyone. Teitle Law Offices, P.C., can help you identify situations in which such a trust would be recommended or desirable.
- Power of AttorneyA Living Will is a document which many people wish to have in place along with their health care Power of Attorney. Your Living Will is designed for incurable or irreversible medical conditions which will result in death within a short period of time. This document legally expresses the desire not to have life sustaining procedures or treatments maintained in circumstances where such measures will not result in recovery according to your physician. A Do Not Resuscitate order is different than a Living Will, and generally must be confirmed by an attending physician, but it can work in conjunction with a Living Will to implement your wishes.
- Probate