Retirement & health benefits : what am I entitled to?

That depends upon the plan...

Can I withdraw money from joint account before starting divorce?

Before you'd in the process there's nothing to stop you from taking all of the money in a joint account. However doing so may provoke a substantial...

Can I get a quick divorce if I have been seperated for 3 years?

"Quick" is a relative term. You can certainly get a divorce.

Did my divorce lawyer make a mistake?

Default judgments are rarely granted - especially when counsel has already appeared.

Assistance in a divorce.

You can see if there are low income/low fee attorneys available through your court clerk.

It means you should shortly receive a notification from the Court.

When a couple has been married for 24 years and gets divorced, how is property divided, like a home? It was purchased together

What he needs is a consultation with a local attorney. Iowa is an equitable distribution state...which means the distribution can be complicated...

Can my attorney keep my retainer in my divorce case..

That depends upon what work was done and what your retainer agreement says.

Divorce

You can have the papers served by someone else.

Our custody was settled in a contested divorce and are awaiting judgment on division of marital assets after our trial ended.

No the spouse who doesn't want the divorce cannot force someone to stay in a failed marriage.