Ryan E. Weese

PRO

Ryan E. Weese

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at West Des Moines, IA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice

5015 Grand Ridge Dr Ste 100, West Des Moines, IA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Ryan

Biography

Awarded attorney practicing primarily in divorce, family law and personal injury.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 65%

Divorce Child Custody Child Support Alimony Property Distribution

25 years

65%
Family 25%

Child Custody Child Support Parental Rights Father's Rights

25 years

25%
Medical Malpractice 5%

Birth Injury General Medical Malpractice

25 years

5%
Personal Injury 5%

Wrongful Death Car/Motorcycle Accidents Abuse/Neglect

25 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Iowa for 24 years

State: Iowa

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Shindler, Anderson, Goplerud & Weese PC

5015 Grand Ridge Dr Ste 100, West Des Moines, IA, 50265-5769

sagwlaw.com/ryan-e-weese

Ryan E. Weese's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Ryan | December 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Compassionate and Highly Competent Family Law Representation

After receiving a referral to Ryan through a close friend, I reached out to his team, met with him personally, and hired him to represent me in my recent divorce matter. Needless to say, this was a tumultuous time in my life, as it was the culmination of a nearly 20 year marriage, and we had a child... involved. From the very beginning, Ryan treated me with the utmost compassion on a human level, and represented me with the highest standards from a legal perspective. While I was new to the Family-Law arena, due to my profession, I am no stranger to litigation, and I could tell from the get-go that I would be able to trust Ryan's advice in regard to how to proceed and address any challenges that would come up through the life-span of the case. My main concern was to not only protect my best interest, but also act with class as it related to any disputes with my ex-wife, and most importantly, preserve my relationship and time with my child to the greatest possible extent. I could tell that Ryan held those same ideals and valued the same goals that I did throughout the process, and ultimately counseled me in a manner that helped me accomplish what needed to me done. At a time that was very challenging for all involved, he helped sift through the inevitable emotional swings and distractions, and always seemed to be able to guide the process through to a mutually beneficial compromise and resolution. I simply cannot say enough great things about Ryan or his team. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone that holds the same values I outline above.

Posted by Katie | November 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best attorney in Des Moines

Ryan is one of the best attorney’s in the area. He handled my lengthy, contentious, and complicated divorce with ease. Ryan was always available to handle all of my concerns personally. I have and do recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance.

Posted by Rupinder | August 3, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Divorce Attorney In Town

I hired Ryan to represent me in my separation and divorce trial. It was the best decision I ever made. He was a thorough professional and understood my case and helped me get the best possible outcome. I was impressed with how well prepared and professional he was during the trial. He was very reas...onable and guided me very well during my separation and trial. I will recommend him to anyone going through a difficult separation and divorce.

Posted by Heather | December 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Powerful, Professional and Prepared

Ryan Weese was the perfect attorney for a very difficult and lengthy divorce case. He and his staff were professional and walked me through every step of the process. His professionalism began on day one when I called his office and didn’t get his voicemail or an assistant, but was able to talk direc...tly to him. He calmed my fears, answered my questions and made it clear that he was the attorney I wanted to represent me, in what I knew would be a difficult case. Over the next 15 months, until my divorce trial, Ryan was available and prepared in every step of the process. He was extremely organized, always professional and very thorough. Watching him in action and seeing all of his experience and preparation on display confirmed that I made a great decision in hiring him to represent me and assist me in a difficult time in my life. I can’t say enough, if you want security in knowing you have the best on your side, Ryan Weese is the attorney for you.

Posted by anonymous | July 22, 2015

Fathers custody

We worked with Ryan for 6 years to get custody of my stepchildren. He took it all the way and never backed down. A year ago we won full custody. He's a good guy to work with.

See All Client Reviews

Ryan E. Weese's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ryan
Earl Barrett Kavanaugh headshot
Earl Kavanaugh

Family lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ryan is smart and zealous in his advocacy of his clients. As opposing counsel, he is always professional and pleasant to work with. I highly recommend Ryan for all aspects of family law."

Cory Frederick Gourley headshot
Cory Gourley

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ryan Weese for the better part of two decades both personally and professionally. He is an excellent advocate and a compassionate counselor for his clients. I have and wouldn't hesitate in the future to refer him clients or friends."

Brian Orland Marty headshot
Brian Marty

Family lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ryan is an excellent family law attorney. He is a zealous advocate and has obtained excellent results for his clients in many, many cases. I do not hesitate to refer family law, divorce and separation, and child custody matters to him."

Deanna Rae Bachman headshot
Deanna Bachman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ryan is an excellent attorney. He is well-versed in the areas of law he practices and very committed to his clients. I've had the opportunity to sit in on some of his hearings and have observed him to be very confident in the courtroom and very personable with his clients. I believe that his dedication to be highly organized and prepared helps him get the best results for his clients."

Christopher Coppola headshot
Christopher Coppola

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ryan for many years both personally and professionally. I would not hesitate to refer potential clients to him for family law related cases. He thrives to be both ethical and skilled in the practice of law. I recommend his services and expertise."

Robert G Rehkemper III headshot
Robert Rehkemper

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known and admired Mr. Weese since law school. Ryan is an excellent attorney in every facet of the practice. His knowledge and work ethic are exceeded only by his desire to obtain a successful resolution for his clients. I highly recommend Mr. Weese."

View All Endorsements
Earl Barrett Kavanaugh headshot
Earl Kavanaugh

Family lawyer

Peter J. Rolwes headshot
Peter Rolwes

Estate planning lawyer

Cory Frederick Gourley headshot
Cory Gourley

Wrongful death lawyer

Brian Orland Marty headshot
Brian Marty

Medical malpractice lawyer

Deanna Rae Bachman headshot
Deanna Bachman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Christopher Coppola headshot
Christopher Coppola

General practice lawyer

Matthew Thomas Lindholm headshot
Matthew Lindholm

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert G Rehkemper III headshot
Robert Rehkemper

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Great Plains Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2018

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2018

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2018

Top 10 Family Law Attorney, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Great Plains Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Top 10 Attorneys Family Law, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2017

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2017

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Top 10 Family Law Attorney in Iowa, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2016

Super Lawyer, Great Plains Super Lawyers

2016

Top 3 Divorce Lawyers, Three Best Rated

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Best Family Law Attorney, Global Who's Who

2016

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2016

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2015

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2015

Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys

2015

Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Iowa, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys

2015

Best Attorney- Family Law, Global Who's Who

2014

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 10 Attorneys, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2014

Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys

2013

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

1998

Magna Cum Laude, Drake University

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Partner/Shareholder, Shindler Anderson Goplerud & Weese, PC

Associations

2013 - Present

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Fellow

2001 - Present

Polk County Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Iowa State Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Polk County Famiy Law

Member

2001 - Present

American Bar Association, Litigation Section

Member

2001 - Present

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2001 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Medical Malpractice

Settlements ranging between $100,000 to $2,500,000

Custody Cases

Successfully represented variety of clients.

Divorce

Obtained excellent results on behalf of many diverse clients.

Domestic Abuses

Successfuly obtained No-Contact Orders where appropriate and successfully defended false allegations.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Drake University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Drake University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

LifeWorks CLE

What Therapists Need to Know about Divorce

2012

Family Law Seminar

Alimony Guidelines

2011

Drake University School of Law

Trial Practice/Negotiations

2010

Drake University School of Law

Mediation

2009

Drake University School of Law

Lecture on Mediation

2003

Consumer Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Chapter 7, 11

Publications

2012

Iowa State Bar Association Alimony Guidelines and Predictor Software

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution