Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
122 Client Reviews
$ 400-400 per hour
PRO
Earl Barrett Kavanaugh
also known as preferred pronouns: he/him/his
Virtual Consultation Available
About Earl
Biography
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Earl B. Kavanaugh attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of the Arts in English. Earl moved to Iowa in the summer of 2004 to attend law school at Drake University in Des Moines, graduating with honors in 2007. The Drake Law School Faculty awarded Earl the Iowa State Bar Association Graduating Senior Award, which is given to the member of the graduating law class who best exhibits in attitude, ability, and service the qualities which are incumbent in a successful future leader of the Bar.
In 2007, Earl was admitted to the practice of law in Iowa. In May 2009, after working for another Des Moines firm in the area of disability law, he joined Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, P.L.C. as an associate attorney. Earl maintains a general civil practice that includes, but is not limited to, family law, adoption, probate, estate planning, general litigation, and appellate work. He became a partner with the firm in July 2012. Earl is a member of the Polk County Bar Association (Family Law Section and Probate Section) and the Iowa State Bar Association. Earl is dedicated to equality under the law for all Iowans, and to that end, he has served as local counsel for the submission of amicus briefs to Iowa appellate courts in Rhoades v. State and Gartner v. Iowa Department of Public Health.
Earl is a zealous advocate for his clients and has experience in trying cases at both the district court and appellate court level. In March 2016, Earl won a hardfought victory for his client in the Iowa Supreme Court- In re Marriage of Harris, 877 N.W.2d 434 (Iowa 2016).
When not advocating for his clients, Earl enjoys literature, gardening, travel and participation in civic groups and philanthropic causes. Earl lives in Ames, Iowa and enjoys spending his free time viewing Iowa's diverse flora and fauna at Ledges State Park, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, and Reiman Gardens.
Clients who hire me are looking for an attorney who is both a dedicated advocate and a pragmatic problem solver.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Family
90%
Appeals
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Iowa for 18 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, Plc
423 E Court Ave Ste 200, Des Moines, IA, 50309-2010
hdklawfirm.com/earl-b-kavanaughOnline Presence
Other places you can find Earl online.
Earl Barrett Kavanaugh's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (68)
Advocacy (64)
Practice Area Knowledge (43)
Recommendation (41)
Professionalism (39)
Communication Style (31)
Character & Conduct (26)
Compassion (26)
Responsiveness (25)
Trustworthiness (25)
General Knowledge (20)
Cost of Services (6)
Punctuality (4)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Brock | August 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
Nephew Guardianship
Earl handled my wife and my case regarding guardianship over our nephews. While it was a troubling and hard time for everyone involved Mr. Earl and his team did a fantastic job of not only providing quality legal counsel, but also love and care with his consultations and handling of the entire case. ...
Posted by Yoti | April 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
One of a Kind
Earl is hands down the attorney you want in your corner if you need guidance in a custody situation. He treated my case as if my kids were a part of his family. He knew my son and daughter were in an unsafe environment and he was determined to make that better. Within 6 months of retaining Earl, my ...
Posted by Cynthia | May 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
The most compassionate Man You will Ever have on your Team!
I previously had a terrible Lawyer from cordell and cordell. ( zero stars!) I contacted earl half way in the process of trying to get custody of my toddler. He was fast, compassionate, and ready to help me. I started with impossible odds, no rights, no visitation, no nothing! Within One month I had 5...
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family
Impeccable!
Earl is a good person & a phenomenal lawyer. His experience in family law and familiarity with its complexities were pivotal in my winning primary custody after a very long and complicated battle. He knows the local intricacies within the justice system and how best to comply. He doesn’t beat...
Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Excellent attorney
Earl does a great job explaining the legal process and was happy to talk through potential scenarios with me. He clearly cared about my child's safety and fought fiercely to help me ensure her safety. I'm thrilled with the outcome we were able to achieve, and highly recommend Earl.
Earl Barrett Kavanaugh's Lawyer Endorsements
"Earl is an excellent and zealous advocate for his clients. I highly recommend him."
"I highly recommend Earl. He is knowledgeable, passionate, and cares for his clients. He will provide excellent service in any area of law."
"I have known Earl for years, and I have worked with him on multiple cases in different capacities. Every time, he has been just great. He is always organized and prepared, and he is a great problem-solver. I would recommend Earl to my own friends and family."
"Earl is a pleasure to work with. He is very passionate about the law and a fierce advocate for his clients. He is an excellent problem solver no matter how difficult the case. I highly recommend Earl as a family law attorney"
"As a mediator, I have had the opportunity to witness Earl as an advocate for his clients. Not only does Earl have detailed knowledge and understanding of the law, he also passionately advocates for his client's positions and provides sound legal advice. Earl is an excellent attorney who always puts his clients first. I highly recommend choosing Earl for any family law matters!"
"I worked with Earl on a complex family law matter. Earl was prepared, knowledgeable, logical, and articulate. I recommend him to anyone in need of a family law attorney."
"I have worked with and against Earl numerous times over the years and I find him to be a kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney. I highly endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I attended law school with Earl, practice with him in our legal community, and know Earl to be a great person as well as an incredibly smart and skilled attorney. I have personally referred my friends to Earl, and he did a terrific job on their case."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has a firm grasp on the legal issues involved in divorce and child custody cases. He is an zealous advocate for his clients."
"Earl represents his clients honestly and thoroughly. His confidence and ability produce good results. Potential clients would be well served by having Earl on their side."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2018
10 Best Attorneys for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Gold Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Iowa State Bar Association Graduating Senior Award, Drake Law School Faculty
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Partner, Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, PLC
2009 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, PLC
2007 - 2009
Associate Attorney, Max Schott & Associates, PLC
Associations
2020 - Present
Interfaith Alliance of IowaC3 Board Member
2019 - Present
Jack D. Levin Family Law American Inns of CourtBarrister
2017 - Present
Blackstone American Inn of CourtBarrister
2009 - Present
Polk County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
2007 - Present
Iowa State Bar Association, Family and Juvenile Law Section
2007 - Present
Polk County Bar Association
2018 - 2019
One IowaVice Chair
2017 - 2018
American Civil Liberties UnionACLU-IA Board Member
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Marriage of Harris, 877 N.W.2d 434 (Iowa 2016)
Client awarded primary physical care of children
In re Marriage of Larson, 2011 WL4950202
The appellate court held that the 160 acres of farmland inherited from Roger's parents during the parties' marriage was not marital property. The Court's ruling saved Roger from having to pay his ex-wife a property equalization payment of $100,000.
Education
2007
Drake University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Lawrence University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2022
Jack D. Levin Family Law American Inns of Court Pupilage Group
Case Law Updates in Legal Custody, Child Support, Alimony, and Private Termination of Parental Rights cases
2019
Iowa Department of Human Services Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Role of a Guardian Ad Litem in Adult Guardianship Proceedings/Chapter 235B Proceedings
2018
Blackstone American Inn of Court
Separation of Powers-Federal and State Issues
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does primary physical parent get the final say if there is a disagreement regarding an issue that falls under our joint legal?
22 Sep 2023
Q&A
If my rights were terminated, what must I do with a parenting plan that’s in existence ?
21 May 2023
Q&A
How is it legal for my husband to take me off his employer health benefits when we are still married?
15 Oct 2020