Our Attorneys

Position: Member
E-Mail mbrandes@simmonsperrine.com
115 3rd Street SE, Suite 1200
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1266

Phone 319-366-7641
Fax 319-366-1917
vCard

Matthew J. Brandes is a member of Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC. His practice is limited to Family Law and Mediation. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Brandes was a member of the Cedar Rapids firm of Simmons Perrine PLC and served a term on that firm's management committee.

Mr. Brandes practices primarily in the areas of Family Law and Mediation. Mr. Brandes represents individuals in all aspects of domestic relations including Dissolution of Marriage, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Premarital Agreements, and related matters.

Mr. Brandes' Family Law practice includes the following: mediation, litigation, appellate advocacy, and collaborative law.

2012 Speeches & Publications

• Iowa Association of Mediators, Annual Summer Chautauqua 07/20/12
  "Reflections on the Impact of Chapter 11"

2011 Speeches & Publications

• Iowa State Bar Association, Annual Family Law Seminar 10/27/11
  "The Best of the Best in Family Law Documents"

2010 Speeches & Publications

• Iowa State Bar Association, Annual Family Law Seminar 10/29/10
  "Effective Discovery in Family Law Cases"
• Iowa Association of Mediators, Annual Summer Conference 07/16/10
  "Ethical Dilemmas for Mediators" Panel Presentation and Discussion
• Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa
  "Collaborative Law, Mediation Models"

Reported Cases

In the Supreme Court of Iowa, No. 2-271 / 11-1398

In Re the Marriate of Diana L. Kimbro and Steven C. Kimbro; Upon the Petition of Diana L. Kimbro, Petitioner-Appellee and Concerning Steven C. Kimbro, Respondent-Appellant

County Case No. CDDM036929

In re: Marriage of Kimbro, 826 N.W.2d 696 (Iowa 2013)
Decision w/Published Opinion

In the Supreme Court of Iowa, No. 39 / 03-1131

In Re the Marriage of DeAnn Patricia Schriner and John Kenneth Schriner; Upon the Petition of DeAnn Patricia Schriner, Appellee and Concerning John Kenneth Schriner, Appellant

Linn County Case No. CDDM029810

In re: Marriage of Schriner, 690 N.W.2d 698 (Iowa App. 2004)

In re: Marriage of Schriner, 695 N.W.2d 493 (Iowa 2005)

Decision w/Published Opinion

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Simmons Perrine Attorneys Added to Best Lawyers in America 2013
Kathleen Kleiman, Randy Scholer, Matt Brandes, and Kyle Wilcox were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Kathleen Kleiman and Randy Scholer were selected in the field of Corporate Law, Matt Brandes in the field of Family Law Mediation, and Kyle Wilcox in the field of Trusts and Estates. Read More >>

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Matt Brandes elected to ISBA Board of Governors
Matthew J. Brandes has been elected to the Iowa State Bar Association Board of Governors. His term begins in June 2012.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Iowa Supreme Court adopts Chapter 11 Study Group Recommendations

On November 10, 2011, the Iowa Supreme Court ordered the replacement of chapter 11 of the Iowa Court Rules. Chapter 11 addresses standards of conduct for mediators. The previously appointed Chapter 11 Study Group recommended the changes. Matt Brandes served as reporter for the group.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Matt Brandes speaks at Family and Juvenile Law seminar

On October 27, 2011, Matt Brandes spoke at the Iowa State Bar Association's Family and Juvenile Law continuing education program. He was part of a panel that presented on Family Law documents. His topic and materials related to suggested language for real estate transfers and suggested clauses for division of ERISA qualified retirement plans in divorce settlement agreements.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Matt Brandes serves on study group for ethical guidelines for lawyer mediators in family disputes

On December 7, 2010, the Iowa Supreme Court solicited public comment on whether to replace Iowa's current rules governing standards of practice for lawyer mediators in family disputes with the 2005 Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators. The change was recommended by what is known as the Chapter 11 Study Group, composed of representatives from relevant sections of the Iowa State Bar Association and others. Matt Brandes served as reporter for the group.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Firm Hosts Collaborative Family Law Seminar

Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC hosted a seminar on collaborative family law on March 11-12, 2010. The seminar presenters were Stuart Webb and Ronald Ousky. Mr. Webb founded collaborative law in 1990 and the two have authored a book entitled THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Cost, and Happier Kids – Without Going to Court. Collaborative law is a non-adversarial process that views the issues arising from a divorce (or other family law dispute) as a series of battles to be solved rather than fought. Jake Koller, Allison Heffern, Larry Gutz, Brian Fagan, and Matthew Brandes participated in the seminar.