Your Legal Resource For Life

At Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, in Iowa City, our trusted legal team provides personalized advocacy for criminal defense, family law, bankruptcy matters and more. With over 70 combined years of legal experience, our attorneys will be dedicated to protecting your rights if you are fighting criminal allegations, dealing with a divorce or struggling with overwhelming debt.

Attorneys of Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC

The Personal Service and
Dedicated Advocacy you Deserve

Legal problems don’t exist in a vacuum. Many issues can drastically impact multiple areas of your life. For example, a criminal charge can have a substantial effect on the outcome of a divorce or child custody case, and a divorce or bankruptcy can have a substantial impact on a business organization or an estate plan.

At Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, you can benefit from our lawyers’ well-rounded practice and ability to address these overlapping legal issues. No matter what stage of life you are in – whether you are a college student, parent or senior – you can turn to our legal team with confidence that you will be treated with care and respect. You will work closely with an attorney who has in-depth knowledge of the law relevant to your case. We will work with you to explore all viable options for accomplishing your goals in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Serving Clients In Iowa City &
The Surrounding Communities

Criminal Defense
Shawn Fitzgerald
Family Law
Joe Pavelich
Bankruptcy
Steven Klesner
Police Routine checkup

Iowa City Criminal Defense:

Your Future, Protected

Facing criminal charges or allegations can be a daunting experience, especially for college students navigating the complexities of the legal system far from home. At Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, our trial lawyers understand the unique challenges you may be facing. We listen to you. We take the time to research and provide personalized representation tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether you’re a student at The University of Iowa or a young professional in Chicago with lingering legal issues from your college days, our experienced attorneys, including a Chicago law school alumnus, defense attorney Shawn M. Fitzgerald, are here to help you.

What Our Clients Say 

Do Not Lose What Matters  In Your Divorce Or Separation

Family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally charged, making experienced legal counsel essential. In Iowa City and the surrounding communities, navigating divorce, child custody disputes and spousal support arrangements requires a sensitive yet strategic approach. Our experienced family law attorneys at Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, will focus on protecting your rights while minimizing conflict during these challenging times. Whether you need assistance with a high-asset divorce involving complex financial considerations or adoption proceedings that will expand your family, having seasoned advocates by your side can make all the difference.

Led by family law attorney Joe Pavelich, our legal team offers support and legal guidance for a wide range of family-related legal issues, including divorce (dissolution of marriage), child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, adoption, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and domestic violence protective orders.

A couple is facing Bankruptcy

Is Bankruptcy 
The Right Choice For You?

Many individuals and families across the state struggle with mounting bills, unexpected expenses and the stress of financial hardship. Iowa residents have several debt relief options, including debt management plans, debt consolidation loans, or Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Regaining control of your finances is not a quick fix. Bankruptcy lawyer Steven Klesner can help you explore the possibilities and discover the right choice for you. He will provide the information you need to understand the pros and cons of each option, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding how to best alleviate your debt burden and rebuild your financial stability.

Meet Our Attorneys

Legal issues can be stressful and life-changing. Your choice of attorney makes a big difference in how your criminal defense, family law, bankruptcy or business law case proceeds. You deserve a team that cares about you on a personal level – one that will go the extra mile to help you move forward with confidence and success.

At Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC, we provide that team. Our attorneys and staff are passionate about helping everyday people navigate the legal hurdles confronting them at any stage of life.

Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald
Shawn Fitzgerald
Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Joe Pavelich
Joe Pavelich
Family Law Attorney
Attorney Steven Klesner
Steven Klesner
Bankruptcy Attorney

Fitzgerald, Klesner, & Pavelich, PLC

What factors affect alimony awards in Iowa divorces?

You might assume similar marriages lead to similar alimony awards, but Iowa courts evaluate each case on its own facts. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare for the questions your case will raise. Eligibility under state law Iowa statutes use the term spousal support instead of alimony, and either spouse may request it during

What parents should know about alcohol-related risks in college

Sending a child off to college is a big step for families. It also brings new responsibilities that many 18-year-olds are not ready to handle. Alcohol violations happen often on Iowa campuses. Knowing the consequences can help parents talk with their freshmen about alcohol use. What is the legal drinking age in Iowa? Iowa law

Can your college punish you for an off-campus arrest?

An off-campus arrest can feel like two problems at once. A student may have to answer criminal charges in Iowa City while also worrying about housing, scholarships, campus discipline and parents asking what happens next. For many University of Iowa students, the school side can move quickly, even when the court case has barely started.