How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Christopher offer a free consultation?

Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Iowa typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside West Des Moines?

Christopher is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Christopher accepting new child custody clients right now?

Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Christopher B. Coppola, Child Custody Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa

Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce · 4.8/5 rating from 65 verified client reviews

PartneratCoppola Hockenberg, P.C.

West Des Moines, IA

Practicing child custody in West Des Moines since 1999.

27+: Years practicing
4.8 ★: 65 client reviews
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI Family Law General +5 more →

Are you Christopher B. Coppola?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Christopher B. Coppola is a partner based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce. Christopher has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coppola Hockenberg, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 65 client reviews.

Based in: West Des Moines, IA
Experience: over 27 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce matters from West Des Moines, IA.
Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Christopher takes on

Christopher concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, divorce, dui/dwi, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Christopher takes child custody matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Christopher takes criminal defense matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Christopher takes divorce matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Christopher takes dui/dwi matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in West Des Moines, Iowa

Christopher takes family law matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Christopher B. Coppola — child custody lawyer in West Des Moines

Chris is a highly experienced and accomplished trial attorney with over 27 years of experience. His knowledge of legal issues and areas of practice is extensive. His main focus is as a trial attorney. That includes divorce, child custody, personal injury, workers compensation, and general litigation. Chris has had successful jury and non-jury verdicts in numerous areas of the law, including but not limited to, divorce, child custody, personal injury, wrongful death, workers compensation, criminal law, business and real estate suits. Serving the State of Iowa, Central Iowa, Des Moines, West Des Moines and the Western Suburbs. Chris is also licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin and has a residence in Polk County, Wisconsin, and is licensed in the State of Utah.

Family Law Lawyer, Divorce, Child Custody - West Des Moines Attorney

“Compassion, understanding, and honesty. I understand the trust that clients place in their lawyers in dealing with their children, finances and other emotional issues. I pledge to be honest with my clients. It is imperative to have an attorney who is willing to “go to the mat” for their clients. It is also imperative to have an attorney who is mindful of the emotional and financial toll that exists for families going through a family law case. I strive to find solutions for families, but in the event the parties have to go to a trial, I do what it takes to achieve the desired results.”

Chris Coppola successfully modified physical custody for client who desired to move to different state. Client and her children were awarded primary physical care. This was appealed and affirmed by Court of Appeals. West Des Moines Divorce, Child Custody, Family Law Lawyer / Attorney - Serving State of Iowa, Central Iowa, Des Moines, West Des Moines, and the States of Wisconsin and Utah.

Chris Coppola successfully challenged the enforceability of a prenuptial agreement, obtained the majority of marital assets, including preexisting assets, after two bifurcated trials and upon reconsideration, including opposing party having to pay the majority of her signifcant attorney fees, expert fees, and court costs.

Numerous positive settlement and successful trial rulings regarding the issues of custody, alimony and spousal support, contempt actions, sanctions, attorney fees, and high net worth property resolutions.

Chris Coppola is also a certified mediator, collorabortive family law attorney, and successful trial litigator.

Working with Christopher on a child custody matter

Who Christopher represents

Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and divorce matters in West Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Drake University Law School
J.D. · 1998
University of Iowa
B.A. History · 1996

Jurisdictions

Christopher's state bar admissions

Utah
2025 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
2021 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1999 · ACTIVE

Christopher studied at J.D. in Drake University Law School and B.A. History in University of Iowa.

Law school and academic background

Christopher completed J.D. in Drake University Law School and B.A. History in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Christopher has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Christopher's professional memberships and bar associations

Polk County Bar Association Iowa Trial Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership

Locations

Christopher B. Coppola's office in West Des Moines

Christopher's primary office is at 2100 Westown Parkway, Suite 210, West Des Moines, IA, 50265. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Coppola Hockenberg, P.C.

2100 Westown Parkway, Suite 210

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Christopher B. Coppola — 4.8/5 rating from 65 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Christopher. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in West Des Moines.

4.8

65 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Christopher B. Coppola claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Christopher B. Coppola — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher

Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Christopher B. Coppola

How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside West Des Moines?
Christopher is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new child custody clients right now?
Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving West Des Moines, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa

Christopher handles child custody matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Christopher's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in West Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.