Douglas C. Scovil

Idk who the ppl who wrote positive reviews & reportedly had a "great experience" working w Doug Scovil, him being "friendly" or straightforward must have seen a different Doug Scovil. I retained him originally in 2009 as "my" divorce atty., meaning he was supposed to be representing me & my best interests, & being an Iowa resident, ensure I received an "EQUITABLE SETTLEMENT". For the initial consultation & 1st few interactions, he promised me a great settlement, & the one I should have gotten. But after I had paid the initial 1500 retainer (which was very reasonable compared to other divorce attys in the area,) & started to run out of funds-pretty quickly-I started getting statement after statement demanding more $$. & Doug's "friendly attitude" went out the window. My divorce took just over 18 mos, the "settlement conferences" continually were rescheduled & moved out, costing me more $$ & crossing more things off the original settlement. My ex contacted him directly bc he didn't want to hire (& pay for) his own lawyer, even though he was the one wanting divorce (along w his mistress). There was a HUGE discrepancy in our incomes & earning potential. I was a social worker (1 of lowest paying jobs) & he was engineering supv in the executive sector of Deere. He was already making at least twice the highest salary I had ever recd-, even w a Master's degree. & he lied about the salary he was receiving, along w multiple other things -existence of retirement accts, benefits, profits from OUR home business Doug decided was my ex's in spite of starting it during marriage w marital funds. It earned same as my annual salary for just 1-2 mos of PT "work". He inflated his monthly expenses, had nothing to do w our 2 teenage kids, refused to communicate w me or co parent (or parent), failed to pay the VERY FEW household/parenting costs ordered, & fabricated & hid hundreds of $$ of assets & income. It was a 21 yr marriage in which I raised kids & worked. Doug told me in beginning I would get lifetime spousal support, child support til youngest was 18, post secondary costs, half of annual bonuses, home business proceeds, retirement accts, sale of marital home proceeds, & more. My ex repeatedly lied about everything & when he finally got a lawyer, his lawyer &/or me, had to correct documents & correspondence submitted by Doug. I was doing my own legal proofreading & writing. He contradicted things he wrote & what he said to me vs what he did. He was in NO WAY working for or advocating for my interests. There's not enough space to talk about all the countless transgressions that occurred. In the 16 yrs post divorce, my ex has upgraded lifestyle 3+ times, while I was having to downsize. My Deere pension Doug wrote the QDRO for & was accepted by Deere has somehow "disappeared" in the last 2 yrs??? When I called Doug about it he said he "doesn't deal w those issues" & referred me to contact another atty. ?! He WROTE the QDRO? Of course all the other attys told me to contact the atty who represented me & prepared QDRO. Doug also told me to retain CPA to look for hidden assets & discrepancies which I did & she prepared an excellent letter & multiple detailed scenarios/recommendations of how assets should be divided equitably. Doug either ignored or didn't read any of it bc I didn't get even remotely close to her recommendations. She reported his stated income was incorrect by about $30k (not incl bonuses, etc) & our tax returns supported this, but it was never changed in any of the endless proposed MSAs, incl final settlement & decree!! There are multiple fraudulent items in the final MSA & decree, & the so called "settlement conf" consisted of Doug & myself sitting on a bench in a RM where my ex sat at conference table w his lawyer. The documentation says we all went in front of judge, but it was actually only the attys & Doug told me to settle for the 5-7 yrs of spousal support $3000/mo less than CPA recommended bc the judge "could give me less if we challenged it". I'm on public assistance & he's making 200k+!

I was told that Douglas Scovil could assist me in my case. I was to speak with him, it was confirmed there was no conflicting issues, and then I was called back by his receptionist a few hrs later that "he doesn't want to get involved" I understand lawyers have a right to decline cases but I was left with no explanation or understanding as to why he wouldn't represent me. I do not recommend this law office. You may be met with prejudice!

This man just literally saved my boyfriend’s livelihood … he was facing a DUI in Illinois (has a previous somewhat lengthy record in both Iowa and Illinois) and got him off of it. He is an amazing lawyer, I can’t believe he had a 3.8 google review on here…he is worth his weight in salt. Sending flowers to his office next!

If zero stars were an option that is what this attorney would have obtained. The lack of care within the judicial practice is absolutely appalling. We had a scheduled consultation where he was late. I then proceeded to call the office and waited for his returned phone call. When we were finally in contact he asked what this was in regards to. I presented what the situation was pertaining to in detail. He then proceeded to ask "what is this in regards to again," I stated "I legitimately just told you what this was for." He then proceeds to say, "I'm good." Would never recommend anyone to go to someone who displays unprofessional behavior and lack of obvious care.

One of the best hands down. Simplifies everything and will tell it as it is so there are no surprises. Highly recommend!

He is very knowledgable and respected in the court system. He takes the time to answer your questions or concerns. It can be frustrating to get all points across over the phone along with making sure he has all documents to be discussed in front of him. At some point we thought he is not fully getting our concerns and thoughts on case and then during deposition he knew exactly what to say and when to say it. He does his research on your case and will nail it when time comes. If he thinks a issue is not worth bringing up in court he is straight forward and suggest not to . He is about being fair. Front desk receptionist was kind and professional. Would recommend this attorney in custody cases. Some may think he is abrasive and rude..he is an attorney. You want him to be in court if he needs to be.

Man was rude and so was his staff!

Very professional and effective family attorney. Hands down the best and most experienced family attorney in the area, bar none. Extremely knowledgeable, very serious, highly respected by judges, and exceeded all expectations by a mile. I am a father who fought in a mommy state and won by a mile. 10/10 money well spent

Doug is way past his prime

Mr. Scovil was very polite and professional. He was able to help me with my situation in the best way possible. You can tell he's well respected in the court room with over 40 years of service. I'm very grateful!

He hast to be in my book the most experienced attorney out there, and he is so completely honest with you right up front. I have never lost a case with him and he’s completely honest with me . A judge once told me I need an attorney and I asked did he know any good ones and he said the best Doug Scovill you’ll want him and he was right I’ve never went wrong.

The person answering the phone has been rude every time I call to ask for them to send me a copy of my court order.Thank God he isn't my lawyer but that's good for me that he isn't a good lawyer he's my kids father's lawyer

Worthless rude and expensive. Sooooo I tried to hire this firm for a family issue. I work 12hr days 6 days a week. So time is always a issue for me. I showed up to this firm with 5k cash in my pocked at 4:55 the two lady’s who work the phones were rude and told me “ don’t make a habit of this we close at 5pm”. Again I don’t care what time u close I was there before close. Lets continue.. so we got past that hurdle then i get handed about 3000 documents and told they are not my “mother” and I had to fill out all my papers regarding my case. I was looking for a lawyer not litigators. Not a lawyer so I left there with my 5k cash in my pocket and hired a lawyer who will do both for me. Total worthless and rude I had all Intentions of hiring Doug this night but his 2 rude lady’s turned me off. Run fast this firm is NOT what you expect. Thumbs down dont waste your time. Hire someone who’s polite and caring. This firm only pushes papers.

Doug Scovil is the best. Totally professional and as smart as they come. Mr. Scovol helped me out on numerous occasions. I can't recommend his law office enough. 5 stars!

Very helpful legal representation.