Custody/Visitation
Legal Information
-
Do You Really Need a Guardianship for Your Child?
Parents often convinced by school officials or medical personnel that a guardianship of their child is needed. However, this is not always best and there are other options. Read More
-
Iowa Custody Law
What you need to know about custody in Iowa. Read More
-
New Option Available for Custody Order for Parents with Open CINA Cases
Parents involved in open Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases have a new way to get a court to order permanent custody, physical care, and visitation. Read More
-
Changes to Child Abuse Law
When the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) receives a report of child abuse, there are now two alternative paths DHS can take in response. Read More
-
Changes to Custody Law Affecting Deployed Service Members
service member parents who are deployed may ask that a nonparent take over their parenting responsibility during their deployment. Read More
-
Can an Iowa Court Hear Your Family Law Case?
Iowa courts can’t automatically hear every divorce or custody case that is filed. Read More
-
Internet Privacy and the Court
You should know this before posting things on social media. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Can I terminate the other parent’s parental rights?
Some feel like it would be best if the parental rights of the parent making bad choices are terminated Read More
-
New Law Makes It More Difficult to End a Guardianship over a Minor
A recent change in the law creates a new hurdle to end a guardianship for a minor child. Read More
-
Passports and Child Custody
Information and Links to the form needed to apply for a passport for a child. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Paternity Affidavit
Information from DHS on paternity. The paternity affidavit is a free form parents complete and file with the Bureau of Health Statistics to legally establish paternity. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Change to Custody Law Regarding Sex Offenders
A new law tells judges in custody cases to consider if a parent let a child be around a sex offender. Read More
-
Fathers' Rights in Unmarried Situations
If parents are not married at the time of a child's birth, a father's participation in making many important decisions may be limited until paternity is established. Read More
-
Questions and Answers About Custody and Visitation
These common questions and answers about custody and visitation provide a summary of Iowa law. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Guardianships for Children
Parents should consider all their options before agreeing to let someone else have a guardianship over their child. A guardianship may be hard to end and can last much longer than planned. A guardian has no legal obligation to allow the parents to visit unless it is ordered by a judge Also a child support action could be brought against the parents. Read More