Custody/Visitation
Legal Information
Child Custody
In Iowa, if a couple (married or unmarried) has children in the family under the age of eighteen, the courts will play a role in making decisions related to child custody.
Custody Order for Parents with Open CINA Cases
Parents involved in open Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases have a way to get a court to order permanent custody, physical care, and visitation.
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.
Grandparent Visitation in Iowa
In Iowa, a grandparent can ask the court for visitation in limited circumstances.
How Social Media Can Be Used Against People in Family Law Cases
What people put on social media websites can end up being used in unexpected ways. Being aware of the potential risks can help you avoid adding content that could cause problems down the road.
How to Modify a Custody Order
Custody orders are issued by a court in which a judge establishes a schedule for separated parents to have parenting time with their children. This resource will discuss when and how a parent can change, or modify, a custody order.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Office of Children's Issues at the State Department assists in cases of international parental child abduction and is prepared to help pursue recovery of an abducted child.
Internet Privacy and the Court
You should know this before posting things on social media.
Limited Representation (Unbundled Legal Services)
Questions and answers about new rules changing how lawyers can provide services to clients.
Passports and Child Custody
Information and Links to the form needed to apply for a passport for a child.
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.
Resolving Family Law Problems Through Mediation
A divorce or custody action can take a long time. It can cost a lot of money and be very emotional and stressful for the family. Iowa courts have looked for other ways to resolve family law disputes.
Termination of Parental Rights
When you have "parental rights" to a child, you are that child's parent in the eyes of the law. When your parental rights to a child are terminated, you stop being that child's parent.
The Uniform Child Custody and Parental Kidnapping Protections Acts
These days, people move around a lot more than they used to. It is not unusual for a child to live in two or more different states before he or she turns eighteen. These federal laws address many issues that arise when parents and children live in different states.
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
The UCCJEA says that an Iowa court can only make decisions about custody of a child if Iowa has jurisdiction over that child.