Iowa

Fathers rights in Iowa are protected by law. They begin with paternity. If paternity is disputed, you have the right to request that the court order a test to establish whether or not you are the biological father.

Once paternity has established you as the father, the mother does not have the right to put the child up for adoption without your written consent.

Fathers rights in Iowa include the right to seek custody of your children. Custody may include your children living with you or you having visitation rights with them. In addition, if granted custody, you have the right to be a part of any decision regarding how your children are raised and other issues concerning their well-being.

Finally, Iowa fathers rights include support. If you have physical custody of your children, you have the right to ask the court to require their mother to contribute financially to the cost of raising them. The level of support payments is determined by the court after a thorough evaluation of each parents financial status.

Like all states, Iowa has laws protecting the rights of fathers, and knowing them is the first step in putting them to work for you. If you have any questions, consult an attorney with knowledge and experience defending fathers rights in Iowa.