Protecting the Rights of Unmarried Parents in Iowa
An increasing number of child custody and support cases in Iowa involve parents who were never married. The attorneys of Gray, Stefani & Mitvalsky have experience helping unmarried parents assert their rights in child support and custody issues in Cedar Rapids and throughout Iowa.
Before dealing with issues such as child support, child custody and parenting plans, the paternity of the child must first be established. Once paternity is established, the custody and support issues are similar to those that arise in a divorce.
Many paternity cases in Iowa are initiated by a child support recovery support proceeding. However, these cases are initiated by fathers who want to have regular access to their children following a breakup of their relationship with the mother.
Establishing or Disestablishing Paternity
If paternity has not been previously determined by a court order or has not been acknowledged by signing a birth certificate or other declarative document, our lawyers will file a petition to establish paternity. Typically, this will involve a court order for a DNA to confirm or deny scientifically the parentage of the child.
Once paternity has been established by genetic testing, the courts will determine other rights such as the creation of a parenting plan that spells out visitation or alternate care, child support, medical support, life insurance, income tax dependency deductions and special needs planning.
The attorneys at Gray, Stefani & Mitvalsky can be reached at 319-364-1535 or by filling out the contact form on this site.
