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Knowing What to Expect
When a marriage ends via a divorce, a couple must figure out how to share time with their children. However, conversations revolving around child custody can be tense and filled with heated emotions. It can be common for custody disputes to involve angry discussions and arguments.
Knowing how custody laws work in Iowa can better prepare you for your case. You should know some of the basic tenets of Iowa custody laws.
Types of Custody in Iowa
Iowa law breaks child custody into two primary types: legal custody and physical care. Physical care refers to the right to maintain a home and living routine for a child. The most common physical care scenario involves one parent being awarded primary physical care, giving them the right to have the child live with them, and the other parent maintaining some form of visitation. While there can be situations where both parents share physical care, Iowa courts tend to disfavor this option.
Legal custody gives parents the right to make decisions on behalf of a child. These decisions often include those related to medical care, education, and religious affiliation. Iowa courts tend to award both parents legal custody, although some scenarios allow only one parent to receive legal custody.
Both joint and sole custody exist within each of these two categories. As their names imply, these types of custody reflect if one or both parents holds custody. As mentioned above, Iowa courts prefer to award joint legal custody and sole physical care. Still, parents can argue otherwise provided that they can prove with clear and convincing evidence that anything else would go against a child’s best interests.
Determining Child Custody
When the courts determine custody awards, Iowa law does not provide specific factors for such decisions. Judges have often considered several external factors, including the following:
The age, physical, and mental health of each child.
The maturity level of the child.
The child’s mental, emotional, educational, social, and physical needs.
The ability of each parent to meet said needs.
The character, stability, and mental and physical wellbeing of each parent.
The relationship between a child and any siblings.
The relationship between a child and both parents.
The overall emotional stability of each parent.
Above all other factors, though, a custody determination is made based upon the best interest of a child standard. A judge making custody decisions must hold to this standard and award custody based on which parent can ultimately meet a child’s needs and provide for their best interests.
Parental Visitation
Iowa laws emphasize a child’s need to maintain a relationship with both parents. For this reason, it is common for a parent without sole physical care to be given visitation (“parenting time” in Iowa). Parents can work out parenting time arrangements with the help of their attorneys, but if they cannot agree, a judge will determine parenting time for them.
A typical parenting schedule can include alternating weekends and holidays, extended time during summer break, and other days as deemed necessary. However, a parenting time order can consist of other times if parents agree to such an arrangement.
Custody Order Modifications
There may be a time when a custody order no longer meets a child’s best interests. If such a case arises, it may be time to seek a modification to that order. When you file for a modification, you must be able to prove that a change to the custody order will better meet a child’s best interests and that there has been a substantial change in material circumstances that warrants the change.
Having an Iowa Custody Attorney
In any custody case, whether part of a divorce or a separate custody issue, having a child custody attorney who understands Iowa’s laws and can help you navigate the process is crucial. At Family Law Solutions of Iowa, we work exclusively with family law matters, including custody. We know these matters can be sensitive and frustrating, so we are here to help you.
To set up a consultation with one of our custody attorneys, call us at (515) 305-3474 or visit us online.
