Iowa Abandonment Laws & Child Endangerment
Certain situations arise when terminating a parent’s rights may be appropriate.
For example, a party may seek a termination of parental rights when:
- The parent of a child is remarried with another family
- There have been instances of neglect or abuse
- One parent is not involved in the child’s life
Whether you are seeking a termination of parental rights or you are trying to defend against it, turn to Family Law Solutions of Iowa, LLC today. With decades of combined experience under our belts, our attorneys are deeply familiar with Iowa family law.
We represent parties on all sides of the equation, including:
- Stepparents
- Grandparents
- Fathers
- And mothers
Our firm has a long track record of success for our clients, and we can help you, too. You can rely on us to provide you with the caring and capable advocacy you deserve.
Want to learn more about terminating parental rights in Iowa? Call Family Law Solutions of Iowa, LLC today at 515-639-3000 or contact us online today.
About Termination of Parental Rights
Only a judge is able to terminate an individual’s parental rights. In a majority of cases, judges are asked to terminate parental rights by whoever has been taking care of the child or by the state. However, a judge will not terminate someone’s parental rights simply because they have been asked to do so.
The person requesting the termination needs to show that the parent is a danger to the child. They need to prove this in court, and they need to show it with evidence.
Evidence can include:
- Medical reports
- Witness testimony
- And more
Since terminating a parent’s rights is a very serious step, the court will not terminate unless it has clear and convincing evidence of abuse or neglect.
What Is Considered Abandonment in Iowa?
In Iowa, abandonment means leaving your child unsupervised for any amount of time that could endanger the child or cause them to be without food or shelter. Abandonment is grounds for the termination of parental rights, though there must be clear and convincing evidence of this.
Other situations that could be considered abandonment include:
- Failure to support the child financially
- Chronic substance abuse
- Imprisonment
- Conviction of a felony sex offense against a minor
Unfit Parent Laws in Iowa
A parent who is ruled “unfit” by a judge may have his or her parental rights involuntarily terminated.
To qualify as being unfit, a parent may show:
- A history of child abuse or neglect
- The unwillingness to be apart of the child’s life or to help make important decisions regarding their healthcare or schooling
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- That their mental health disorder prohibits them from carrying out their role as guardian and provider
Keep in mind, the court will only terminate the rights of a parent if someone else is ready to step in and replace them. The court is not about to leave sole responsibility with one parent without proper care and support.
Call Today to Speak With a Parental Rights Attorney
Family Law Solutions of Iowa, LLC understands how serious these matters are, and we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. To learn more about your situation, your available options, and how we can help you, reach out to our team today.
Call us today at 515-639-3000 or contact us online to set up a consultation with our termination of parental rights lawyers in Des Moines. We can assist you today.