600A.1 Construction.
1. This chapter shall be construed liberally. The best interest of the child subject to the proceedings of this chapter shall be the paramount consideration in interpreting this chapter. However, the interests of the parents of this child or any natural person standing in the place of the parents to this child shall be given due consideration in this interpretation.
2. The best interest of a child requires that each biological parent affirmatively assume the duties encompassed by the role of being a parent. In determining whether a parent has affirmatively assumed the duties of a parent, the court shall consider, but is not limited to consideration of, the fulfillment of financial obligations, demonstration of continued interest in the child, demonstration of a genuine effort to maintain communication with the child, and demonstration of the establishment and maintenance of a place of importance in the child’s life. Application of this chapter is limited to termination of parental rights proceedings and shall not apply to actions to establish paternity or to overcome established paternity.
[C77, 79, 81, §600A.1]
94 Acts, ch 1174, §12, 22; 2018 Acts, ch 1041, §127
Structure Iowa Code
Title XV - JUDICIAL BRANCH AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES
Chapter 600A - TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
Section 600A.1 - Construction.
Section 600A.2A - Rights and duties of custodian.
Section 600A.2B - Rights and duties of guardian.
Section 600A.4 - Relationship unaltered — release of custody — voluntariness of release.
Section 600A.5 - Petition for termination — venue — safety or security concerns.
Section 600A.6 - Notice of termination hearing.
Section 600A.6A - Right to and appointment of counsel.
Section 600A.6B - Payment of attorney fees.
Section 600A.6C - Report of expenditures — penalty.
Section 600A.7 - Termination hearing — forum non conveniens.
Section 600A.8 - Grounds for termination.
Section 600A.9 - Termination findings and order — vacation of order.
Section 600A.10 - Termination procedures — prohibited practices — penalty for violation.