Representing Individuals in Des Moines, Iowa in Paternity Matters
When a child is born outside of marriage, parents often face uncertainty about legal rights, responsibilities, and future involvement. Questions may arise regarding parenting time, decision-making authority, financial support, and how legal parentage is established. Without formal court action, these matters can remain unclear or difficult to enforce. At Stange Law Firm, PC, we represent individuals in Des Moines, Iowa and throughout Polk County in paternity matters and help parents establish clear, legally recognized arrangements under Iowa law.
Paternity provides the legal foundation for resolving many parenting-related issues. Once parentage is established and issues relating to DNA testing and the birth certificate are resolved, the court has the authority to define each parent’s role and responsibilities in a way that promotes stability and the child’s best interests. Our attorneys work with parents to move from uncertainty to enforceable legal solutions.
What Paternity Establishes Under Iowa Law
Paternity is the legal recognition of a parent-child relationship. Once established, Iowa courts may address a variety of issues that affect a child’s daily life and long-term well-being, including:
Parenting time schedules
Allocation of decision-making authority
Financial support obligations
Access to benefits such as inheritance rights, insurance coverage, and government benefits
Until paternity is legally established, a parent’s ability to seek court orders may be limited. Establishing paternity allows the court to clearly define rights and responsibilities moving forward.
How Paternity Is Established in Des Moines, Iowa
Under Iowa law, paternity may be established in more than one way, depending on the circumstances:
Paternity Affidavit
Parents may sign a paternity affidavit, which is a legal document voluntarily acknowledging parentage. This can often be completed shortly after a child’s birth or at a later time.Court Order
Either parent may file an action asking the court to determine paternity. In some cases, the Polk County child support recovery unit may also initiate proceedings. Paternity may be established by agreement, by DNA testing, or by a court determination based on evidence.
Once paternity is established, the court may proceed with addressing parenting time, decision-making authority, and financial support.
DNA Testing and Birth Certificate Considerations
DNA testing is commonly used in Iowa paternity cases when parentage is disputed or uncertain. Court-ordered genetic testing provides reliable evidence that can be used to establish legal parentage.
After paternity is confirmed, birth-certificate issues may also be addressed. This can include:
Adding a parent’s name to the child’s birth certificate
Correcting or amending an existing birth certificate
Ensuring official records accurately reflect legal parentage
Our attorneys assist clients with both the legal determination of paternity and the related administrative steps that often follow.
Rights and Responsibilities After Paternity Is Established
Once paternity is legally recognized, Iowa courts may address:
Parenting Time
Orders that define when and how each parent spends time with the child.Decision-Making Authority
Allocation of responsibility for major decisions involving education, health care, and other significant matters.Financial Support
Financial support obligations calculated using Iowa’s child support guidelines, which consider income and parenting arrangements.
These determinations are guided by the child’s best interests and are intended to provide consistency and long-term stability.
Issues That Can Complicate Paternity Matters in Polk County
Some paternity cases involve additional challenges, including:
Disagreements about parentage
Refusal to cooperate with DNA testing
Presumed-parent issues related to marriage
A parent not listed on the child’s birth certificate
Communication breakdowns between parents
When complications arise, legal guidance can help ensure the process is handled correctly and that rights and obligations are properly addressed.
Legal Guidance Focused on Clear, Enforceable Outcomes
Paternity cases are about more than confirming biological relationships—they are about creating workable legal frameworks for the future. Stange Law Firm, PC works with parents to pursue court orders that clarify expectations, reduce conflict, and provide enforceable solutions that can be relied upon over time.
Our attorneys explain how Iowa law applies to your situation, outline available options, and guide you through each stage of the process.
Contact a Des Moines, Iowa Paternity Attorney
If you need assistance establishing paternity, addressing DNA testing or birth-certificate issues, securing parenting time, or resolving financial support matters in Des Moines or Polk County, Stange Law Firm, PC is prepared to assist.
Stange Law Firm, PC – Polk County (Des Moines) Office
📞 515-706-9130
📍 400 Locust Street, Suite 358, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
By appointment only.
