Legal Question in Family Law in Iowa

I am a divorced dad that has been trying to get more custody time with my 2 girls. They have expressed to me they would love 50/50. My ex has primary care and I see them every Wed and then every other weekend. My girls go to counseling and have expressed it to their counselor also.

I work full time and have a part time job because I am now engaged after almost 6 years of divorce. My ex remarried within 2 years of the separation.

My girls are of the ages 10 and 12. They are both Honor students and my oldest has been babysitting since the separation for her sister, now she and my youngest watch their two younger half-sisters. They are asked to get up at 5:45 am to get them ready before they go to school.

So I approached my attorney asking what my rights are because of the girls wanting more time with their dad. He told me as long as they are with me and I express they should go to their moms when my visitation time is up, that I cannot make them go if they don�t want to. And their mother cannot come drag them away from my house.

Now I received a call this morning from my attorney because this actually did happen this past week. Their mom had retained a new lawyer and they got in touch with my attorney stating that if it happens again that I will be found in contempt.

I need to know what are my rights as a father. I have no criminal record, don�t do drugs, I do not abuse my kids or even own any weapons in the house that may hurt them.

All I want is peace and the ability to work with my ex. We have even spoken to the girls counselor and she stated it will never happen. I am at my whit�s end. I do not know what to do. What is your advice.

Thank you

Donavon Nelson

Dubuque, IA

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