Legal Question in Family Law in Iowa

What is the law for a change of venue for child custody. The father who hasn't had anything to do with the child for 3 years now wants joint custody due to his mother. The mother of the child is a teacher and is the sole supporter of the child. The court they filed in is across the state. They were never married. After their child was born the father said he wasn't ready to be a father and has never paid for anything. We are just looking for the rules of the change of venue to see if it is possible.

Thank you for your help.


Asked on 9/27/09, 5:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

The problem you've got is you got beat to the courthouse. Had you filed first the ball would have been in your court. Changes of venue are a matter committed to the discretion of the court and in civil matters they are severely limited. Iowa Rule of Court 1.801 governs and it does not seem to fit the facts you've set out. You can check it out yourself at:

http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Rules2.html

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Answered on 9/27/09, 3:13 pm


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