Iowa Senate Bill SF397

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 6/5/23
• Refer: 2/23/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to paternity and the obligation of parents for support of children.

Impact

By enabling alleged fathers to seek paternity declarations, SF397 enhances the rights of fathers within the state’s legal system, potentially leading to more balanced child support agreements and parental responsibilities. The bill maintains the existing legal structure around paternity but modernizes it to reflect contemporary family dynamics, which may result in more children receiving appropriate support from both parents. The amendments to the existing Code chapter 600B are also expected to ease the process by streamlining the request for blood or genetic testing when establishing paternity.

Summary

Senate File 397, initiated by Senator Evans, addresses various aspects of paternity law and the obligations of parents regarding child support in Iowa. The bill significantly expands the framework under which paternity can be established, allowing both mothers and alleged fathers to request court proceedings to determine paternity and associated financial responsibilities. This eliminates previous restrictions where only mothers or specific authorities could initiate these proceedings, thereby promoting a more equitable approach to addressing paternity cases.

Contention

The bill has prompted discussions around its implementation, particularly in terms of its impact on family law practice and the resources required by the courts. Opponents raise concerns over possible disputes that could arise from increased paternity claims, particularly in terms of emotional implications for children and the potential for legal complexities in establishing parental rights. Proponents argue that the bill is a step forward in ensuring that both parents can be involved in a child's life, regardless of the child's birth circumstances.