Iowa City Child Custody Attorneys

Protecting Your Parental Rights in Johnson County

Few legal matters are as important or as stressful as child custody. Custody disputes affect your relationship with your children and your role in their upbringing for years to come. 

At Hope Law Firm, our Iowa City child custody attorneys provide steady guidance and strong advocacy to help parents protect their rights and create custody arrangements that put children first.

With decades of combined experience, including over 100 trials and 1,000+ mediations, our family law team is skilled in both resolving custody disputes outside of court and fighting for clients inside the courtroom. We understand that every family is different, and we tailor our strategies to your goals and your child’s best interests.

Why Parents Trust Hope Law Firm

• Extensive Custody Experience: Thousands of family law cases handled across Iowa, including contested custody disputes.
• Mediation Strength: Accredited mediators on staff help resolve disputes without unnecessary litigation.
• Trial-Tested Lawyers: More than 100 bench and jury trials tried in Iowa courts.
• Client-Centered Counsel: Compassionate guidance paired with assertive advocacy when your rights are on the line.

Call (515) 298-5056 today to discuss your custody matter with an Iowa City custody attorney.

Client Testimonials

Parents turn to us when everything is on the line for their families:

"Steve helped me get custody of my daughter"

He was also very fair and flexible with his billing which I was beyond grateful for. – Former Client

"Her knowledge of the court system put my mind at ease."

Katie Naset is amazing! I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a divorce or custody situation. – Former Client

"Can't say enough good things"

Jennifer did a wonderful job for my son in his custody case and continues to help when problems arise. – Former Client

Read more client testimonials.

Types of Custody in Iowa 

Understanding custody terminology is critical for parents entering this process. In Iowa, custody is divided into two main categories, and courts may award joint or sole arrangements depending on the facts of the case.

• Legal Custody: Grants parents the right to make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as medical care, education, and religious training. Iowa courts generally favor joint legal custody because it allows both parents to remain actively involved in important decisions, unless there is evidence that joint custody would harm the child.
• Physical Custody: Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. This can be joint physical custody (with time divided between parents) or sole physical custody (where the child primarily lives with one parent and the other has visitation rights). The specific schedule — whether alternating weeks, weekends, or another arrangement — depends on what the court deems workable and in the child’s best interests.
• Visitation (Parenting Time): Even when one parent has primary physical custody, Iowa law encourages meaningful parenting time with the other parent. Courts may craft detailed schedules, including holidays and school breaks, to maintain continuity and minimize conflict.

Key Factors Courts Consider 

Courts in Johnson County and throughout Iowa use the “best interests of the child” standard as their guiding principle. Judges weigh numerous factors, and no single one is decisive. Among the most significant:

• The Child’s Age and Developmental Needs: Younger children often require more stability, while older children may have extracurricular and social needs that influence custody schedules.
• Parental Capacity and Stability: Courts assess each parent’s ability to provide consistent housing, nutrition, medical care, and emotional support. Employment stability and work schedules are also considered.
• Existing Bonds: Judges consider the strength of the child’s current relationship with each parent and may seek to preserve continuity in schooling, community, and friendships.
• Parental Cooperation: Courts look for parents who can communicate respectfully and support the child’s relationship with the other parent. A parent who attempts to alienate the child from the other parent may be viewed unfavorably.
• Safety Concerns: Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect carries substantial weight, as courts must prioritize the child’s safety.
• Child’s Preferences: While never controlling, the wishes of a mature child may influence the outcome, particularly when coupled with other factors supporting that preference.

The Custody Process in Iowa 

Although each custody case is unique, parents in Johnson County can generally expect the following steps:

1. Filing a Petition: One parent initiates the process by filing a petition for custody, either as part of a divorce or as a separate case.
2. Temporary Orders: Courts may issue temporary orders for custody, visitation, and support to stabilize the situation while the case is pending.
3. Mediation Requirement: Most Iowa courts, including those in Johnson County, require parents to attempt mediation before trial. Mediation gives parents a chance to create their own agreement with the help of a neutral mediator, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
4. Discovery and Evaluation: In more complex cases, parties exchange information (such as financial disclosures or medical records). Courts may also appoint custody evaluators or guardians ad litem to investigate and make recommendations.
5. Hearing or Trial: If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial. Both parents present evidence and testimony, and the judge makes binding decisions.
6. Final Order: The court issues a custody order, including parenting schedules and child support obligations, which remains in effect unless modified in the future.

Modifying Custody Orders 

Life circumstances change, and custody orders can be modified when a substantial change occurs. Common grounds for modification include:

• A parent’s relocation or change in employment that disrupts the existing schedule.
• A child’s evolving needs, such as changes in schooling, health, or extracurricular activities.
• Evidence of parental misconduct, neglect, or inability to provide a stable environment.
• Agreement by both parents to alter the arrangement.

Our attorneys help parents evaluate whether a modification is justified, file the necessary petitions, and present compelling evidence to the court when change is warranted. Conversely, we defend clients against unnecessary or disruptive modifications that could undermine their child’s stability.

Child Custody FAQ

Do Iowa Courts Favor Mothers Over Fathers In Custody Cases?

No. Iowa law does not give preference to either parent based on gender. Decisions are made based on the child’s best interests.

Can My Child Decide Which Parent To Live With?

A child’s preference may be considered if they are of sufficient age and maturity, but it is never the sole deciding factor.

What If My Ex Denies My Visitation Rights?

If the other parent wrongfully denies visitation, you may need to file a motion to enforce the custody order. Courts take violations of custody orders seriously.

Can Custody Orders Be Changed Later?

Yes. Custody and visitation orders may be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as relocation, safety concerns, or the child’s evolving needs.

How Long Does The Custody Process Take?

Timelines vary. Uncontested custody cases can move relatively quickly, while contested cases may take months due to mediation, evaluations, and hearings.

Call For a Consultation: (515) 298-5056

Your children’s future is too important to leave to chance. At Hope Law Firm, our Iowa City custody attorneys are here to fight for your parental rights and advocate for custody arrangements that truly serve your child’s best interests.

Call (515) 298-5056 today to schedule a consultation.