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A great experience with a lawyer, and fairly cheap too. He will always give you all the options, talk you threw the options, and will tell you some odds. He explains any question and doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. The easiest time I had with a lawyer ever. Highly Highly recommend.
I hired Jeremy for my child custody case. He is incredibly knowledgeable but also speaks to you in a way that’s very direct and easy to understand. He was very thorough and always responded quickly. He showed up to trial extremely prepared and always did a good job of helping put my mind at ease. I would absolutely recommend him, and I’ll hire him again in a heartbeat if I ever need anything else.
Jeremy is absolutely amazing!!! Very professional and does a great job of explaining processes. He has done a great job handling all of our family needs!!! High recommend Feitelson Law Firm!!!
Fathers play a vital role in their children’s lives, offering emotional support, guidance, stability, and love. Yet, when family structures change—through separation, divorce, or the end of a non-marital relationship—fathers often worry that their parental rights may be overlooked or minimized in court. Whether you’re seeking custody, parenting time, or decision-making authority, you deserve to have your voice heard and your relationship with your child respected.
At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines fathers’ rights attorney is committed to protecting and asserting fathers’ legal rights throughout Iowa. With over 20 years of family law experience, we know how to navigate the courts, challenge outdated assumptions, and fight for fair outcomes in custody, visitation, child support, and paternity matters. We aim to ensure you remain active, involved, and respected in your child’s life—because your role as a father matters.
Whether you’re facing a custody dispute, establishing paternity, or modifying an existing court order, we’ll stand by your side and advocate for your rights as a parent, starting with a free consultation.
Under Iowa law, mothers and fathers are entitled to equal consideration regarding child custody. The court does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Instead, all custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests, which includes maintaining strong relationships with both parents whenever possible.
Despite this legal standard, many fathers still encounter challenges, especially if they were not the primary caregiver or if they were never married to the child’s mother. Our attorney helps fathers present their strengths and demonstrate their commitment to their child’s well-being clearly and compellingly.
We work with fathers to build a case that reflects their strengths as caregivers and protectors—and to ensure their rights are recognized throughout the custody process.
For unmarried fathers, asserting parental rights requires an extra step: establishing legal paternity. In Iowa, even if the unmarried father’s name is on the birth certificate, it doesn’t automatically grant him full legal rights and responsibilities. However, it’s a crucial first step towards establishing paternity, which is necessary for him to gain those rights.
Without legal paternity, a father cannot seek custody or visitation and may not have a say in critical decisions about the child’s upbringing.
Establishing paternity gives you:
Our Des Moines attorney helps fathers file paternity actions, respond to paternity claims, and request DNA testing when necessary. Once paternity is established, we guide you through the following steps—negotiating a parenting plan or petitioning the court for custody.
While joint custody is shared in Iowa, fathers can obtain sole or primary custody in cases in the child’s best interest. Courts are focused on stability, safety, and the child’s long-term well-being—not gender roles or outdated stereotypes.
A father may be awarded primary physical custody if:
Our attorney will review the facts of your case, gather evidence of your involvement and parenting strengths, and present a compelling argument to the court. We know your relationship with your child is essential—and we will fight to protect it.
Even when one parent is awarded primary physical custody, the other parent—often the father—is still entitled to meaningful parenting time unless there are compelling reasons to limit it. Courts recognize that regular and consistent contact with both parents benefits a child’s emotional and developmental well-being.
Parenting time, also called visitation, may be:
At Feitelson Law Firm, we help fathers secure parenting plans that foster strong, lasting relationships. We also represent fathers in enforcement and modification actions if the other parent refuses to follow the schedule or circumstances change.
It’s not uncommon for fathers to face interference after a divorce or paternity order. You may be denied your scheduled visitation, excluded from school or medical decisions, or blocked from communicating with your child. These actions are unfair and may violate the law and your existing court order.
Parental interference can take many forms, including:
Our attorney will take swift legal action to protect your parental rights. This may include filing a motion to enforce the order, seeking a modification, or requesting court sanctions against the other parent.
Yes. As life changes, so do the needs of families and children. If you’ve experienced a substantial change in circumstances, you may be eligible to modify your custody, visitation, or child support order. For fathers, this can be a valuable way to gain more time with your child, reduce unfair financial burdens, or update a plan that no longer works.
Reasons to request a modification may include:
Feitelson Law Firm helps fathers navigate the legal process to modify orders and advocate for arrangements that reflect current realities. We’ll ensure your request is supported by evidence and focused on what’s best for your child.
Legal advocacy for fathers goes beyond simply knowing the law—it requires a strategic, compassionate approach that addresses the emotional and practical realities of parenting. At Feitelson Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges fathers face in Iowa’s family law system, and we are committed to helping you protect your role, your rights, and your relationship with your child.
We assist fathers with:
You deserve legal representation that sees you as more than a paycheck or an afterthought. Our lawyer works closely with each client to develop a strong, personalized legal strategy based on facts, family goals, and your child’s well-being.
Being a father is one of life’s most important responsibilities—and rights. Whether you’re building a parenting plan, protecting your time with your child, or asserting your legal rights in court, Feitelson Law Firm is here to support you.
Contact our Des Moines fathers’ rights attorney today to schedule a consultation. We’ll answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you build a path forward that keeps your child at the center of every decision.
Yes. Iowa courts can issue emergency custody orders when a child faces immediate physical harm or danger. You must file an ex parte motion demonstrating the urgent risk to your child’s safety or well-being. The court typically schedules a hearing within a few days and will review supporting evidence such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements. These orders are temporary and remain in effect until a full hearing is held.
If the mother is struggling with substance abuse, you may petition the court for custody modification or request supervised visitation. Iowa law prioritizes child safety, and courts take substance use very seriously in custody matters. You’ll need to present credible evidence such as arrest records, drug test results, or witness statements. The court may require drug testing, treatment participation, or even award primary custody if the situation warrants it.Your Des Moines father’s rights attorney can help you build a strong case to show the child’s best interest.
Generally, you must live in Iowa for at least six months before the court can make a final custody determination. However, you may be able to seek temporary relief or address custody matters in the child’s previous state depending on the circumstances. Speaking with one of our father’s rights attorneys in Des Moines can help you understand your legal rights in regards to custody of your child or children.
Remarriage does not automatically alter an existing custody order. However, if the new marriage significantly impacts the child’s best interests, either parent may request a modification. Iowa courts may examine household stability, your spouse’s relationship with the child, or relocation plans. Similarly, if the child’s mother remarries, your rights remain intact unless her new spouse seeks adoption.
Parental alienation is the effort to damage or interfere with the parent-child relationship, and it is taken seriously by Iowa courts. You can file a motion for contempt if court orders are being violated or request custody modification. Keep records of behaviors like negative comments, interference with calls, or denied visitation. Courts may order counseling, adjust parenting time, or modify custody in severe cases.
Yes. A substantial and ongoing change in your work schedule can justify a custody modification. You must demonstrate how the change affects your ability to follow the existing parenting plan and how the modification would benefit your child. Courts consider whether the new schedule offers more quality time or better fits the child’s routine. Our firm assists fathers in documenting employment changes and presenting strong arguments for updated arrangements.
If you suspect you are not the biological father, you can petition for genetic testing. Iowa permits paternity challenges in specific circumstances, especially if you signed an Affidavit of Paternity or were married to the child’s mother at the time of birth. If testing disproves paternity, you can request to disestablish paternity and end child support obligations. However, the court also considers the child’s best interests and your established relationship. Prompt action is essential. Feitelson Law Firm will help you understand your rights and any applicable deadlines.
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