Iowa
Categorical Right To Counsel
Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
No Such Proceeding
No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
Other
Doesn't Affect
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
Legislation
June 15, 2020
Iowa pilot will allow early appointment of counsel for parents
A bill passed in 2020 will allow the public defender to appoint counsel for parents prior to formal dependency proceedings.
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Doesn't Affect
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
Legislation
March 31, 2025
HF373
Requires the appointment of counsel for youth age 10 and older. A child younger than 10 would be appointed counsel and a GAL.
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April 3, 2025
HF953
Requires the appointment of counsel for youth age 10 and older. A child younger than 10 would be appointed counsel and a GAL.
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Discretionary
Custody Disputes - Children
Legislation
Key Development
April 5, 2017
Iowa enacts law separating GAL and attorney roles for children in custody cases
A 2017 law separates the role of guardian ad litem and attorney for children in custody cases.
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Doesn't Affect
Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
Pilot
September 26, 2016
NIJ study released on effect of counsel for DV victims
A study on the impact of providing counsel for DV victims was conducted by the University of Iowa and Iowa Legal Aid.
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Discretionary
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
Legislation
Key Development
May 2, 2019
Iowa adds discretionary appointment of counsel for kids in guardianship cases
If the court finds that a minor's interests are or may be inadequately represented, it shall appoint counsel.
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Categorical
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
Legislation
Key Development
May 2, 2019
Iowa adds right to counsel for parents in guardianship cases
Indigent objecting parents have the right to counsel upon request in minor guardianship matters.
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Doesn't Affect
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
Legislation
January 1, 2014
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for parents in private adoption proceedings.
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Categorical
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
Qualified
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
Categorical
Adult Protective Proceedings - Protected Person
Categorical
Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
Categorical
Civil Commitment
Discretionary
Custody Disputes - Children
Categorical
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
Discretionary
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
Categorical
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
Discretionary
Housing - Discrimination
Categorical
Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
Discretionary
Issues Related to Incarcerated People
Qualified
Other subject area
Categorical
Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment
Qualified
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
Qualified
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
Categorical
Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
Qualified
Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
No Such Proceeding