600A.1 Construction. 1. This chapter shall be construed liberally. The best interest of the child subject to the proceedings of this chapter shall be the paramount consideration in interpreting this chapter.However, the interests of the parents of this child or any natural person standing in the placeof the parents to this child shall be given due consideration in this interpretation. 2. The best interest of a child requires that each biological parent affirmatively assume the duties encompassed by the role of being a parent. In determining whether a parent hasaffirmatively assumed the duties of a parent, the court shall consider, but is not limited toconsideration of, the fulfillment of financial obligations, demonstration of continued interestin the child, demonstration of a genuine effort to maintain communication with the child, anddemonstration of the establishment and maintenance of a place of importance in the child’slife. Application of this chapter is limited to termination of parental rights proceedings andshall not apply to actions to establish paternity or to overcome established paternity. nce in the child’slife. Application of this chapter is limited to termination of parental rights proceedings andshall not apply to actions to establish paternity or to overcome established paternity. [C77, 79, 81, §600A.1]94 Acts, ch 1174, §12, 22; 2018 Acts, ch 1041, §127 Sat Dec 23 11:13:46 2023 Iowa Code 2024, Section 600A.1 (20, 0)
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