a teenage parents’ rights to their children are the same as any other parent, and the parent-child relationship is constitutionally protected. There is a presumption that a child’s best interests are best served by leaving the child in the care of the child’s parents. There is no distinction under Iowa law between adult parents or minor parents. However, when parents are teenagers the court is much more likely to question the parents’ maturity levels.

In order for a court to enter a binding order in a paternity case, it must have both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction. The case must also be filed in the proper venue, meaning the correct county court within the state. Subject matter jurisdiction, is the court’s ability to hear the particular type of case at hand. In Illinois the state circuit courts have subject matter jurisdiction over paternity cases. This means that paternity cases should be filed in state court rather than federal court.

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client.