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Grandparent Visitation

Iowa Code § 600C.1 — a petition only when the grandchild's parent, the grandparent's child, has died

A grandparent or great-grandparent may petition for visitation when the child's parent who is the grandparent's child, or the great-grandparent's grandchild, has died.

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  • A fit parent's decision to deny visitation is presumed to be in the child's best interest, and the court considers the parent's objections.
  • Visitation is granted only on clear and convincing evidence that it is in the child's best interest, that the petitioner had a substantial relationship with the child before filing, and that the parent is unfit or the parent's judgment is impaired.
  • Impaired judgment may be shown by neglect, abuse or violence toward the child, indifference, unwillingness to promote the child's well being, substance use disorder, or a diagnosis of mental illness.
Sources for this section (1)
  1. Iowa Code § 600C.1 — Grandparent and great-grandparent visitation

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.

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