What Happens if the Father’s Name is Not on the Birth Certificate in Iowa?

Article written by Illinois & Iowa Attorney Kevin O’Flaherty

In this article, we answer the question, “What happens if the father’s name is not on the birth certificate in Iowa?” We’ll address the following:

• What rights does a father have if he is not on the birth certificate in Iowa?
• Why would a father not be on the birth certificate in Iowa?
• How a child is affected when the father’s name is not on the birth certificate
• What can a father do if he is not listed on the birth certificate in Iowa?
• Can a father be added to a birth certificate? What if the wrong father is listed?

What rights does a father have if he is not on the birth certificate in Iowa?

By signing a baby’s birth certificate, a father acknowledges his legal relationship with the child. But whether by choice or circumstance, a father whose name is not listed on a birth certificate does not have any legal rights to a child. This includes asking for custody, visitation, or child support. On the same token, a mother cannot seek child support from a man not listed as the father on a child’s birth certificate.