Iowa's Laws on Living Expenses

Iowa

1. • Legal costs relating to termination of parental rights and adoption
2. • Pregnancy and birth-related medical care for the birth mother and child
3. • Living expenses of the mother, including room, board, food, and transportation for medical purposes only
4. • Counseling provided to the birth parents
5. • Foster care for the child, if needed

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed Statute: § 600.9(2)

1. • Living expenses other than those listed above, and not to extend beyond 30 days after the child's birth
2. • Counseling beyond 60 days after the child's birth

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption Statute: § 600.9(1)(b)

 Any person assisting in the placement or adoption of a child shall not charge a fee that is more than usual, necessary, and commensurate with the services rendered.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child Statute: § 600.9(1)(a)

 Except for an allowable expense, a birth parent shall not receive any thing of value for placing a child for adoption.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency Statute: § 600.8(6)

1. • A fee may be charged for any required investigations.
2. • The fee may not exceed the reasonable cost of services rendered that is based on a sliding scale relating to the person's ability to pay.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court Statute: § 600.9(2) A petitioner shall file with the court a full accounting, in a report prescribed by the court, signed and verified, of all disbursements made in connection with the adoption.

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