This bill amends existing Iowa law regarding child custody and visitation rights by allowing children aged 16 and older to request a hearing to modify court orders related to their physical care and visitation. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph in Section 598.21C and a new subsection in Section 598.41, which stipulates that courts must grant a child's preference for physical care and visitation unless there is clear and convincing evidence of coercion, imminent danger to the child, or that such a change would effectively prohibit a parent from exercising their rights to raise the child.

Additionally, the bill outlines several factors that courts must consider when determining whether a parent would be effectively prohibited from exercising their rights, including visitation frequency and the parents' ability to make significant decisions for the child. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not limit a court's authority to issue protective orders to safeguard a child's welfare. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.21C, 598.41