A bill for an act relating to paternity and the obligation of parents for support of children.

This Iowa bill (SF 81) clarifies and expands who can seek child support from a father after paternity is established. It allows the child’s mother, third parties who provided support to the mother, or child welfare authorities (if a child might become a public charge) to file claims. Key changes include enabling enforcement against a father’s estate after death and specifying that paternity established through court, genetic testing, or written acknowledgment creates enforceable support obligations. The bill also adds procedural details, such as requiring court approval for post-birth trials and allowing testimony from deceased mothers via deposition. It directly affects children, mothers, fathers, and third parties who have provided financial support.