Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 600A.7. Termination hearing--forum non conveniens

1. The hearing on termination of parental rights shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of sections 232.91 through 232.96 and otherwise in accordance with the rules of civil procedure. Such hearing shall be held no earlier than one week after the child is born.

2. Relevant information, including that contained in reports, studies or examinations and testified to by interested persons, may be admitted into evidence at the hearing and relied upon to the extent of its probative value. When such information is so admitted, the person submitting it or testifying shall be subject to both direct and cross-examination by a necessary party.

3. If a putative father files a declaration of paternity pursuant to section 144.12A, the putative father or the mother of the child may request that paternity be established pursuant to section 600B.41 prior to the granting of a dismissal of the petition to terminate parental rights.