Rule 8.20 Motions to vacate an order for termination of parental rights

If a parent's rights to their child have been terminated under Iowa Code chapter 600A, and that parent wants to ask the court to cancel or undo that decision, they have only 30 days from the date of the order to file that request. This applies to both biological parents and putative parents, meaning someone who may be the father but hasn't been legally confirmed yet.

This 30-day deadline is strict. The court cannot give extra time, even if there's a good reason for the delay. Once the 30 days pass, the parent loses the chance to ask the court to vacate the termination order through this process.

If you're in this situation, it's important to act fast. Waiting even a few days past the deadline could mean losing your only chance to challenge the termination.