DNA Test - Ames, IA

Ames, IA - DNA Testing

Ames Woman Uses DNA Test to Find Her Father After 30 Years

For more than 30 years, Ames resident Kristene Feldhaus didn't know much about her father. When she was just three years old, he left her and her mother, fleeing the state after allegedly robbing a Story County bank. Then, he essentially disappeared. For nearly three decades, the family had no communication with him. Feldhaus said, "The whole family pretty much had no idea where Dad went to."

Finally, a DNA test solved the mystery. The results led her to an archived story from the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, which revealed that her father, James Wray Miller, had died while trying to save three people who were drowning in the Sacramento River. At the time, he was categorized as a "John Doe" and his ashes were held at a coroner's office. By comparing DNA test results from Miller, Feldhaus, and Feldhaus's grandmother, his identity was confirmed. Feldhaus was able to retrieve the ashes and says she feels better knowing her "dad passed away trying to help people and trying to do the right thing."

Iowa's Voluntary Paternity Affidavit Program

According to information provided by Iowa State University in Ames, the state's Voluntary Paternity Affidavit Program is a free and easy way for unmarried parents to establish legal paternity. It can be done at the hospital when the child is born or at a later date. Unlike many states, there is no time limit for using a VPA to establish paternity.

While establishing paternity does not automatically give a man visitation and custody rights, he must have taken this step before he can petition the courts to establish these rights. A legal father also has an obligation to provide financial support for his child. Once paternity is established, the child's mother can request an order for child support and medical support.

Dis-establishing Paternity in Iowa

If a mother is married when her child is born, her husband automatically becomes the child's legal father, even if he is not the biological father. If a husband believes another man has fathered the child, he can petition the courts to disestablish paternity.

It is also possible to rescind a voluntary affidavit of paternity. This is often done if a man signs an affidavit and then later has doubts that he is the child's biological father. In this case, he can sign a cancellation/rescission affidavit within 60 days of signing the original affidavit or within 20 days of receiving court documents regarding child support or custody (whichever comes first). The recession form can be obtained from the Iowa Department of Public Health and filed with the State Registrar. In Ames, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services office is located at 126 S Kellogg Ave #101. In this case, the man will need to submit to DNA testing to prove that he is not the child's father.

Last updated 4/13/2023