My daughter is 9 (almost 10) and we haven't seen her father since she was 18 months old. He doesnt pay support regularly, has made claims that she isnt his (but didnt contest the paternity test), and has at least two other children that I know about. My daughter receives about $50 a month, so the money is completely inconsequential and the loss of that meager income is not a concern. I don't even really want his money, but I needed it in the past when I was raising her on my own.
I have met a wonderful caring man and am deeply in love with the full intention to get married. I want my daughter to have the stability of a good, reliable, decent man in her life, and I'm unsure of how to go about notifying her father that I want him to relinquish his rights. I want him to know that he is giving that up before we begin the process. What are the laws in Iowa regarding this?

Congratulations on your new relationship. I can understand it is a frustrating situation for you with your daughter's father. It is sometimes possible for a step-parent to adopt the child and the father to relinuish his rights. I suggest you speak to an attorney regarding your legal options. You can find one through the attorney locator service on LawInfo's home page at: http://www.lawinfo.com/. Some do offer free consultations.