Thompson Ex Rel. Thompson v. Collins

SNELL, Presiding Judge.

The marriage of Kenneth and Linda Thompson was dissolved on January 16, 1979. Linda was awarded custody of their minor child, Matthew Alan Thompson, born on July 19, 1978. Kenneth was awarded reasonable visitation and ordered to pay $150 per month child support.

While the dissolution action was pending, Kenneth moved to Colorado. He had no contact with Matthew for seven years thereafter and paid no child support. In September of 1985, Linda died suddenly. Kenneth returned to Iowa for her funeral and hoped to take custody of Matthew at that time. Linda’s brother, Dennis…