Iowa Child Support

Calculate and Collect Your Child Support

Get the right child support for your state now. Child Support is an important part of your monthly budget. Shouldn't you be sure the amount is correct? Calculate what your support should be OR calculate the arrears owed to you.

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Iowa child support, like the support in all states, has been directly impacted by Federal Law.  The Federal Government undertook studies to determine how much support was available to children in intact families and then promulgated a series of laws and regulations that compel the states to implement child support guidelines based on those studies.  The Federal Government's intent was to ensure that children would continue to receive the same level of support if their families divided.  For Iowa to continue to receive Federal Funding, Iowa must implement those guidelines.   These Federal laws also govern the support collection and enforcement laws in Iowa as well as the other states.

Iowa child support can be assessed against either or both parents. In calculating the presumptively correct amount of child support, the Court will apply state guidelines. The Court will also consider the following factors (1) the child's need for close contact with both parents; (2) the recognition of joint parental responsibilities for the welfare of the child; and (3) consideration of each case's individual facts. After applying the guidelines, the Court may adjust the amount of child support to be ordered based upon fairness or special needs of the child.

Iowa child support may be paid directly to the custodial parent or paid directly to the Court. Payments made to the Court, upon receipt, will be disbursed to the custodial parent. Such mechanisms aid in collecting child support payments.

Iowa child support may be modified if the party requesting the change can show that there has been a drastic change in circumstances. Factors which the Court may consider in modification cases include the parent’s income and earning capacity, assets that are available for support, new family responsibilities, increased costs of living and health conditions of parents and the child.