Child Support Enforcement Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Dedicated Legal Support for Child Support Enforcement in Des Moines, Iowa

When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, it can place an unfair financial and emotional burden on the other parent and, most importantly, on the child. Child support is not optional—it is a court-ordered responsibility designed to ensure that children have access to the food, housing, healthcare, education, and stability they deserve. Unfortunately, many parents in Iowa find themselves in the difficult position of enforcing an existing support order when payments are missed, inconsistent, or intentionally avoided.

At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines child support enforcement attorney understands how stressful and frustrating this experience can be. You should not have to struggle to meet your child’s needs while the other parent shirks their legal duties. With more than 20 years of family law experience, we provide knowledgeable, compassionate, and results-driven representation to help you hold the other party accountable and secure the financial support your child is owed.

We also represent parents falling behind on support due to circumstances beyond their control and want to resolve their situation legally and respectfully before enforcement escalates. No matter your position, we are here to help you move forward with dignity and clarity, starting with an initial consultation.

What Legal Options Are Available When Child Support Isn’t Paid in Iowa?

If a parent falls behind on child support, you do not have to face the situation alone. Iowa law offers several mechanisms to enforce support orders and recover overdue payments. These enforcement tools are designed to compel compliance and ensure the child continues to receive the support they need.

Depending on your circumstances, our attorney may help you pursue enforcement through the following:

• Wage garnishment– Child support payments can be automatically deducted from the non-paying parent’s paycheck.
• Seizure of tax refunds or stimulus payments– State and federal tax returns may be intercepted to cover arrears.
• Bank account levies– Funds can be recovered directly from the non-paying parent’s checking or savings account.
• License suspension– The state may suspend driver’s, professional, or even hunting/fishing licenses for nonpayment.
• Liens on property– Legal claims can be placed on a parent’s home, car, or other assets until support is paid.
• Contempt of court proceedings– In severe cases, the court may find a non-paying parent in contempt, which can lead to fines or jail time.

Our goal is to resolve your case efficiently, without unnecessary conflict, and in a way that ultimately benefits your child’s financial and emotional security.

What If the Other Iowa Parent Claims They Can’t Pay Child Support?

Sometimes, a parent may stop making payments due to job loss, illness, or other significant life changes. While Iowa law recognizes that real financial hardships can arise, these changes do not excuse nonpayment. Instead, the obligated parent must take the proper legal steps to request a child support order modification based on their current circumstances.

Failing to pay without modifying the order leaves that parent vulnerable to enforcement actions and legal consequences.

Our attorney helps clients:

• Review whether the non-paying parent has a legitimate hardship or is simply avoiding payment.
• Request financial disclosures to evaluate income and assets.
• Enforce the current order when nonpayment is unjustified.
• Assist in modification petitions when the paying parent needs to request a fair adjustment

We believe in fairness, and children should never bear the brunt of financial disputes between adults.

Can Missed Child Support Be Collected Retroactively in Iowa?

In Iowa, past-due child support, often called “arrears,” remains legally collectible, even years after the payments were missed. If the court order was never modified or terminated, the unpaid amounts continue to accrue and can be enforced retroactively.

Our lawyer can help you:

• Calculate the total amount of overdue support.
• File a motion with the court to enforce arrears.
• Pursue repayment through income withholding or asset seizure.

We understand that every missed payment matters when you’re trying to raise a child. Our legal strategy will be tailored to recover what your child is owed while minimizing the burden on you.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Child Support Enforcement in Iowa?

While state agencies can assist with child support enforcement, they are often overwhelmed and limited in providing personalized attention. Working with a private attorney gives you access to dedicated legal representation focused on your case, timeline, and goals.

At Feitelson Law Firm, our child support enforcement services include:

• Reviewing the original child support order.
• Gathering evidence of nonpayment.
• Communicating with the other parent or their legal counsel.
• Filing motions for enforcement or contempt.
• Representing you in court hearings.
• Coordinating with the Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit when necessary.

We approach enforcement cases with sensitivity and determination. Whether you’re enforcing or responding to a child support order, we’re here to ensure the law works as intended—to support your child.

We Also Focus on the Following Areas:

• Adoptions
• Child Custody 
• Child Support
• Fathers’ Rights
• Paternity
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence
• Modification of Child Support or Modification of Custody
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Spousal Support

Take Action Today to Protect Your Child’s Well-Being: Contact Feitelson Law Firm

If you are owed child support and the other parent is not following through, it’s time to take action. Delaying enforcement can worsen the situation and deprive your child of critical resources. At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines child support enforcement attorney will take the time to listen, evaluate your case, and explain your options clearly and respectfully.

We are committed to helping Iowa parents resolve support disputes with integrity and efficiency. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the financial support your child is entitled to receive.