Child Support Modification Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Reliable Legal Guidance for Child Support Modification in Des Moines, Iowa

When a child support order is first established, it reflects both parents’ financial circumstances and the child’s needs at that specific time. But as life changes—jobs shift, incomes rise or fall, parenting time is adjusted, or a child’s needs evolve—the original support order may no longer be fair or appropriate. In these situations, Iowa law allows parents to request a modification of the existing child support order, but only under certain conditions.

At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines child support modification attorney helps parents request or respond to changes in support obligations with clarity and confidence. With over 20 years of Iowa family law experience, we understand the legal standards, practical concerns, and emotional pressures of modifying child support.

Whether you need to lower your payments due to financial hardship or seek an increase to meet your child’s growing needs, we will help you take the proper legal steps while protecting your rights and prioritizing your child’s well-being. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

When Can Child Support Be Modified in Iowa?

You cannot modify child support simply because you disagree with the amount or feel it is unfair. Iowa courts will only consider a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the current order was issued.

In addition, for orders over 12 months old, the state’s child support guidelines allow for review if the existing order significantly differs from what a new calculation would produce.

Common reasons to seek a modification include:

• A significant change in either parent’s income.
• Job loss, layoff, or disability.
• A change in the child’s overnights with each parent.
• A change in the child’s financial needs, including medical, educational, or extracurricular expenses.
• One parent having additional children or financial obligations.
• A change in daycare or health insurance costs.

Our attorney will evaluate your situation and determine whether you meet the legal criteria for filing a modification request. If so, we will prepare the necessary documentation and represent you.

How Is a Child Support Modification Calculated in Iowa?

In most cases, Iowa uses a standardized formula to calculate child support based on the Iowa Child Support Guidelines.

These guidelines take into account:

• The gross income of both parents.
• The number of children covered under the order.
• Parenting time arrangements.
• Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs.
• Work-related childcare expenses.
• Prior child support obligations (if applicable).

If a recalculation using the updated financial information results in a 10% or greater change from the existing order and at least 12 months have passed since the last order, the court may approve the modification without proving other substantial changes.

Our attorney will ensure that the correct financial data is used and that the court receives a complete and accurate picture of your current circumstances. We also help clients challenge inaccurate or incomplete financial disclosures from the other parent when necessary.

Do I Need to Go to Court to Modify Child Support?

Even if both parents agree to the change, it must be approved by the court to become legally enforceable. Informal agreements—even when well-intentioned—are not binding, and either parent can later deny the terms or ask the court to revert to the original order.

The formal process for modifying child support includes:

• Filing a Petition or Motion– The request is filed with the court that issued the original order.
• Serving the Other Parent– The other party must receive formal notice and be able to respond.
• Financial Disclosure– Both parents may be required to submit updated financial information.
• Court Review or Hearing– If there is disagreement, the court may schedule a hearing to consider the evidence.
• Order Issuance – If the modification is approved, a new order will replace the previous one.

Feitelson Law Firm can guide you through each step of this process, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements while keeping your case on track.

Can I Modify Child Support If I Lost My Job?

A job loss or reduction in income may qualify as a substantial change in circumstances, but the court will also evaluate whether the change was voluntary or unavoidable. If you were laid off or terminated due to no fault of your own or experiencing a medical condition that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible to request a modification.

However, if you voluntarily left your job, reduced your hours, or took a lower-paying position without good cause, the court may impute income—assigning a potential income level based on your education, experience, and work history.

We help clients present credible job loss or hardship documentation and protect against unfair assumptions. Acting quickly after a change in income can also help prevent unpaid support from accumulating, which can result in enforcement actions and legal penalties.

What If I Need to Oppose a Modification Request?

If the other parent files a motion to modify child support and you disagree with the proposed changes, you have the right to respond and present your side. This is particularly important if you believe the financial disclosures are inaccurate, the change is unnecessary, or the request is being made in bad faith.

Our attorney represents both paying and receiving parents in contested modification cases. We’ll help you gather the financial records, parenting documentation, and legal arguments needed to protect your position.

How Can an Iowa Child Support Modification Attorney Help?

While Iowa does provide a legal framework for modifying child support, the actual process is often more complicated than it appears. From meeting the legal thresholds to preparing detailed financial disclosures and representing your interests in court, an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Feitelson Law Firm provides:

• Case evaluation to determine if modification is appropriate.
• Drafting and filing of modification petitions or responses.
• Assistance with gathering and verifying income records.
• Representation during hearings or mediation.
• Strategic advocacy focused on your child’s best interests.

We’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters—providing for your child and building a stable future.

We Also Focus on the Following Areas:

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

Get the Support Order That Reflects Today’s Reality: Contact Feitelson Law Firm Today

Your child support order should reflect your current financial situation and your child’s actual needs—not outdated assumptions from years ago. Whether you are seeking a fair adjustment or responding to a proposed change, Feitelson Law Firm is here to help.

Contact our Des Moines child support modification attorney today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, take swift legal action, and work toward a solution that supports your child and protects your future.