When parents in Iowa go through a divorce or custody proceeding, one of the most important and emotionally charged topics is child support. Whether you’re the parent receiving or paying support, understanding how it’s calculated is essential for planning your finances and supporting your child’s well-being. At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines family law attorney believes in helping parents make informed, confident decisions—starting with a clear understanding of Iowa’s child support guidelines.
Iowa Uses an “Income Shares Model”
Iowa follows the “income shares model” to determine child support. This means that both parents’ incomes are considered in proportion to what they would have spent on the child had the family remained intact. The goal is to maintain the child’s standard of living as much as possible following separation or divorce.
Here’s how it works:
- Both parents’ gross monthly incomes are combined.
- The total is compared to a chart established by the Iowa Supreme Court called the Child Support Guidelines.
- The chart determines a fundamental support obligation based on the combined income and number of children.
Each parent is then responsible for a portion of that obligation based on their percentage of the total combined income.
For example, if the combined income is $6,000 per month, and one parent earns $4,000 while the other earns $2,000, the higher-earning parent may be responsible for about two-thirds of the support amount.
Factors That May Adjust the Amount of Child Support in Iowa
While the income shares model provides a base figure, other factors can influence the final child support obligation.
They include:
- Health insurance premiums are paid for the child.
- Daycare or childcare costs.
- Extraordinary medical expenses.
- Parenting time adjustments, especially in joint physical custody cases.
In shared care arrangements, where both parents have the child for at least 127 overnight stays per year, the court may apply a shared care credit, reducing the payer’s obligation based on the care provided.
What Counts as Income?
Many parents wonder what “income” means under Iowa law. It includes more than just wages.
Courts consider:
- Salaries and hourly wages.
- Bonuses and commissions.
- Unemployment or disability benefits.
- Rental income.
- Business profits.
- Certain retirement or pension payments.
The court may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed if doing so serves the child’s best interest.
Modifying Child Support in Iowa
Child support orders are not necessarily permanent. You may request a modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, a change in custody, or the child turning 18 and graduating from high school.
Work with a Des Moines Child Support Attorney
Understanding child support laws in Iowa can be difficult, especially when your child’s future and financial stability are at stake. Whether you’re establishing child support for the first time, seeking a modification, or responding to a court petition, Feitelson Law Firm is here to help.
Our skilled family law attorney in Des Moines offers compassionate, experienced legal representation focused on achieving fair outcomes and prioritizing your child’s needs.
Arrange your consultation and get straightforward advice, practical direction, and the dedicated legal support you deserve. Your situation is critical—let’s work through it with clarity and care at every step.
