Spousal Support Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Practical Legal Guidance for Spousal Support in Des Moines, Iowa

Spousal support—often referred to as alimony—is one of the most challenging and emotionally sensitive aspects of any divorce. Whether you’re the spouse requesting support or being asked to pay it, concerns about fairness, financial stability, and long-term outcomes can significantly stress an already complex process. Unlike child support, which follows strict guidelines, spousal support is far more discretionary, making skilled legal guidance essential.

At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines spousal support attorney provides clear, honest, and strategic representation to individuals on both sides of alimony cases. With over 20 years of family law experience in Iowa, we help clients understand their rights, evaluate their financial needs or obligations, and reach agreements or litigate outcomes that promote fairness and security.

Whether your divorce involves a short marriage, a long-term financial dependency, or a dramatic shift in income, we’ll walk you through the process with professionalism, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to your best interests, starting with an initial consultation.

What Is Spousal Support in Iowa?

Spousal support, or alimony, is financial assistance that one spouse may be ordered to pay the other following a divorce. Its purpose is to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what was established during the marriage—or to allow time and resources for the spouse to become self-sufficient.

Spousal support is not guaranteed in every divorce. Instead, Iowa courts evaluate various factors to determine whether it should be awarded, how much should be paid, and how long payments should last.

There are several types of spousal support in Iowa:

• Traditional (Permanent) Alimony– This is common in long-term marriages where one spouse does not work or earns significantly less; this support may continue indefinitely or until remarriage, cohabitation, or death.
• Rehabilitative Alimony– Intended to help the receiving spouse gain education, training, or job skills to re-enter the workforce.
• Reimbursement Alimony– Awarded when one spouse supported the other through school or career development and is now seeking compensation for that contribution.
• Transitional Alimony– Short-term assistance to ease the transition from married to single life.

Our Des Moines spousal support attorney will help you assess which type of support may apply in your case and develop a strategy tailored to your financial goals and plans.

How Is Spousal Support Determined in Iowa?

Unlike child support, Iowa does not use a fixed formula to determine spousal support. Instead, the court considers multiple factors to assess whether support is appropriate and, if so, how much should be paid and for how long.

The factors considered by the court include:

• Length of the marriage.
• Age and health of each spouse.
• Earning capacity and current income of both spouses.
• Educational level and work experience.
• Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking or supporting the other spouse’s career.
• Ability of the paying spouse to meet their needs while providing support.
• Time needed for the receiving spouse to gain education or training.
• Any agreement between the spouses, including prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.

Every situation is different. Our role is to help you present a complete and persuasive case—whether you request or oppose spousal support—starting with a free consultation.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified or Terminated?

In Iowa, spousal support orders are often modifiable unless the divorce decree states otherwise. If your financial circumstances or your former spouse’s situation changes significantly after the divorce, you may be eligible to request a modification or termination of the support order.

A change in circumstances might include:

• Job loss or substantial change in income.
• A serious medical issue or disability.
• Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse.
• Completion of education or job training by the receiving spouse.

Our Des Moines family law attorney helps clients seek modifications when justified and defends against unfair or unsupported modification requests. We also help enforce spousal support payments if they are not made as ordered.

What If My Spouse Is Requesting Unfair Alimony?

Spousal support is not meant to punish one spouse or act as a financial windfall for the other—it’s designed to address real financial disparities at the time of divorce. If your spouse requests more support than is reasonable or claims they cannot work when they can, we will help you respond with evidence and legal arguments that protect your rights and long-term financial well-being.

Common defenses against excessive support claims include:

• Demonstrating the other spouse’s earning potential.
• Showing that the requesting spouse has sufficient assets or employment.
• Challenging claims of financial dependency.
• Highlighting your financial responsibilities or limitations.

We work with financial experts, review documentation, and craft a thorough legal strategy to ensure that any support awarded is fair and realistic.

Is Spousal Support Taxable?

Spousal support orders issued before January 1, 2019, follow previous federal tax rules, where payments were tax-deductible for the paying spouse and taxable income for the receiving spouse.

However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the law for spousal support orders entered on or after January 1, 2019.

Under current federal rules:

• Spousal support payments are not tax-deductible for the payer.
• Spousal support is not considered taxable income for the recipient.

These changes can significantly impact how support amounts are negotiated or litigated. We will help you factor in tax consequences during your support discussions so the financial implications don’t catch you off guard.

Can Iowa Spouses Reach an Agreement on Spousal Support?

While courts will intervene when spouses cannot agree, many divorcing couples successfully negotiate spousal support terms as part of a broader divorce settlement. These agreements can provide flexibility, privacy, and greater control over the outcome than court-imposed decisions.

We help clients:

• Negotiate fair spousal support terms based on realistic needs and budgets.
• Draft clear, enforceable agreements that comply with Iowa law.
• Incorporate support terms into the overall divorce settlement.

Even if you and your spouse are working cooperatively, it’s essential to have an attorney review any agreement before you sign. Once finalized by the court, the terms are binding.

How Can an Iowa Spousal Support Attorney Help?

Whether seeking support, responding to a request, modifying an order, or enforcing unpaid payments, having an experienced attorney can protect your financial future and ensure the outcome is lawful and fair.

At Feitelson Law Firm, our spousal support services include:

• Evaluating whether support is appropriate in your case.
• Helping you gather income records, budgets, and documentation.
• Representing you in negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
• Preparing or responding to modification or enforcement motions.
• Collaborating with financial experts when necessary.

We are committed to giving clients personal attention, strategic guidance, and honest answers. You deserve a clear understanding of your rights and obligations—and a legal plan built around your goals.

We Also Focus on the Following Areas:

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

Protect Your Financial Future With Experienced Legal Support: Contact Feitelson Law Firm Today

Spousal support can impact your financial life for years to come. Don’t leave it to chance or guesswork. Whether you’re requesting support or being asked to provide it, Feitelson Law Firm is here to provide straightforward, experienced legal guidance every step of the way.

Contact our Des Moines spousal support attorney today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll assess your situation, outline your options, and create a legal path that protects your stability, dignity, and financial future.