Dallas County Child Support Lawyers

When parents get divorced, child support is, more often than not, a central issue that must be resolved. Whether you’re currently seeking child support or are being asked to pay it, having a skilled legal representative in your corner is paramount. Contact the dedicated Dallas County child support lawyers at Iowa Defenders, PLLC today.

Child Support Lawyers: Here for Families in Iowa

We understand how important it is for custodial parents to receive the financial support they need to adequately provide for their children. If you’re facing a child support issue of any kind, please don’t hesitate to speak with our knowledgeable and compassionate Dallas County family lawyers at our firm for guidance.

What Does Child Support Cover in Iowa?

Child support in Iowa is designed to cover a variety of costs to ensure that children’s basic needs are met. The financial contributions from the non-custodial parent are typically used for:

• Housing and utilities: Payments contribute to rent, mortgage, electricity, water, and other household bills.
• Food and clothing: Costs to provide nutritious meals and appropriate clothing for children.
• Healthcare expenses: Includes health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket medical costs, and any special healthcare needs.
• Education fees: Payments can be used for school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies necessary for schooling.
• Childcare costs: Covers expenses for daycare, babysitters, or other childcare services needed due to work or education of the custodial parent.
• Transportation: Includes costs related to transporting the child, such as fuel, bus fares, or other transportation needs to school or extracurricular activities.
• Extracurricular activities: Supports costs for sports, clubs, lessons, and other activities that contribute to the child’s development.

Calculating Child Support in Iowa

In Iowa, child support is calculated based on the Iowa Child Support Guidelines, which consider the income of both parents, the number of children, and the cost of living. The process involves several steps. They are as follows:

1. Determine Net Income: Both parents’ gross incomes are considered, with adjustments for taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums for the child.
2. Basic Support Obligation: The combined net income of both parents is used to refer to a chart that specifies a total child support obligation.
3. Individual Responsibility: The support obligation is divided proportionally between the parents based on their respective net incomes.
4. Adjustments for Physical Care: Adjustments are made based on the amount of time the child spends with each parent, potentially reducing the obligation of the custodial parent.

Modifying and Enforcing Child Support

Importantly, there are certain circumstances that may warrant the modification or enforcement of a child support order in the months or years after a divorce.

A modification may be granted if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, employment status, or the needs of the child. Parents can apply for a review of the child support order every two years, or earlier if a major change occurs.

Enforcement: If child support payments are not being made as ordered, enforcement measures such as wage garnishment, seizure of property, suspension of licenses, or even criminal charges can be initiated to ensure compliance.

Contact Our Dedicated Dallas County Family Law Attorneys

Don’t face a pressing child support issue on your own. Whether you’re looking to establish a child support agreement that ensures your child is provided for or you wish to modify or terminate an existing agreement, we are here to help. Contact the child support lawyers here at Iowa Defenders, PLLC today.