by Attorney Eric D. PuryearWhen an Iowa court grants a divorce, annulment, or separate maintenance, it may order either or both parents to pay a “reasonable and necessary” amount towards the support and maintenance of a child. The court is required to consider the responsibility of both parents to provide for the minor child’s needs and welfare. The child support payments are collected by either the clerk of the district court or by a child support collection service center, and then disbursed to the parent(s) who are caring for the child.
When there has been a “substantial change in circumstances” an Iowa court may modify child support payments upward or downward. Examples of situations which can constitute a such a substantial change in circumstances are:
- Changes in the employment, earning ability, income, or financial resources of either parent
- A parent receiving an inheritance, pension, or gift
- Changes in the medical expenses of a parent
- Changes in the number of children of either parent
- Changes to the needs of the children of either parent
- Changes in the physical, mental, or emotional health of a parent
- Changes in the residence of a parent
- Remarriage of a parent
- Possible support of a parent by another person
- Changes in the physical, emotional or educational needs of the child
- Either parent willfully violating the court’s existing order for support
- Other factors the court determines to be relevant in an individual case
Whether a person is seeking child support or fighting against an unfair request for child support, having the right attorney is important. Child support cases can be complex, and presenting the right evidence in the right manner can make all the difference.