PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES SINCE 1927

Some of the most common questions arising in family law matters are “How much will I pay/get in child support?” In Iowa, child support is generally determined by the net income of both parents and the number of children. The Iowa Supreme Court has adopted uniform child support guidelines for determining a parent’s child support obligation. Factors in the calculation of child support include:

  1. A Parent’s Net Income: Which generally equates to gross income less any deductions for Federal and State taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Other deductions may be available.
  2. Number of Children: Children born between the parties. If either or both of the parties have children outside of the relationship, they may receive a “qualified additional dependent deduction.”
  3. Custody: The parties’ custody arrangement will impact their obligation.
  4. Treatment of Child for Tax Purposes
  5. Health Insurance: A parent may be allowed to deduct the cost of health insurance for children involved if they have a support obligation.
  6. Other Credits/Deductions: For example, extraordinary visitation credit and childcare expenses may affect the amount of child support.

Let Our Attorneys Help with Calculating Child Support.

The attorneys at Simpson, Jensen, Abels, Fisher & Bouslog, P.C. are experienced in handling child support matters. Calculating child support obligations is not “one size fits all.”. Contact us at (515) 288-5000 to discuss your case with our firm.


Simpson Jensen Abels Fischer & Bouslog Law P.C. blogs, legal updates, and other content are for educational and informational purposes only. This is not legal advice and it does not create an attorney/client relationship between and Simpson Jensen Abels Fischer & Bouslog Law P.C. and readers. Readers should consult an attorney to understand how this content relates to their personal situation and circumstances. You should not use Simpson Jensen Abels Fischer & Bouslog Law P.C. blogs or content as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney.