The amount of child support to be paid or received by an Iowa parent is calculated according to the Iowa Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines apply to every case in which support is due. The starting point is determining each parent's gross monthly income. From this amount, a number of deductions and credits are factored in, resulting in each parent's net monthly income. It is important to remember that "net income" for child support purposes is not the same as "net income" for tax purposes. The non-custodial parent's net income is then compared with the custodial parent's net income and a resulting percentage determined. This percentage is then applied to the non-custodial parent's net monthly income to determine the dollar amount of support to be paid.
Calculation of the precise amount of child support in any given case should be made by an attorney who is familiar with the guidelines, interpretation of the Guidelines under Iowa case law, and, most importantly, the facts of your particular case.
For further online information:
Alft & Wilson - makers of Iowa Support Master software and an online support estimating calculator
Iowa Supreme Court - general information and support related forms for downloading
Iowa Child Support Enforcement Unit - online child support account access and information
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