Iowa law requires that the amount of a parent's child support obligation be determined by applying the Iowa Child Support Guidelines established by the Iowa Supreme Court. These Guidelines provide for the best interests of the children by recognizing the duty of both parents to provide adequate support for their children in proportion to their incomes. A court order setting the amount of support may vary from the Guidelines amount only if the court finds such adjustment is necessary to provide for the needs of the children and to do justice between the parties under the special circumstances of their case. See Iowa Code section 598.21(B).
The Iowa Child Support Guidelines are contained in chapter 9 of the Iowa Court Rules. Calculating the amount of child support using the guidelines is very complicated, and you likely will need help from an attorney to find the accurate amount given the unique circumstances of your case.
