Southwest Iowa Child Support Attorneys
Determining child custody and child support obligations as part of divorce proceedings, paternity claims, or other legal battles can be challenging for all involved. In order to avoid unnecessary emotional and financial turmoil, it’s in the family’s best interest to secure a knowledgeable child support attorney to help manage their case. Peters Law Firm, PC provides the extensive child support litigation services that Southwest Iowa families need to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
If your family is facing child custody or child support battles, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert attorneys at Peters Law Firm. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today!
Understanding Child Support Laws in Southwest Iowa
Common Child Support Cases
Legal matters involving family affairs can be complex, and no two cases are exactly the same. In general, however, there are three main reasons that may require a child support case to be brought to court. These include:
- Divorce/Separation: If you are filing for divorce and have children, you will need to determine child custody and child support obligations during the divorce proceedings. Depending on whether or not the divorce is contested and the type of litigation methods used to reach an agreement, a judge may be required to determine child support amounts and expectations.
- Nonpayment: If the receiving parent has not received child support from the other parent, you may sue them for nonpayment. In fact, it is the obligation of the receiving parent to enforce support order compliance according to Iowa state law.
- Modification: If there has been a substantial change in circumstances pertaining to a standing child support order, the court may modify the order’s terms. Eligible changes for pursuing child support modification could include a change in employment, earning capacity, income, or resources; receipt of inheritance or pension; changes to medical expenses; changes in number of dependents; changes of residence; or remarriage.
Because child support laws vary from state to state, it’s incredibly important to secure an attorney who is well-versed in Iowa child support litigation. Peters Law Firm has helped resolve countless cases to our clients’ satisfaction: Contact our team to get the legal assistance you need in your child support case today.
Iowa State Law & Child Support
According to Iowa state law, both parents are expected to support their children regardless of marital or socioeconomic status. This obligation continues through the time the child becomes a legal adult, and may remain in effect until the child turns 19. Parents are responsible for both general finances and medical expenses for their children. It’s important to note that an official child support order must be obtained in order to enforce payment obligation. If the receiving parent is unable to collect payment, Iowa’s Child Support Recovery Unit (CSRU) may attempt to recover overdue child support by:
- Obtaining an income withholding order
- Garnishing bank accounts
- Arranging for suspension of the paying parent’s driver’s license, professional and recreational licenses, and motor vehicle registrations
- Making a referral to the U.S. Department of State to deny passports to paying parents who are more than $2,500 overdue on child support
- Filing reports with credit bureaus
- Initiating contempt proceedings
- Intercepting federal and state tax returns
- Obtaining a lien against the paying parent’s house or land
If you’re a receiving parent who has not received child support in compliance with your court order, don’t hesitate to reach out to Peters Law Firm for the assistance you need.
How do receiving parents obtain child support?
In Iowa, the CSRU offers a Reliacard program, which is a special debit card issued by the state that is funded by the paying parent’s child support obligation. Through this option, child support funds become available on the third business day from the date payment is due. This makes it much easier to review payment history and enforce non-compliance when payment is not received. If you do not use the Reliacard program, you can receive payments via check, cash, direct deposit, bank transfer, or electronic payment methods such as Venmo.
Schedule a Consultation with Peters Law Firm Today!
Whether you’re filing for divorce, suing for nonpayment, or seeking support modification due to a life change, Peters Law Firm is here to help. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys offers the comprehensive legal services you need to reach the best outcome in your child support case. Contact our team to schedule a free initial consultation to better understand your legal options today!
