Child custody and support in Iowa

Custody of the Children In Iowa

The divorcing parties in Iowa must either agree to joint or sole legal and physical custody of the children. Legal custody is what gives parents the right to participate in decision making involving the children. Physical custody is what determines where the child will live some or all of the time. The court will evaluate physical custody based on what is in the best interests of the child. The court will consider many aspects when determining custody, including wishes of the parents and child, geographic proximity of the parents and connection of the child to the school, siblings, and community.

Iowa Child Support Guidelines

The standard child support guidelines of Iowa apply in almost every case, barring extraordinary circumstances. The parents’ gross incomes and expenses are considered when calculating child support. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority or completes high school. In some cases, it may extend through a college education.