How is Retroactive Child Support Determined in Iowa?

Article written by Illinois & Iowa Attorney Kevin O’Flaherty

Whatever your given scenario, obtaining child support can be an emotional and confusing process. Some common questions regarding child support include, “How do I apply for child support? How far back do payments go? Is child support shared in Iowa? Can I apply for retroactive payments if I waited to notify the other parent?” In this article, we’ll discuss the process and any rules associated with getting retroactive child support payments in Iowa. And for more information on child support in Iowa check out our article Iowa Child Support Law 2020.

Can I Apply for Retroactive Child Support in Iowa?

The quick answer is yes. In Iowa, as in most states, both parents have a duty to support their child. The courts look at the parent’s combined income, along with a number of other factors, to come up with a “basic child support amount.” Each parent’s financial situation is taken into account in order to determine what he or she will be ordered to pay each month. Some basic factors considered by the court when computing child support include:

• Each parent’s and child’s financial resources;
• The living situation prior to the parent’s separation or notification of parentage;
• Any disability associated with the parent or child and need for stay-at-home care;
• Overall childcare costs in the…