How Iowa Calculates Child Support
Iowa uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares
Income-shares model based on combined net monthly income of both parents and number of children; each parent's obligation prorated by share of combined net income; adjusted for parenting time and add-ons (childcare, health insurance).
Income Basis & Definitions
net
Selects the base-support amount from the guidelines schedule.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.4: Schedule of basic support obligationsParent A net monthly income after taxes and mandatory deductions.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.5: Net income definitionParent B net monthly income after taxes and mandatory deductions.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.5: Net income definitionParenting Time Handling
Calculator selects custody model and applies corresponding formula.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.9: Shared/split physical care adjustmentsNumber of overnights or care days for shared physical care adjustment.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.9: Shared physical care formulaDeductions & Adjustments
Adjustments for other dependents or existing court-ordered support.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.5: Qualified additional dependentsSpousal support paid or received adjusts net income.
Source: Spousal support deductionAdd-Ons & Allocation
Work-related childcare costs added and allocated between parents.
Source: Childcare add-onChild's health insurance premium share and uninsured medical expense allocation.
Source: Medical supportCaps, Minimums & Deviations
Schedule caps at combined income level; above-cap is court discretion.
Source: Maximum schedule incomeDeviation allowed for specific criteria; requires findings.
Source: Iowa Ct. R. 9.11: Deviation criteria