Iowa Dissolution of Marriage With Children — Custody and Child Support (2026)

Iowa cases with minor children require a Parenting Plan and a Child Support Worksheet complying with the Iowa Child Support Guidelines. Note that cases with minor children are not eligible for the Electronic Divorce.

Iowa Custody Framework

Legal Custody

Authority to make major decisions about education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities.

• Joint legal custody: Strongly preferred in Iowa — both parents share major decisions (Iowa Code § 598.41)
• Sole legal custody: Ordered only when joint is not in the child's best interest (history of domestic violence; significant inability to cooperate)

Iowa Code § 598.41(2)(b): Courts shall grant joint legal custody unless it is contrary to the best interest of the child — this creates a strong presumption for joint legal custody.

Physical Care

Where the child primarily lives.

• Joint physical care: Child spends substantial time with both parents — Iowa courts have increasingly favored this arrangement
• Primary physical care: Child primarily lives with one parent; other has substantial time
• Shared physical care: Can reduce the primary care parent's child support entitlement

Best Interest Factors — Iowa Code § 598.41

1. Whether each parent would be a suitable custodian
2. Whether each parent can support the other's relationship with the child
3. Whether the child has a close relationship with a sibling — keep siblings together
4. The geographic proximity of the parents
5. The safety of the child — history of domestic violence is disqualifying
6. Child's preference (if of sufficient age and maturity)
7. Disruption to the child by changing custody
8. Demands of parental employment
9. Age and physical and mental health of each parent
10. Special needs of the child

Parenting Plan — Requirements

The Parenting Plan must address:

• Legal custody designation
• Physical care designation
• Day-to-day parenting time schedule (school year, weekends, summers)
• Holiday schedule (specific holidays named)
• Transportation and exchange
• Communication between parents and with the child
• Relocation provisions (advance notice required — typically 60–90 days)
• Healthcare and emergency decision-making
• Dispute resolution method

Iowa Child Support Guidelines — Income Shares Model

Iowa uses an income shares model. Both parents' incomes matter.

Key factors:

• Both parents' net monthly income
• Number of children
• Child care costs related to employment or education
• Health insurance premiums for the child
• Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
• Physical care arrangement (time-sharing adjustment)

Online calculator: iowacourts.gov → Child Support Calculator.

Duration: Support typically continues until age 18 or graduation from high school (whichever is later) — up to age 19. Parties may agree to support beyond this.

Iowa's Joint Legal Custody Presumption — Important

Iowa Code § 598.41 creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of joint legal custody. Courts regularly award joint legal custody in Iowa. The party seeking sole custody bears the burden of showing why joint is not appropriate.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Minor children = not eligible for Electronic Divorce | Iowa Code § 598.41 — joint legal custody presumption | Income shares child support | iowacourts.gov Child Support Calculator | IPERS: contact directly | Support ends at 18/HS graduation (max 19)

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.