In this video, our Des Moines family attorneys explain how adoption in Iowa is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 600. Iowa law requires adopters, married or unmarried, to be over 18 years of age. Most adults are eligible to adopt if they have a current approved home study on file. A home study includes interviews with all members of a potential adopting family, a home visit, fingerprinting, record checks, criminal background checks, and child abuse registry checks.

In this video, our Des Moines Family attorneys explain how in Iowa, spousal support continues to be governed by Iowa Code Section 598.21A, which states the court may grant an order requiring support payments for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering several factors. One of the factors the court must consider under 598.21A is the tax consequences to each party. In one Iowa Supreme Court decision, the Court discussed the tax consequences of the new law, and ultimately used the changed tax considerations as one of the reasons to lower the payor’s amount of support payments. Courts will likely continue this trend of awarding lower spousal support payments under the new law. There have not been any significant recent changes to Iowa Child Support Law. The most recent changes occurred in 2018 with changes to how health care costs are calculated. Iowa continues to calculate child support and medical support payments is through child support guidelines, which are created by the Iowa Supreme Court.

In this video, our Des Moines family attorneys explain how Mediation allows opposing parties to meet and negotiate in a neutral setting. A trained mediator often sits in to ensure discussions are fair and productive. Mediation is private, confidential, and incredibly effective.  Mediation can be used to resolve issues surrounding a divorce such as child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and division of assets and liabilities. In Iowa, the court can order mediation sessions before a child custody case is awarded a trial. Mediation sessions are often required to reduce the strain of trials on the court system. Mediation also encourages parents to act and negotiate in the best interest of their child, who they know best. However, mediation is sometimes not appropriate. If there is a history of domestic violence, the court will rarely require mediation. Other situations where mediation may not be required is if a party lives out of state or is incarcerated.

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