Child Support in Cedar Rapids, IA

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a financial obligation that a parent has to pay to support her or his child. This continues as they age and mature. Are you the parent who has custody of your son or daughter currently? If so, then the court will assume that the child receives full financial support while residing in your residence.

However, if your child does not live in your house and she or he is not currently under your custody, the court may require you to pay child support to the custodial parent. By the time this legal wrangling gets settled, Cedar Rapids locals may need to take several trips to the Linn County District Court.

In , Iowa this means that you have to make payments to the custodial parent until your child reaches adulthood. There are other situations where you may only have to make payments until the courts have legally declared your child as emancipated or your daughter or son goes into military active duty. Keep in mind that if your child has special needs, there may be a requirement that you have to make child support payments past the legal age of adulthood.

Terminating Rights

Do you wonder if you can terminate your parental rights and not pay child support? Most states will not allow a parent to do this and cease support unless certain requirements are met. There may be some situations where a court terminates financial responsibilities if both parents agree that one party no longer has to provide financial support to their shared son or daughter. One situation where a parent may be able to terminate her or his responsibility to child support is if someone else, like a stepparent, adopts the child.

Iowa legislation gives a judge the authority to terminate parental rights voluntarily or to protect the best interests of the child. A court in Cedar Rapids can justify this decision if clear and convincing evidence exists to prove:

  • A history of emotional or physical abuse
  • Evidence of neglect or abandonment
  • A voluntary release of parental rights
  • Involuntary surrender of custody for more than 6 months

Do you believe that the other parent has violated your rights to receive child support? Then get immediate legal help from an experienced Cedar Rapids lawyer on standby in your area who can help you fight for your child’s right to financial stability.

How a Cedar Rapids, Iowa Child Support Attorney Can Help You

If you constantly struggle to get the other parent to pay, hiring a lawyer can help you learn about your available options and guide you on the best decision for your son or daughter.

Many people struggle with parents who refuse to pay. Hiring an experienced and dedicated lawyer will bring you professional help while navigating the legal system. Additionally, you may also have an easier time getting the money your child needs and deserves to better ensure a stable childhood.

Cedar Rapids parents can submit applications to the Child Support Recovery Unit. This division of the Department of Human Services helps establish support and enforce those orders in Iowa. They can also assist with functions like:

  • Locating sources of income or employment
  • Paternity testing
  • Modifying existing support orders
  • License sanctions
  • Enforcing health insurance mandates through employers

The state accepts payments through the Iowa Child Support website, automatic withdrawals, or mailing a check. The government also has partnerships with local retailers called PayNearMe® for convenience. No matter how you choose to pay, ensure that it happens promptly. Failure or refusal to pay can result in reports to credit agencies and possible jail time.

Whether you look to receive child support payments as a part of an agreed-upon divorce settlement or you are not married and look to receive financial support, hiring a legal professional in Cedar Rapids with a background in child support can help to streamline the entire process. In fact, without the help of a legal advocate, the cost of living can quickly drain your bank account. Also, it could create traumatic experiences for your unsupported children.

Working with an attorney can help you to:

  • Establish paternity
  • Answer a child support petition
  • File a petition for support
  • Request a child support order
  • Explain the tax consequences that come with a child support order
  • Work with the other parent to reach an agreement
  • Represent you in court
  • Locate the other parent
  • Subpoena the other parent’s financial information
  • Prove income
  • Determine any factors that a court will look at to calculate how much is owed
  • Educate you on the available child support enforcement options
  • Give you an estimate of how much financial support you may receive from the other parent

Do you believe that you deserve to receive payment from the other parent or that you are not receiving a sufficient amount? If you have to answer, yes, then make every effort to avoid missing what your kid deserves. Work with a dedicated Cedar Rapids, Iowa lawyer who fights for your rights as well as your child’s rights.

Information to Share With Your Lawyer

As you work with your lawyer, make sure you share proper documentation to better ensure that you can properly proceed with your case in Cedar Rapids. The information that you need to share with your attorney includes:

  • Check stubs for the last two years or more if applicable
  • Outstanding debts
  • A change in debt, such as filing for bankruptcy
  • Paternity records
  • Adoption records
  • Previous child support payment records
  • Bonds, stocks or any retirement account records
  • Tax return records
  • Purchase of sale records for a home, land or any other type of assets
  • Any child support forms that you have

Child Support Guidelines say that the support amount depends on the gross monthly income of the parents. Making this determination can mean handing over all relevant financial records to the court. After deductions for union dues and taxes, the general needs of your children drive the final decision. The monetary costs can extend from monthly payments to deductions from your paycheck for health coverage. In some cases, parents in Cedar Rapids that come to a mutual agreement may avoid leaving most of the decisions to the judicial system.

Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Are you facing a costly and emotional child support battle? Talk to a Cedar Rapids attorney equipped to help you in this delicate situation. Call now or fill out the simple form below to take steps to protect your children’s interests. Learn more about your child support law options below.

One of our expert Cedar Rapids attorneys will help to navigate you through the legal system to get you the money you and your kid should have. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Iowa state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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