How to Get Child Support Reduced in Iowa

Iowa allows you to request a reduction in your child support amount. The Child Support Recovery unit uses Review and Adjustment to evaluate your reduction request if more than two years have passed since your order was entered. Administrative Modification is used if your order is less than two years old or has been modified in the last two years. The application process is the same for you no matter what designation your case falls under, but Administrative Modification requires special circumstances for approval, such as a drop of 50 percent or more in your income.

Instructions

1

Gather your documentation supporting your reason for the request. Include pay-stubs, income statements and copies of your household and medical bills. Obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate and paternity acknowledgment of any other children you are supporting to prove family expenses. Get a copy of the court order if you are paying support for other children besides the child whose order you are trying to reduce. Get proof of the other parent's income. Provide the address and name of the other parent's employer if you cannot locate documentation.

2

Get a "Request to Modify Child Support" form from the official website of the Iowa Department of Human Services. Visit the Child Support Recovery Unit near you to obtain a form in person, if needed.

3

Fill out the form entirely. Attach your documents and any other requested information. Sign and date the form. Mail or return the form to the support unit responsible for your support order collection within 10 days of completion to be considered.

4

Read the response from the collection unit carefully. You will receive a Notice of Intent if the unit is willing to reduce your order. Fill out the enclosed financial statement and return to the unit within 10 days; a notice of decision will be mailed to you.

5

Read the Notice of Decision from the support unit. The reduced support amount will be shown. If you agree with the new amount and the other party does not challenge the decision, the unit will have the modification finalized and you will receive a copy in the mail.

6

Attend all conferences or hearings if the other parent objects to the reduction. Bring your financial documentation with you to prove your reason for the reduction. Prepare for a court hearing at which the judge will decide the outcome.

7

Ask for a second review if your reduction request is denied outright by the unit. Write the collection unit to request a second review. Include your reason and any additional proof you have.

8

Write the support unit to request a hearing if you are denied after a second review. Bring your financial documents with you to court.