How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Iowa

18 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

18 Resources

1. Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit — Free

State unit that establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders for Iowa families. Services include locating noncustodial parents, paternity establishment, income withholding, and license suspension enforcement. Fathers can apply, update employer info, request reviews, or set payment arrangements by phone or online. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, the current order, and the other parent's contact info. Serves all 99 counties statewide.

888-229-9223 · 400 SW 8th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

2. Polk County Child Support Office — Free

Local Child Support Recovery office serving Des Moines and Polk County fathers with case management, order establishment, modification reviews, and enforcement actions such as wage withholding. Staff can explain payment history, process interstate cases, and set up direct deposit. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, existing orders, and the other parent's information to any in-person visit. Walk-ins accepted during regular hours.

515-281-5580 · 400 SW 8th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

3. Linn County Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement office for Cedar Rapids and Linn County fathers handling order setup, paternity tests, income withholding, and modification requests when circumstances change. Staff answer questions on payment status, interstate transfers, and license enforcement. Fathers should bring photo ID, pay stubs, current court orders, children's birth certificates, and the other parent's last known address. Free service, appointments recommended.

319-398-3920 · 411 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

4. Scott County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Davenport and the Iowa-side Quad Cities, handling order establishment, modifications, and enforcement including wage assignment and tax offset. Interstate cases coordinated with Illinois on the other side of the river. Fathers should bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, the existing order, and children's birth certificates. Walk-in intake and phone inquiries both available during regular weekday hours. Free service.

563-326-8216 · 600 W 4th St, Davenport, IA 52801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

5. Black Hawk County Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement office for Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding Black Hawk County communities. Services include paternity establishment, order setup, modification reviews, income withholding, and assistance with license or passport holds. Fathers should bring photo ID, pay stubs, prior court orders, and the other parent's contact information. Phone and walk-in intake available during weekday hours. Service is free to all applicants.

319-292-2378 · 1407 Independence Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

6. Johnson County Child Support — Free

Local Child Support Recovery office serving Iowa City, Coralville, and the rest of Johnson County. Staff handle case establishment, enforcement, and modification requests, and can coordinate with family court clerks. Fathers should bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, any existing order, and children's birth certificates. Call ahead for hearing-related paperwork. Free service available in person or by phone during standard business hours.

319-356-6080 · 913 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

7. Iowa Child Support Online — Free

State online portal for Iowa noncustodial parents to view payment history, see case status, update contact information, and make payments electronically. Fathers create an account with case number and personal details, and can also set up direct deposit for incoming support or manage interstate cases. Available 24/7 with no office visit needed. Free to use and the fastest way to check balance and recent activity.

24/7 online

8. Woodbury County Child Support — Free

Child support office serving Sioux City and surrounding Woodbury County fathers, handling order establishment, enforcement actions, modification reviews, and interstate coordination with Nebraska and South Dakota. Staff assist with wage withholding and payment questions. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, the current court order, and children's birth certificates to apply. Walk-in intake and phone service available during weekday hours at no charge.

712-279-6620 · 822 Douglas St, Sioux City, IA 51101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

9. Dubuque County Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement office for the Dubuque area serving fathers in northeast Iowa with order establishment, paternity testing referrals, modification requests, and income withholding. The office coordinates cases that cross into Wisconsin or Illinois. Fathers should bring photo ID, pay stubs, the existing court order, and children's birth certificates. Free service available in person or by phone during regular weekday hours.

563-557-7204 · 770 Iowa St, Dubuque, IA 52001 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

10. Pottawattamie County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Council Bluffs and surrounding Pottawattamie County fathers, including order setup, modification reviews, and enforcement such as income withholding and license holds. Interstate cases across the river with Nebraska are common. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, existing court orders, and children's birth certificates to apply. Free service available by phone or walk-in during standard weekday business hours. Serves southwest Iowa.

712-328-5638 · 227 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

11. Story County Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement office for Ames, Nevada, and Story County handling paternity establishment, order setup, modification, and enforcement through wage withholding and license suspension when needed. Fathers should bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, existing orders, and children's birth certificates to apply. Free service with walk-in and phone intake during regular weekday hours. Serves central Iowa families including ISU student parents.

515-382-7240 · 900 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

12. Cerro Gordo County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Mason City and Cerro Gordo County fathers, providing order establishment, modification, and enforcement assistance. Staff process paternity affidavits, coordinate with employers on income withholding, and answer payment history questions. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, any existing court orders, and children's birth certificates to apply. Service is free and available by phone or walk-in during regular weekday hours.

641-421-3080 · 220 N Washington Ave, Mason City, IA 50401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

13. Wapello County Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement office for Ottumwa and Wapello County handling order establishment, modifications, and collection enforcement for southeast Iowa fathers. Staff can help set up payment plans, explain income withholding, and coordinate interstate cases. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, the current court order, and children's birth certificates. Free service with phone and walk-in intake available during regular weekday business hours statewide.

641-683-0036 · 101 W 4th St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

14. Clinton County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Clinton and surrounding eastern Iowa communities along the Mississippi River. The office handles new orders, modification reviews, and enforcement through wage assignment and tax refund offset. Fathers should bring photo ID, pay stubs, any existing orders, and children's birth certificates. Interstate coordination with Illinois is common. Free service available walk-in or by phone during regular weekday hours.

563-243-6210 · 612 N 2nd St, Clinton, IA 52732 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

15. Iowa Child Support Calculator — Free

Free online tool that estimates child support obligations under Iowa guidelines based on both parents' incomes, overnights, health insurance costs, and other allowable deductions. Fathers can run multiple scenarios before filing or before a modification hearing to understand likely outcomes. No login required and results are not official orders. Useful for prep work before meeting an attorney or the Child Support Recovery Unit.

24/7 online

16. Lee County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Keokuk, Fort Madison, and the rest of Lee County in far southeast Iowa. Staff handle order establishment, paternity actions, modification reviews, and enforcement such as wage withholding. Interstate cases with Missouri and Illinois are common. Fathers should bring photo ID, pay stubs, existing orders, and children's birth certificates. Free service with phone and walk-in intake during weekday business hours.

319-372-3523 · 933 Ave H, Fort Madison, IA 52627 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

17. Webster County Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement office for Fort Dodge and Webster County handling order establishment, paternity cases, modification requests, and enforcement actions for north central Iowa fathers. Staff can explain payment history, set up direct deposit, and coordinate interstate cases. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, current orders, and children's birth certificates. Free service with walk-in and phone intake during regular weekday business hours.

515-576-7115 · 701 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

18. Marshall County Child Support — Free

Child support services for Marshalltown and surrounding Marshall County communities, including order establishment, modifications, and enforcement for central Iowa fathers. Staff assist with paternity affidavits, wage withholding setup, and interstate coordination. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, any existing court orders, and children's birth certificates to apply. Free service available in person or by phone during regular weekday business hours.

641-754-6353 · 1 E Main St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.