Polk County Child Support Office

Child Support · Iowa · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 400 SW 8th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: 515-281-5580

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

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.

More Child Support in Iowa

  • Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit — State unit that establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders for Iowa families. Services include locating noncustodial parents,
  • Linn County Child Support — Child support enforcement office for Cedar Rapids and Linn County fathers handling order setup, paternity tests, income withholding, and mod
  • Scott County Child Support — Child support services for Davenport and the Iowa-side Quad Cities, handling order establishment, modifications, and enforcement including w
  • Black Hawk County Child Support — Child support enforcement office for Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding Black Hawk County communities. Services include paternity establ
  • Johnson County Child Support — Local Child Support Recovery office serving Iowa City, Coralville, and the rest of Johnson County. Staff handle case establishment, enforcem
  • Iowa Child Support Online — State online portal for Iowa noncustodial parents to view payment history, see case status, update contact information, and make payments el

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.