Alimony and Spousal Support in Iowa
How Iowa decides spousal support (alimony), the factors courts weigh, and how marital property is divided.
Short answer: The court may order spousal support to either spouse for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering the length of the marriage, age and health, the property division, each spouse's education, the earning capacity of the spouse seeking support (including time out of the job… Iowa Code § 598.21A
| Alimony (spousal support) | The court may order spousal support to either spouse for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering the length of the marriage, age and health, the property division, each spouse's education, the earning capacity of the spouse seeking support (including time out of the job market and child care responsibilities), whether that spouse can become self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to the marriage and how long it would take, tax consequences, and any agreements. There is no statutory formula. Source: Iowa Code § 598.21A |
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| Dividing property | Iowa is an equitable distribution state. The court divides all property, whether acquired before or during the marriage, equitably, except gifts and inheritances received by one spouse (before or during the marriage), which stay with that spouse unless refusing to divide them would be unfair to the other spouse or the children. Factors include length of the marriage, property each brought to it, contributions including homemaking and child care, age and health, earning capacity, who has the children, any spousal support, pensions, tax consequences, and any written or prenuptial agreement. Marital fault is not a factor. Source: Iowa Code § 598.21(5), (6) |
Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Iowa
- Adopting a Child in Iowa
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Iowa
- Establishing Paternity in Iowa
- Changing Your Name in Iowa
- Child Custody Laws in Iowa
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Iowa
- Divorce Records in Iowa
- How to File for Divorce in Iowa
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Iowa
- All Iowa divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How is alimony decided in Iowa?
The court may order spousal support to either spouse for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering the length of the marriage, age and health, the property division, each spouse's education, the earning capacity of the spouse seeking support (including time out of the job market and child care responsibilities), whether that spouse can become self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to the marriage and how long it would take, tax consequences, and any agreements. There is no statutory formula.
Is Iowa a community property state?
Iowa is an equitable distribution state. The court divides all property, whether acquired before or during the marriage, equitably, except gifts and inheritances received by one spouse (before or during the marriage), which stay with that spouse unless refusing to divide them would be unfair to the other spouse or the children. Factors include length of the marriage, property each brought to it, contributions including homemaking and child care, age and health, earning capacity, who has the children, any spousal support, pensions, tax consequences, and any written or prenuptial agreement. Marital fault is not a factor.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.