Child Support

Child Support Lawyers in Des Moines

In Iowa, every child has the right to enjoy the financial support of both parents. This is true whether the parents are married or not. The issue of court-ordered child support can arise both in divorce and when unmarried parents break up their relationship.

At the law firm of Kragnes & Associates in Des Moines, Iowa, our lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss Iowa child support guidelines and explain how payments are calculated.

Paternity and Child Support

If you are the mother of a child born outside of marriage, you have a right to receive child support payments from the father. If paternity is disputed, then a DNA test is used to establish paternity.

Once paternity is established, the father has an obligation to pay child support. Fathers can also seek child custody and visitation rights. Today, an increasing number of unmarried fathers initiate paternity actions in order to see their children on a regular basis.

If you are paying support for a child who is not yours, our lawyers can file a paternity action to disestablish paternity.

Child Support Modifications

Child support payments can be modified if either parent has substantial changes in financial circumstances. For example, if dad gets a job that pays significantly more money, mom can seek higher child support payments. If dad loses his job, he can seek to have his child support payments lowered.

It's important to obtain a court order if you need to temporarily reduce your child support payments. You could face contempt charges if you reduce your payments without a court order.

Free Initial Attorney Consultation

To discuss your child support or paternity case with one of our lawyers, call (866) 409-0221 toll free or fill out the contact form on this site. We serve clients in Des Moines and throughout Iowa.